A Determination of Material Properties of Flexible Structures Using EMA and FEM Analysis

Abstract

Dynamic behavior of mechanical structures results from complex interactions between applied forces and the stiffness properties of the structure. Currently, many problems of structural dynamic analysis are solved using Finite Element Method (FEM). However, in recent years, the implementation of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) in low cost computer-based signal analyzers has provided a powerful tool for acquisition and analysis of vibration data. This article discusses combination of two approaches to structural dynamics testing; the experimental part which is referred to as Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA), respectively the analytical part, which is realized by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Main goal of the paper is calculation of material properties from experimentally determined modal frequencies.