Computers, complexity, and the Statue of Liberty restoration

Reviewer: Robert James Plemmons

This paper details the application of 20th-century techniques, such as computer- -aided engineering and mathematical finite element analysis, to the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. The aging Statue's design and complex 19th-century structure presented an unusual challenge to solving the mathematical problems associated with determining the stresses and strains that her location and size demanded she endure. Besides providing a chronicle of the recent restoration process, the author has blended into the paper an enlightening interplay between the design work in 1879 by Gustav Eiffel (known principally for the Parisian tower that he later built and which bears his name) on Liberty's supporting mechanism, with the modern engineering design principles of today. Eiffel's mathematical tool for analyzing Liberty was the force polygon. Interestingly, the stresses computed by the consulting structural engineers using the latest computing technology were substantially similar to those calculated by Eiffel. But much more had to be done in the restoration process: a complete mathematical finite element analysis was accomplished, requiring the solution of large sparse systems of linear algebraic equations; dynamical models of various components of the Statue were developed; wind load and fatigue analyses were made; and, finally, the night-lighting designs for illuminating the Statue were made using computer-gen- erated three-dimensional geometric models. This timely and well-researched paper is excellent light reading for those of us who are technically oriented. Everyone will appreciate how modern computer technology has played a significant role in restoring our exquisite symbol of liberty and freedom, which will now prevail for generations to come.