Overview of the fixed base correction method for modal testing on dynamic boundary conditions

Abstract

Modal tests are important steps in the validation of structural dynamic finite element models of test articles. Often, inadequate boundary conditions require more effort to be spent correlating the boundary condition or support structure rather than the test article. Recently, boundary condition correction methods, such as the fixed base correction method, have been developed to extract fixed based mode shapes for test articles on dynamic test fixtures. This paper presents an overview of the fixed base correction method and provides examples of the implementation to academic and representative test articles.Modal tests are important steps in the validation of structural dynamic finite element models of test articles. Often, inadequate boundary conditions require more effort to be spent correlating the boundary condition or support structure rather than the test article. Recently, boundary condition correction methods, such as the fixed base correction method, have been developed to extract fixed based mode shapes for test articles on dynamic test fixtures. This paper presents an overview of the fixed base correction method and provides examples of the implementation to academic and representative test articles.