Error estimation for the automated multi-level substructuring method

In this study, we propose an effective method to estimate the reliability of finite element models reduced by the automated multi-level substructuring (AMLS) method. The proposed error estimation method can accurately predict relative eigenvalue errors in reduced finite element models. A new, enhanced transformation matrix for the AMLS method is derived from the original transformation matrix by properly considering the contribution of residual substructural modes. The enhanced transformation matrix is an important prerequisite to develop the error estimation method. Adopting the basic concept of the error estimation method recently developed for the Craig-Bampton method, an error estimation method is developed for the AMLS method. Through various numerical examples, we demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed error estimation method and explore its computational efficiency. Copyright (C) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.