Theoretical Evaluation of Hybrid Simulation Applied to Continuous Plate Structures

Hybrid 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. Furthermore, it is shown that there is a tendency to accumulate global errors, relative to the classical solution, at the slightest introduction of any interface matching error but that these errors are mostly insensitive to further increase in mismatch. Finally, it is found that the different substructures of the systems are subject to resonant excitation at their own independent natural frequencies in addition to those of the complete hybrid system.