On the Use of Modal Tests Results for the Correction of Aircraft’s Computational Models

Abstract

Computational dynamic models are developed according to the working documentation of aircraft during their design. Further, these models are updated based on the results of modal tests conducted during the creation and production stages. The test results are generalized masses, damping characteristics, eigenfrequencies and eigenshapes. As a rule, the dissipative properties of the computational model are not generally updated, but are determined during modal tests. The eigenshapes are used as a control function in the process of correcting the model. Thus, two parameters remain that can be used to correct the calculated model of the aircraft (natural frequency; generalized mass). The accuracy of the experimental determination of these parameters depends on factors such as random errors in multipoint excitation and measurement of oscillations, the presence of modes with similar natural frequencies, the influence of the aircraft's elastic suspension system during modal testing. The paper presents the results of error estimates in determining eigenfrequencies by the phase resonance method. The errors in determining generalized masses are estimated using monophase oscillations, the introduction of a quadrature component of excitation, and fictitious phase resonance. It is shown that the errors in determining generalized masses significantly exceed the errors in eigenfrequencies estimates. The method for computation generalized masses based on the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the test object is considered. As a result of laboratory experiments and full-scale products tests, it is concluded that it is not advisable to update the inertia parameters of the calculated models

Please cite this article in English as:

Berns V.A., Dushukhin D.O., Zhukov E.P., et al. On the use of modal tests results for the correction of aircraft's computational models. Herald of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Series Mechanical Engineering, 2026, no. 1 (156), pp. 39--56 (in Russ.). EDN: ESDZVY

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