Abstract: The initial mathematical model of a structure discreted by finite element method has a certain error in comparison with real one under some influence. It is frequently difficult to pre-estimate the failure loads and location in a structure under testing based on its initial model. It is necessary to know the pre-estimated failure loads and location in order to reasonably arrange the test plan for a complicate structure , especially for aircraft. In this paper a method for refinement of initial finite element model is presented, which starts with statical equilibrium equation and in which the initial model is updated by means of a matrix transformation using the results of non-damaged static test. The updating procedure is performed only in the error region of the mathematical model. A method for diagnosis of the error region is suggested in the paper. A simulated test example shows that the method presented in the paper is reliable and feasible , which increases the accuracy of the pre-estimated failure loads and location.

Key words: statics, finite element, model refinement