FEMtools™ Pre Test Analysis

When a finite element model of a structure is available, then this model can be used to simulate tests. This provides test engineers with optimal locations and directions to excite the structure, and to position measurement transducers. The FE model can be reduced and converted into a test model. Chances for successful application of correlation analysis and finite element model updating considerably improve when tests are made based on the results obtained with pretest analysis.

Some questions that can be answered by pretest analysis are:

• Find optimal exciter and transducer locations for modal testing
• Create a test model from a reduced finite element model and export in a format readable by modal test packages.
• Determine the directions normal to the surface of curved surfaces from the finite element model and use this information for transforming modal test results in Cartesian coordinates.
• Assess the influence of the accelerometer mass on the model parameters.
• How many modes can be expected in a given frequency range.

Specifications

• Optimal location of transducers and exciters.
• Target mode selection (modal effective mass).
• Easy selection of candidate sensor locations.
• Automated optimal sensor placement based on mode shape observability methods (kinetic energy, driving point residue analysis) for Location of sensors and actuators.
• Automated optimal location of sensors based on removal algorithms (effective independence method, elimination by MAC).
• Tool for sensor selection based on iterative Guyan reduction and modal cross-orthogonality.
• Test model creation and export.

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Last modified: December 20, 2006