Sensitivity-based finite element model updating of fiberglass/foam core sandwich panel with natural frequencies

The main objective of this paper is to propose a multi-parameter finite element (FE) model updatingtechnique for fiberglass/foam core sandwich panel structures based on based on ISIGHT software. First, a modalanalysis was performed on a real structure. The response was processed through a computer-aided FFT analyzing testsystem in order to extract the natural frequencies. Second, an FE modeling of this structure with approximatedorthotropic properties of fiber glass and hyper-foam properties of the foam was provided. Third, a sensitivity based FEmodel updating method using the natural frequencies is performed based on ABAQUS and ISIGHT linking. Theproposed updated FE model was verified by using higher frequencies for comparison. The updated result shows thatthe proposed method can lead to an accurate model updating of these sandwich panel structures.