Uncertainty quantification for joint input-state estimation in structural dynamics

This paper presents a novel approach for quantification of the estimation uncertainty on the results obtained from joint input-state estimation in structural dynamics. The uncertainty accounted for originates from measurement errors and unknown stochastic excitation, that is acting on the structure besides the forces that are to be identified. The uncertainty quantification approach is applied for a joint input-state estimation algorithm that is used for force identification and response estimation in structural dynamics. The approach can, however, be extended to other force and state estimation algorithms. The uncertainty on the estimated quantities can be used to design a sensor network and to determine the optimal noise statistics that are applied for joint input-state estimation. The uncertainty quantification approach is verified using numerical simulations.