To deal with a rapid development of high-speed trains and high-speed railways, constant improvement of the railway infrastructure is necessary and engineers are continuously facing challenges in order to design efficient and optimized structures. Nowadays, more and more railway bridges are built and thus, they require the engineers’ attention both regarding their design and their maintenance. A comprehensive knowledge of the infrastructures and the trains is crucial: their behaviours need to be well known. However, today, the ballast - the granular material disposed on the track and on which the rails lie – is not well known and its effect in dynamic analyses are rarely accounted for. Engineers are still investigating the role played by the ballast in the dynamic behaviour of bridges.  This master thesis aims at quantifying the influence of the ballast on the dynamic properties of a bridge. Is the ballast just an additional mass on the structure or does it introduce any additional stiffness? Thus, this project investigates different alternatives and parameters to propose a realistic and reliable model for the ballast superstructure and the track. For the purpose of this study, a simply supported steel truss bridge located in Poland is studied. The bridge was excited by a harmonic force and the interesting point regarding the experiments is that acceleration measurements were collected before and after the ballasted track setting up on the bridge deck. Then, these data are processed through MATLAB in order to obtain the natural frequencies of the bridge at two different times during its construction. The determined natural frequencies for the un-ballasted case are then compared with analytical values obtained with a 3D finite element model implemented in the software LUSAS. This step aims at calibrating the un-ballasted finite element model so that the bridge is represented as realistically as possible. Once it has been done, a model both for the ballast and the track is proposed using solid elements for the ballast superstructure and beam elements for the rails, the guard rails and the sleepers. Different parameters influencing the natural frequencies and modes shapes of the bridge are testing and it appears that the ballast introduces an additional stiffness through a bending stiffness in the ballast and a change in the support conditions. Finally, the contribution of these parameters is assessed and discussed: the stiffness of the ballast increases the stiffness of the bridge by more than 20% for the 2nd vertical bending vibration mode and the support conditions increase the bridge’s stiffness by more than 15% and 30% respectively for the 1stvertical bending the 1st torsional vibration modes.

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In this work, the feasibility to perform substructuring technique with experimental data is demonstrated. This investigation examines two structures with different additional mass‑loads, i.e. transmission simulators (TSs). The two structures are a single blade and the hub together with two blades from an Ampair 600 wind turbine. Simulation data from finite element models of the TSs are numerically decoupled from each of the two structures. The resulting two structures are coupled to each other. The calculations are made exclusively in the frequency domain. A comparison between the predicted behavior from this assembled structure and measurements on the full hub with all three blades is carried out. The result is discouraging for the implemented method. It shows major problems, even though the measurements were performed in a laboratory environment.

Les méthodes de contrôle de vibrations passives basées sur des absorbeurslinéaires ont été largement étudiées et ils ont aujourd'hui une vaste gammed'applications. Cependant, les absorbeurs linéaires n’étant efficaces quelorsqu'ils sont accordés à la fréquence que l'on veut contrôler, ils présententdes limites considérables quand ils sont appliqués à des systèmes possédantdes incertitudes sur les paramètres modaux ou ayant une fréquence propredépendante de la force extérieure. Dans cette thèse la réduction des vibrations dans les systèmes mécaniques à l'aide d'un absorbeur Nonlinear Energy Sink est étudiée. Le phénomène qui gouverne la physique de ce dispositif est appelé pompage énergétique (Targeted Energy Transfer) et il consiste en un transfert irréversible d'énergie du système principal vers le NES, où l’énergie est dissipée. Ce transfert d'énergie peut se produire pour une large gamme de fréquences et sans besoin que le NES ne soit accordé _a une fréquence spécifique.La dynamique d'un premier type de NES appelé Vibro-Impact NonlinearEnergy Sink (VI-NES) est investiguée expérimentalement grâce à unoscillateur linéaire (OL) à un degré de liberté forcé harmoniquement auquelle VI-NES est attaché. Le pompage énergétique du OL vers le VI-NESest observé expérimentalement, ce qui a permis d'obtenir une importanteréduction du pic de résonance du système principal. Le système est étudiéanalytiquement à l'aide de la méthode Multi-Echelles et le comportementnon-linéaire observé est expliqué théoriquement. Le deuxième type de NES présenté est le Magnetic-Strung NES avec récupération d'énergie. Cette étude ajoute l'aspect lié à la récupération d'énergie au domaine de recherche des absorbeurs non-linéaires. Le système consiste en un oscillateur linéaire (OL) à un degré de liberté forcé harmoniquement auquel le MS-NES est appliqué. La force non-linéaire de rappel peut être modulée grâce à une force magnétique introduite judicieusement, ce qui permet au NES d'avoir plusieurs configurations possibles. Lesystème résultant est un système électromécanique où l'énergie vibratoire dusystème principal est absorbée par le NES et est ensuite dissipée en partiepar l'amortissement visqueux et convertie en partie en puissance électrique.Les études numérique et expérimentale analysent les performances du MSNESen tant qu'absorbeur d'énergie et en tant que récupérateur d'énergie.Finalement, les idées et les perspectives issues de cette étude sont traitéeset les directions pour les travaux futurs sont fournies. / Passive vibration control methods using linear dampers have been largelystudied and investigated, and they have nowadays a broad range of applications.However, linear dampers are efficient when tuned to the specificfrequency to control but present substantial limitations when applied to primarysystems with uncertainties on the modal parameters or to systemshaving a natural frequency that may vary with external forcing.In this thesis the vibration mitigation in mechanical systems by meansof a Nonlinear Energy Sink absorber is studied. The phenomenon governingthe physics of this kind of device is referred to as Targeted Energy Transferand it consists in an irreversible energy transfer from the primary systemto the NES where the energy is then dissipated. This energy transfer mayoccur over a broad range of frequencies with no need for the NES to betuned to a specific one.The dynamics of a first type of NES called Vibro-Impact Nonlinear EnergySink (VI-NES) is experimentally investigated via a harmonically forcedsingle-degree-of-freedom linear oscillator to which a VI-NES is attached. ATargeted Energy Transfer from the LO towards the VI-NES is experimentallyobserved and a significant reduction of the primary system's resonancepeak is obtained. The system is analytically studied by means of the MultipleScales method and the nonlinear behavior experimentally observed istheoretically explained. The second type of NES presented is the Magnetic-Strung NES withenergy harvesting. This study adds the energy harvesting aspect to the researchon nonlinear vibration absorbers. The system consists in a harmonicallyforced single-degree-of-freedom linear oscillator to which the MS-NESis applied. The type of nonlinearity used can be shaped thanks to a magneticforce aptly introduced, allowing the NES to have several possible configurations.The resulting system is an electro-mechanical system in which thevibration energy of the primary system is absorbed by the NES and subsequentlypartially dissipated by the viscous damping and partially convertedinto electrical power. The numerical and experimental studies analyze theperformances of the MS-NES both as an energy absorber and as an energyharvester.

CubeSat or Cubic Satellite is an effective method to study the space aroundthe Earth thanks to its low cost, easy maintenance and short lead time. However, a great challenge of small satellites lies in achieving technicaland scientific requirements during the design stage. In the present workprimary focus is given to dynamic characterization of the deployable tapespringboom in order to verify and study the boom deployment dynamiceffects on the satellite. The deployed boom dynamic characteristics werestudied through simulations and experimental testing. The gravity offloadingsystem was used to simulate weightlessness environment in theexperimental testing and simulations showed that the deployment of thesystem influence the results in a different way depending on the vibrationmode shape. / En CubeSat eller kubisk satellit är effektivt för att studera rymden runtjorden på grund av dess låga kostnad, enkla underhåll och korta ledtid. Enstor utmaningen i utformningen av små satelliter är att uppnå de tekniskaoch vetenskapliga kraven. Detta arbete har analyserat de dynamiska egenskapernahos en utfällbar band-fjäder bom i syfte att verifera och för attstudera bommens utfällningsdynamiska effekter på satellitens bana och attityd.Den utfällda bommens dynamiska egenskaper har studerats genomsimuleringar och experimentella tester. Ett tyngdkraftskompenserande systemhar använts för att simulera tyngdlöshet i de experimentella testernaoch simuleringar visar att utformningen av detta system påverkar resultatenolika beroende på svängingsmodens form.

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O presente trabalho correlacionou diversas funções de respostas em frequência (FRF) de juntas do tipo simples, coladas e fabricadas em titânio-compósito (resina epóxi reforçada por fibra de carbono). As FRFs produzidas foram investigadas (experimental e numericamente) tanto para juntas intactas como para juntas com falha, estas provenientes, por exemplo, do uso em serviço ou então, com resultado do processamento inadequado de um reparo. Com base nessas análises buscou-se, portanto, subsidiar o desenvolvimento de um sistema de monitoramento estrutural a partir da avaliação de seu comportamento dinâmico, medido pelo uso de pastilhas piezelétricas integradas à estrutura. Para que o respectivo objetivo fosse alcançado. Num primeiro momento, a fim de compreender os fenômenos envolvidos, conduziu-se a atividade de revisão bibliográfica, que baseada na consulta dos trabalhos mais recentes publicados sobre a análise de juntas coladas empregando abordagem numérica, analítica e/ou experimental. Em seguida, foram desenvolvidos modelos computacionais preliminares com solução via Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF), a fim de se obter as diretrizes mínimas para uma proposta de fabricação das juntas híbridas (metal-compósito). Tal estratégia permitiu reduzir efeitos indesejados, que pudessem comprometer os resultados experimentais. Em posse dos resultados computacionais fabricou-se amostras de juntas metal-compósito com e sem dano. Num primeiro momento, foram realizadas análises numéricas através do desenvolvimento de modelos computacionais (com solução via MEF) das juntas, metal-compósito, monitoradas por transdutores piezelétricos. Em seguida, as juntas híbridas foram submetidas a ensaios experimentais dinâmicos, empregando técnicas de monitoramento com auxílio de transdutores piezelétricos e acelerômetros. Por fim, avaliaram-se potencialidades e limitações dos modelos computacionais desenvolvidos, através de estudos de caso, comparando os resultados experimentais com os resultados numéricos. / The herein proposed research has correlates Frequency Response Functions (FRF) of several hybrid titanium-composite (epoxy resin reinforced with carbon fiber) single lap bonded joints. The FRFs were investigated (numerically and experimentally) for joints with and without failures which may arise as the result of in service events or bad maintenance practices. The result of the dynamic analyses provided by the FRFs has substantiated the proposal of a damage detection method using piezoelectric elements capable which are capable to detect minor alterations on the dynamic behavior of the joint. In order to reach the proposed objective, the first action towards the given objective was study the problem through a bibliographic revision of the research subject, for this purpose the most recent published works related to numerical, analytical and experimental analyses of bonded joints were thoroughly evaluated and segregated. Afterwards, models of the joints were proposed using Finite Element Models (FEM) to obtain a preliminary result of the joints behavior to eventually substantiate the manufacturing processes, reducing the amount of material, time and cost of the experiments. Based upon the results of the FEM the coupons were manufactured with and without damages, using the methods and techniques available on the maintenance field for restoration of composite elements. Before proceed to the comparison between the modeled and experimental results, additional models were proposed using previous work\'s results to get results from the piezoelectric monitored joints. Afterwards, all experimental tests were conducted using accelerometers and piezoelectric elements to provide the means through it the advantages and drawbacks of the proposed monitoring method could be checked, by comparison between the experimental and modeled results.

O presente trabalho correlacionou diversas funções de respostas em frequência (FRF) de juntas do tipo simples, coladas e fabricadas em titânio-compósito (resina epóxi reforçada por fibra de carbono). As FRFs produzidas foram investigadas (experimental e numericamente) tanto para juntas intactas como para juntas com falha, estas provenientes, por exemplo, do uso em serviço ou então, com resultado do processamento inadequado de um reparo. Com base nessas análises buscou-se, portanto, subsidiar o desenvolvimento de um sistema de monitoramento estrutural a partir da avaliação de seu comportamento dinâmico, medido pelo uso de pastilhas piezelétricas integradas à estrutura. Para que o respectivo objetivo fosse alcançado. Num primeiro momento, a fim de compreender os fenômenos envolvidos, conduziu-se a atividade de revisão bibliográfica, que baseada na consulta dos trabalhos mais recentes publicados sobre a análise de juntas coladas empregando abordagem numérica, analítica e/ou experimental. Em seguida, foram desenvolvidos modelos computacionais preliminares com solução via Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF), a fim de se obter as diretrizes mínimas para uma proposta de fabricação das juntas híbridas (metal-compósito). Tal estratégia permitiu reduzir efeitos indesejados, que pudessem comprometer os resultados experimentais. Em posse dos resultados computacionais fabricou-se amostras de juntas metal-compósito com e sem dano. Num primeiro momento, foram realizadas análises numéricas através do desenvolvimento de modelos computacionais (com solução via MEF) das juntas, metal-compósito, monitoradas por transdutores piezelétricos. Em seguida, as juntas híbridas foram submetidas a ensaios experimentais dinâmicos, empregando técnicas de monitoramento com auxílio de transdutores piezelétricos e acelerômetros. Por fim, avaliaram-se potencialidades e limitações dos modelos computacionais desenvolvidos, através de estudos de caso, comparando os resultados experimentais com os resultados numéricos. / The herein proposed research has correlates Frequency Response Functions (FRF) of several hybrid titanium-composite (epoxy resin reinforced with carbon fiber) single lap bonded joints. The FRFs were investigated (numerically and experimentally) for joints with and without failures which may arise as the result of in service events or bad maintenance practices. The result of the dynamic analyses provided by the FRFs has substantiated the proposal of a damage detection method using piezoelectric elements capable which are capable to detect minor alterations on the dynamic behavior of the joint. In order to reach the proposed objective, the first action towards the given objective was study the problem through a bibliographic revision of the research subject, for this purpose the most recent published works related to numerical, analytical and experimental analyses of bonded joints were thoroughly evaluated and segregated. Afterwards, models of the joints were proposed using Finite Element Models (FEM) to obtain a preliminary result of the joints behavior to eventually substantiate the manufacturing processes, reducing the amount of material, time and cost of the experiments. Based upon the results of the FEM the coupons were manufactured with and without damages, using the methods and techniques available on the maintenance field for restoration of composite elements. Before proceed to the comparison between the modeled and experimental results, additional models were proposed using previous work\'s results to get results from the piezoelectric monitored joints. Afterwards, all experimental tests were conducted using accelerometers and piezoelectric elements to provide the means through it the advantages and drawbacks of the proposed monitoring method could be checked, by comparison between the experimental and modeled results.