Optimal input design for multibody systems by using an extended adjoint approach

We present a method for optimizing inputs of multibody systems for a subsequently performed parameter identification. Herein, optimality with respect to identifiability is attained by maximizing the information content in measurements described by the Fisher information matrix. For solving the resulting optimization problem, the adjoint system of the sensitivity differential equation system is employed. The proposed approach combines these two well-established methods and can be applied to multibody systems in a systematic, automated manner. Furthermore, additional optimization goals can be added and used to find inputs satisfying, for example, end conditions or state constraints.