Results obtained by minimising natural frequency and mac-value errors of a beam model

This paper reports the procedure followed by the 'LTAS-Vibrations et Identification des Structures' research group to generate a low-order finite element (FE) model of the GARTEUR SM-AG19 structure. The model is made of beam elements, local inertia and rigid body elements. The philosophy of the updating method is first based on the correlation of the experimental data with the results of the FE model and on the localisation of errors in the model. Updating parameters are then selected using eigenvalue sensitivity and model error localisation analyses. After updating, the quality of the FE model is assessed in terms of accuracy of the response prediction to structural modifications. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.