Regularization in model updating

Abstract This paper presents the theory of sensitivity‐based model updating with a special focus on the properties of the solution that result from the combination of optimization of the response prediction with a priori information about the uncertain parameters. Model updating, together with the additional regularization criterion, is an optimization with two objective functions, and must be linearized to obtain the solution. Structured solutions are obtained, based on the generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD), and specific features of the parameter and response paths as the regularization parameter varies are explored. The four different types of spaces that arise in the solution are discussed together with the characteristics of the regularized solution families. These concepts are demonstrated on a simulated discrete example and on an experimental case study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.