Fernando A. Rochinha
Department of Mechanical Engineering, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Model Validation on Composites: Constitutive Parameters Identification

Today's computer power make it possible to model and analyse complex mechanical systems involving non regular geometries, multi-physics and, specially concerning the use of new materials, nonlinear behavior and very heterogenous properties. This unique opportunity strongly motivates the use of modelling on engineering design and analysis, which, in turn, gives rise to a emerging field often referred to as model validation. The central question behind it is how accurately does the model represent reality? Such issue is crucial when composite materials are to be used. Model validation relies on system identification, which consists on the process of
developing a mathematical model for a real system by combining physical principles with experimental or field data.

In this lecture the experiences accumulated over the last five years in the Solid Mechanics Laboratory in system identification will be presented. The focus is on the identification of elastic parameters of composite structural systems.

Acknowledgments
The author appreciates the contribution of his co-authors prof. Lavinia Borges (COPPE-UFRJ), Sergio.Bastos (SENAI-CETIQT)., Mariana Teixeira and Fabio (Master Students).