Combined numerical-experimental model for the identification of mechanicalproperties of laminated structures

A combined numerical-experimental method for the identification of six elas tic material modulus of generally thick composite plates is proposed in thi s paper. This technique can be used in composite plates made of different m aterials and with general stacking sequences. It makes use of experimental plate response data, corresponding numerical predictions and optimisation t echniques. The plate response is a set of natural frequencies of flexural v ibration. The numerical model is based on the finite element method using a higher-order displacement field. The model is applied to the identificatio n of the elastic modulus of the plate specimen through optimisation techniq ues, using analytical sensitivities. The validity, efficiency and potential ity of the proposed technique is discussed through test cases. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.