Finite element model updating of structures using a hybrid optimization technique

Abstract

Finite element model updating of structures usually results in a nonlinear optimization problem. Finding an optimization technique with high efficiency is one of the key issues for model updating. A hybrid optimization technique is proposed in this paper, which draws together the global searching capability of the chaos-based optimization technique and high searching efficiency of the trust-region optimization method. The hybrid approach is demonstrated to be more efficient and prone to obtain a global minimum as compared to conventional methods using a two dimensional test function. Then this hybrid method is employed to update a 14-bay frame model. An optimization problem for model updating using modal frequencies and modal shapes is formulated. Studies using numerically simulated data and experimental data show that the proposed hybrid optimization technique is very promising for structural model updating.