Finite element dynamic model updating using modal thermoelastic fields

In this paper, the use of thermoelastic measurements to improve a finite el ement model is investigated. The originality of the procedure lies in the u se of this stress sum field measurement and in the new solution method of t he modelling error location stage. Measurement inaccuracies and expansion e rrors are taken into account through an inequality constraint. Finally, the correction stage is done owing to a variable metric Gauss-Newton method. T his updating process has been applied to modal thermoelastic measurements c arried out on a thin plate bending with different kinds of defects (C) 1999 Academic Press.