Identification techniques of structure connection parameters using frequency response functions

The identification method for stiffness constant parameters and damping coefficient parameters of connections using test data is derived when a structure is attached to another structure via connections. Because of the inherent difficulties of deriving spatial models from test data, the frequency response function (FRF) is used as a response model. The identification method using the FRFs works for each discrete frequency so that the connection properties can be found for each frequency and can be averaged using statistical methods for an accurate identification. If highly sensitive regions are excluded, this identification method for connection using FRFs gives accurate estimations and can be applied to a general structure in an easier manner than the modal model methods which require a mathematical model of the mass, damping and stiffness matrices (or natural frequencies and mode shapes). (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.