Artificial Boundary Conditions in Sensitivity Based Finite Element Model Updating and Structural Damage Detection

A finite element (FE) model is a computational representation of a given structure. In order for the FE model to accurately predict structure response, the model is “updated” or improved. This thesis investigates the use of artificial boundary conditions in sensitivity-based model updating and damage detection. A comparative analysis was conducted on the accuracy of error identification and location with respect to the artificial boundary conditions imposed and the number of modes retained. Results are demonstrated with actual test data from a simple structure.