An experimental-numerical method for nonlinear structural mechanics

A maximum likelihood estimator and the finite element method are used to construct a tool for estimating the state of continuous structures from measured structural data. These structural data can, for example, consist of displacements of material points and stresses or strains at material points. The statistical uncertainty of the measured data is supposed to be known. An approximation for the uncertainty of the estimated state can be given. The analyzing tool, elaborated for the geometrically nonlinear rigid plastic case, is useful for evaluation of feasibility and accuracy of experimental set-ups. An example of application of the tool is presented