Model Correlation Applied to Mechanical Couplings for Weapon Structure Design

摘要

As computers get more powerful and finite element techniques get more sophisticated, more use and credibility can be afforded to FE models. In order to establish techniques and systems with such certainty, FE modelling and modal testing need to go hand in hand, until such time that reliance in FE models allows major decisions to be made on their recommendation alone. Our Modal Coupling Research Programme aims to do just that. By considering the joints and couplings and studying the effect of component interaction the programme aims to give designers the confidence in the models required to make major decisions without resorting to expensive modification and testing. A series of joints that are considered to cause most problems have been identified and a structure known as the MACE (Modal Analysis Correlation Exercise) has been designed. This is being manufactured in stages, each component modelled and tested on its own, then coupled with an adjacent component, modelled and tested. By looking in depth at the effect of the dynamic characteristics of each component, sub-assembly and the complete assembly we will gain greater understanding of the effects of the individual joints and how to tackle them when constructing FE models.