Solving inverse couple-stress problems via an element-free Galerkin (EFG) method and Gauss–Newton algorithm

This paper focuses on the identification of constitutive parameters in the couple stress problem. The direct problem is modeled by element-free Galerkin method (EFGM), thus the inconvenience that may be caused by C1 continuity requirement in the implementation of FEM can be avoided, and the sensitivity analysis that is required for the solution process of the inverse problem can be carried out conveniently. The inverse problem is solved via the Gauss–Newton technique. The proposed method is verified in the cases of slight and strong regional inhomogeneity. The effects of initial guesses, noisy data and location of the measured points on the solutions are investigated, and satisfactory results are achieved.