Experimental assessment of the static stiffness of machine parts and structures by changing the magnitude of the hysteresis as a function of loading

Static stiffness is determined by one-sided loading and unloading of machine parts relative to the selected base. For each structure, there will be some loss of potential energy due to the dissipative forces that occur during the loading inside the structure. This loss is manifested in hysteresis in the stiffness diagram. A new approach to the assessment of static stiffness consists in gradual, bilateral loading and unloading of the structure through the effect of static forces of different magnitude. In this process, the stiffness hysteresis varies, depending on the intrinsic nature of the dissipative forces, a specific property suitable for assessing the condition of machines.