Beam element structural dynamics modification using experimental modal rotational data

Structural dynamic modification (SDM) of a fixed-free (cantilever) beam to convert it into a fixed-fixed beam with experimental modal data is presented. The SDM focuses on incorporating experimental rotational degrees-of-freedom (DOF) measured with a novel laser measurement technique. A cantilever beam is tested to develop the experimental modal database including rotational degrees of freedom. A modal database from a finite-element model also is developed for comparison. A structural dynamic modification, with both databases, is performed using a Bernoulli- Euler beam to ground the free end of the cantilever beam. The hardware is then modified and a second experimental modal analysis of the resulting fixed-fixed beam performed. A finite-element model of the fixed-fixed beam also was created. Comparison of results from these four tests are used to assess the effectiveness of SDM using experimental modal rotational data. The evaluation shows that provided high quality experimental rotational modal data can be acquired, SDM work with beam elements can be effective in yielding accurate results.