Theoretical Evaluation of Hybrid Simulation Applied to Continuous Plate Structures

Abstract

AbstractHybrid simulation is a popular experimental technique whereby only part of a system is physically realized and the remainder is modeled in a computer with a set of actuators and sensors to connect the two subsystems. While the methodology is common, it lacks a theoretical structure that ensures users are getting valid simulation results of the entire system. Further, little attention has been paid to distributed mass systems and those that do not have a beam/column like topology. This work examines three basic issues: (1) an abstract geometric scheme is proposed by which one can reason about hybrid simulation systems and their underlying errors; (2) systems with distributed mass are explicitly considered; and (3) the model system utilized in this study has a distinctly nonbeam/column like system, namely, a Kirchhoff-Love plate with a continuous one-dimensional hybrid system interface. It is demonstrated that such systems are generally viable only below the first fundamental frequency of the system...