Finite element calibration for structural load identification

Abstract

In various example embodiments, model calibration techniques are used to identify one or more external structural loads on a structure. Initially, material or geometry attributes of elements of a model are adjusted to minimize discrepancy between measured responses and modeled responses. Thereafter, the model is used to search for external structural loads that minimize discrepancy between the measured responses and the modeled responses. Discrepancy may be measured by an error function that looks to dynamic responses and/or static responses. A solution that minimizes discrepancy may be determined using a genetic algorithm that generates a set of proposed external structural loads, applies the set to the model to produce the modeled responses, computes an error function that measures the difference between the measured responses and the modeled responses, and evolves the solutions to minimize an error produced by the error function, with such operation proceeding until a stopping criteria is reached.