published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

xii, 205 leaves : photos., diags., tables ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1978

Statistically-based estimation techniques are presented in this study. These techniques incorporate structural test data to improve finite element models used for dynamic analysis. Methods are developed to identify optimum values of the parameters of finite element models describing structures. The parameters which may be identified are : element area, mass density, and moment of inertia; lumped mass and stiffness; and the Rayleigh damping coefficients. A technique is described for incorporating hydrodynamic effects on small bodies by identifying equivalent structure mass, stiffness, and damping properties. Procedures are presented for both the free vibration problem and for forced response in the time domain. The equations for parameter identification are formulated in terms of measured response, calculated response, the prior estimate of the parameters, and a weighting matrix. The form of the weighting matrix is presented for three identification schemes : Least Squares, Weighted Least Squares, and Bayesian. The weighting matrix is shown to be a function of a sensitivity matrix relating structural response to the parameters of the finite element model. Sensitivities for the forced vibration problem are derived from the Wilson Theta equations, and are presented for the free vibration problem. The algorithm used for parameter identification is presented, and its implementation in a computer program is described. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the solution technique and the validity and capability of the identification method. All three estimation schemes are found to provide efficient and reliable parameter identification for many modeling situations. / Graduation date: 1993

Typescript (photocopy) / 106 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide, 1984

Typescript (photocopy) / 106 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide, 1984

No description available.

The convenience of Operational Modal Analysis (OMA), over conventional Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA), has seen to its increasing popularity over the last decade for the purpose of evaluating dynamic properties of structures. OMA features an advantage of requiring only output information, which is in tandem with its main drawback of lacking scaled modeshape information. While correctly scaled modeshapes can be assumed under a restrictive assumption of spectrally white inputs, in reality, input spectra are at best broadband in nature. In this thesis, an OMA method for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) applications in mechanical structures is developed. The aim is to separate MIMO responses into a collection of Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) processes (matrix FRF) using cepstral-based methods, under less restrictive and hence more realistic coloured broadband excitation. Existing cepstral curve-fitting techniques can be subsequently applied to give regenerated FRFs with correct relative scaling. This cepstral-based method is based on the matrix Mean Differential Cepstrum (MDC) and operates in the frequency domain. Application of the matrix MDC onto MIMO responses leads to a matrix differential equation which together with the use of finite differences, directly solves or identifies the matrix FRF in a propagative manner. An alternative approach based on whitened MIMO responses can be similarly formulated for the indirect solution of the matrix FRF. Both the direct and indirect approaches can be modified with a Taylor series approximation to give a total of four propagative solution sequences. The method is developed using relatively simple simulated and experimental systems, involving both impulsive and burst random excitations. Detailed analysis of the results is performed using more complicated Single-Input Multiple-Output (SIMO) and MIMO systems, involving both driving and non-driving point measurements. The use of the matrix MDC method together with existing cepstral curve-fitting technique to give correct relative scaling is demonstrated on a simulated MIMO system with coloured inputs. Accurate representation of the actual FRFs is achieved by the matrix MDC technique for SIMO set-ups. In MIMO scenarios, excellent identification was obtained for the case of simulated impulsive input while the experimental and burst random input cases were less favourable. The results show that the matrix MDC technique works in MIMO scenarios, but possible noise-related issues need to be addressed in both experimental and burst random input cases for a more satisfactory identification outcome.

Determination of the stresses and displacements which occur in response to random excitations cannot be accomplished by traditional deterministic analysis methods. As the specification of the excitation and the response of the structure become more complex, solutions by direct, closed-form methods require extensive computations. Two methods are presented which can be used in the analysis of structures which are subjected to random excitations. The Power Spectrum Method is a procedure which determines the random vibration response of the structure based upon a frequency response analysis of a structural model. The Response Spectrum Method is a method which is based upon specified forces or displacements as a function of time. A derivation of each of the methods is presented and followed by comparisons of the results which were obtained for single and multiple-degree-of-freedom systems. Assumptions and limitations of the methods are discussed as well as their accuracy over ranges of frequency, damping and loading specification. As a direct application and comparison of the two methods, an analysis of the support system for the primary mirror of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) has been performed. In addition, a method for the evaluation of the critical damping in a single-degree-of-freedom structure is demonstrated.

Not available / text

The convenience of Operational Modal Analysis (OMA), over conventional Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA), has seen to its increasing popularity over the last decade for the purpose of evaluating dynamic properties of structures. OMA features an advantage of requiring only output information, which is in tandem with its main drawback of lacking scaled modeshape information. While correctly scaled modeshapes can be assumed under a restrictive assumption of spectrally white inputs, in reality, input spectra are at best broadband in nature. In this thesis, an OMA method for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) applications in mechanical structures is developed. The aim is to separate MIMO responses into a collection of Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) processes (matrix FRF) using cepstral-based methods, under less restrictive and hence more realistic coloured broadband excitation. Existing cepstral curve-fitting techniques can be subsequently applied to give regenerated FRFs with correct relative scaling. This cepstral-based method is based on the matrix Mean Differential Cepstrum (MDC) and operates in the frequency domain. Application of the matrix MDC onto MIMO responses leads to a matrix differential equation which together with the use of finite differences, directly solves or identifies the matrix FRF in a propagative manner. An alternative approach based on whitened MIMO responses can be similarly formulated for the indirect solution of the matrix FRF. Both the direct and indirect approaches can be modified with a Taylor series approximation to give a total of four propagative solution sequences. The method is developed using relatively simple simulated and experimental systems, involving both impulsive and burst random excitations. Detailed analysis of the results is performed using more complicated Single-Input Multiple-Output (SIMO) and MIMO systems, involving both driving and non-driving point measurements. The use of the matrix MDC method together with existing cepstral curve-fitting technique to give correct relative scaling is demonstrated on a simulated MIMO system with coloured inputs. Accurate representation of the actual FRFs is achieved by the matrix MDC technique for SIMO set-ups. In MIMO scenarios, excellent identification was obtained for the case of simulated impulsive input while the experimental and burst random input cases were less favourable. The results show that the matrix MDC technique works in MIMO scenarios, but possible noise-related issues need to be addressed in both experimental and burst random input cases for a more satisfactory identification outcome.