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Virginia Tech

A Formulation for Updating Finite Element Models Through Consistent Use of Laser Vibrometer Data

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This thesis suggests a formulation for updating physically meaningful parameters in analytical finite element(FE) models using scanning laser Doppler vibrometer(SLDV) dynamic response data. The update formulation is demonstrated in several computer simulations. The formulation is the result of incorporating an analytical FE model into an experimental model. The experimental model efficiently utilizes SLDV data to fully exploit the instrument's capability to automatically make measurements at many locations. The data in the experimental model is posed in a manner consistent with an analytical FE model's representation for harmonic response, simplifying comparison between the two. The experimental model, which uses finite element shape functions as a basis for a least squares fit to the data, can be solved to give a velocity field based only on that data. The function resulting from inserting the analytical model into the experimental model is an expression of the prediction error of the FE model as compared to the test data. This function is minimized using a quasi-Newton optimization routine, reducing the error and resulting in an updated model. Computer simulations of the update algorithm indicate that: 1. Analytically supplied derivatives and variable scaling are required by the optimization routine to consistently converge, 2. The percentage error of updated parameters falls within two standard deviations of the data's percentage error, 3. Error in the position of the laser results in the update algorithm's failure, and, 4. Error in the parameters not included in the update will appear as error in the updated parameters' solution.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Mechanical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1998

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Siethoff, Eric Ten
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • West, Robert L. Jr.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Saunders, William R.
  • Knight, Charles E.

Subjects

dc:subject × 3

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-42798-161027
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/36704

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Siethoff, Eric Ten. A Formulation for Updating Finite Element Models Through Consistent Use of Laser Vibrometer Data. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36704