Determination of Dynamic Characteristics for an Aerospace Structure Using Experimental and Numerical Methods
Abstract
This research provides an in‐depth investigation into the dynamic behavior of a riveted aerospace structural component, integrating both experimental testing and numerical simulations. The primary objective is to validate a Finite Element Analysis (FEA)‐based computational methodology for accurately identifying the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of complex mechanical assemblies used in the aerospace industry. The physical component was modeled in CATIA V5 based on precise dimensional measurements and subsequently analyzed in COMSOL Multiphysics to obtain a detailed numerical representation. In parallel, an experimental campaign was carried out using the Bump Test for Resonances (BTR) under fixed boundary conditions, with vibration data recorded through a high‐resolution laser vibrometer system. The comparison between numerical and experimental outcomes demonstrated strong agreement, confirming the accuracy and reliability of the developed computational model. The validated approach proves suitable for assessing the vibrational response of aerospace structures, particularly in cases where structural integrity may be affected by manufacturing imperfections or operational degradation. Moreover, the findings establish a solid foundation for future research aimed at correlating dynamic characteristics with early indicators of damage, contributing to the advancement of structural health monitoring and predictive maintenance in aerospace engineering.