Nonlinear identification of a numerical benchmark structure: from measurements to FE model updating

During the last couple of years, the authors presented a novel approach to the modal testing of nonlinear structures, based on the assumptions that each nonlinear system possesses an underlying linear model on top of which a discrete number of localisable nonlinear elements (i.e. joints) act. This approach exploits the physical space of the system - as opposed to the modal space - and uses different algorithms (modules) in order to Detect, Characterise, Localise and Quantify the nonlinear elements. The numerical benchmark system presented in 2013 has been used in this paper to test the approach and to perform a full modal test of a nonlinear structure in a virtual environment, from the measurement phase to FE model updating.