Finite–element model updating using experimental test data: parametrization and regularization

Abstract

Two critical issues in model updating are deciding how a finite–element model should be parametrized and estimating the unknown parameters from the resulting ill–conditioned equations. A lack of understanding of these issues will lead to updated models without physical meaning. This paper outlines the authors' approach to parametrization, using physical, geometric and generic element parameters. It also applies useful methods of regularization, namely parameter constraints, the singular–value decomposition, L–curves and cross–validation to model updating.