Automating the Identification of Structural Model 89-1242-CP Parameters

Structural system identification methods are analytical techniques for reconciling test data with analytical models. However, for system identification to become a practical tool for engineering analysis, the estimation techniques/codes must communicate with finite element software packages, without intensive analyst intervention and supervision. This paper presents a technique used to integrate commercial software packages for finite element modeling (RISCINASTRAN), mathematical programming techniques (ADS), and general linear systeni analysis (PRO-RIATLAB). The parameter estimation techniques and the software for controlling the overall system were programmed in PRO-MATLAB. Two examples of application of this software are presented. The examples consist of a truss structure in which the model form is well defined, and an electronics package whose model form is &defined since it is difficult to model with finite elements. A comparison of the resulting updated models with the expermental data showed significant improvement.