Physical realization of generic-element parameters in model updating

The selection of parameters is most important to successful updating of finite element models. When the parameters are chosen on the basis of engineering understanding the model predictions are brought into agreement with experimental observations, and the behaviour of the structure, even when differently configured, can be determined with confidence. Physical phenomena may be mis-represented in the original model, or may be absent altogether. In any case the updated model should represent an improved physical understanding of the structure and not simply consist of unrepresentative numbers which happen to cause the results of the model to agree with particular test data. The present paper introduces a systematic approach for the selection and physical realization of updated terms. In the realization process, the discrete equilibrium equation formed by mass, and stiffness matrices is converted to a continuous form at each node. By comparing the resulting differential equation with governing equations known to represent physical phenomena, the updated terms and their physical effects can be recognized. The approach is demonstrated by an experimental example.