Metrics for Nonlinear Model Updating in Structural Dynamics

The aim of this paper is to perform a comparative study between different distance measures or metrics for use in nonlinear model updating using vibration test data. Four metrics derived from both frequency and time domain updating approaches are studied, including the harmonic balance method, the constitutive equation error, the restoring force surface and the Karhunen-Loeve decomposition. In the first section, a benchmark model with local nonlinear stiffness is defined in order to illustrate each method. Secondly, each nonlinear updating metric is succinctly reviewed. Finally, the relative performances of the different metrics are investigated based on numerical simulations. These results allow us to characterize the applicability and limitations of the different approaches.