How can you test and validate structural dynamics?

1 Experimental methods

One way to test and validate structural dynamics is to conduct experimental tests on physical models or prototypes of the structures. Experimental methods can include static or dynamic loading, modal testing, vibration testing, or shake table testing. These methods can measure the structural response, such as displacements, strains, stresses, natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios, or transfer functions. Experimental methods can provide valuable data for validating analytical or numerical models, identifying structural problems, or evaluating structural performance.

2 Analytical methods

Another way to test and validate structural dynamics is to use analytical methods, which are mathematical equations that describe the dynamic behavior of structures. Analytical methods can include classical methods, such as the equation of motion, the free vibration solution, the forced vibration solution, or the frequency response function. These methods can provide analytical solutions for simple structures, such as beams, plates, or shells. Analytical methods can also include advanced methods, such as the finite element method, the boundary element method, or the spectral element method. These methods can provide approximate solutions for complex structures, such as irregular shapes, nonlinear materials, or coupled systems.

3 Numerical methods

A third way to test and validate structural dynamics is to use numerical methods, which are computational algorithms that solve the dynamic equations of structures. Numerical methods can include direct methods, such as the matrix inversion method, the Gaussian elimination method, or the LU decomposition method. These methods can solve linear systems of equations for static or dynamic problems. Numerical methods can also include iterative methods, such as the Newton-Raphson method, the conjugate gradient method, or the Krylov subspace method. These methods can solve nonlinear or large-scale systems of equations for static or dynamic problems.

4 Simulation tools

A fourth way to test and validate structural dynamics is to use simulation tools, which are software applications that can model, analyze, and visualize the dynamic behavior of structures. Simulation tools can include general-purpose tools, such as MATLAB, Python, or Excel. These tools can perform numerical calculations, data analysis, or graphing for various dynamic problems. Simulation tools can also include specialized tools, such as ANSYS, SAP2000, or Abaqus. These tools can perform finite element analysis, modal analysis, harmonic analysis, or transient analysis for various dynamic problems.

5 Validation techniques

A fifth way to test and validate structural dynamics is to use validation techniques, which are methods to compare the experimental, analytical, numerical, or simulation results with each other or with reality. Validation techniques can include error analysis, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, or reliability analysis. These techniques can quantify the accuracy, precision, robustness, or reliability of the results. Validation techniques can also include model updating, parameter identification, or system identification. These techniques can adjust, calibrate, or optimize the model parameters or the system properties to improve the agreement between the results and the reality.

6 Best practices

A sixth way to test and validate structural dynamics is to follow some best practices, which are guidelines or recommendations to ensure the quality, consistency, and efficiency of the testing and validation process. Best practices can include defining the objectives, scope, and criteria of the testing and validation, selecting the appropriate methods and tools for the testing and validation, documenting and reporting the testing and validation results and findings, verifying and reviewing the testing and validation results and findings, and applying the testing and validation results and findings to the design, optimization, or improvement of the structures.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?