A hybrid method of modal synthesis using vibration tests

The assembly of structures along continuous boundaries presents great difficulty in the context of modal synthesis. In order to solve such problems, a method is proposed in which a hybrid model is defined reflecting the dynamic behavior of a structure loaded along a boundary. It is based on Weinstein's method and corresponds to a generalization of the impedance matrix method. Generalized boundary co-ordinates are defined from branch modes obtained by introducing mass loading along the boundary. Thus, the hybrid model can be derived from testing as a result of two independent modal identifications. The method permits high precision prediction of the influence of strong structural modifications. Thus, in the case of rectangular plates, it has been possible to find the modes of a cantilever plate and of a plate with stiffeners from the free modes.