Abstract: In this paper, finite element analysis is used for the forced vibration analysis of the string structure. The dynamic response sensitivity with respect to the physical parameter (elemental cross-sectional area) is then derived. In the inverse analysis, the local damages in the string are identified from dynamic response sensitivity-based finite element model updating method. It is found that the local damage(s) can be identified successfully from several dynamic response measurements. The effect of artificial measurement noise on the identified results is also discussed. Numerical simulation shows that the proposed method is insensitive to the measurement noise and with very good accuracy. And it has the potential for practical application.