Application of genetic algorithms for the identification of elastic constants of composite materials from dynamic tests

This work has been placed within the framework of the identi"cation of sti!ness properties of composite materials from dynamic tests. More precisely, the used approach has been inserted in the general context of model updating. The genetic algorithms method has been used as a complementary technique allowing a "rst estimation of the elastic coe$cients. In other words, the initial "nite element model is estimated. The re"nement of solutions can thus be made by a classical updating method, such as the sensitivity method. The procedure allows the simultaneous estimation of several properties from a single test. Properties of extension, bending, twisting and transverse shear e!ects can be identi"ed. Results obtained by numerical simulation show the e$ciency and robustness of the genetic algorithms.