Use of an updated finite element model for dynamic design

Abstract

Model updating techniques are used to update a finite element model of a structure so that an updated model predicts more accurately the dynamics of a structure. The application of such an updated model in dynamic design demands that it also predict the effects of structural modifications with a reasonable accuracy. This paper deals with the updating of a finite element model of a structure using measured modal data and its subsequent use for predicting the effects of structural modifications. An updated model is obtained by employing a method of model updating based on the constrained optimisation. Structural modifications in terms of mass and beam modifications are then introduced to evaluate the updated model for its usefulness in dynamic design.