Nonlinear sensitivity coefficients and corrections in system identification

The evaluation of sensitivity coefficients which are the changes in the eigencharacteristics with respect to changes in the structural parameters is important in the identification of structural systems. In such studies the commonly used linearized sensitivity coefficients for system identification have occasionally resulted in poor convergence or even divergence during the iteration process to update analytical models for better correlation with the test data. Nonlinear sensitivity coefficients and nonlinear correction terms, usually eliminated during the linearization process, have been developed to evaluate sensitivity coefficients of linear systems. Application to computer simulated example problems indicates a more rapid and stable convergence of the iteration processes to update the analytical model for the improvement of the correlation with test data. The successful application of combining the nonlinear sensitivity coefficients and nonlinear correction terms with the Multiple Boundary Condition Tests enhances the ability to validate large space structures by ground tests.