Validation of a model calibration method through vibrational testing of a mechanical system with local clearance

Paper in proceeding, 2016

Nonlinear finite element models are often validated using experimental data. A previously proposed calibration method, which concerns pre-test planning, multi-sinusoidal excitation and an effective optimization routine, is improved with an extended version of the pre-test planning. The improved method is validated using a test structure with a clearance type nonlinearity. From the pretest planning, an optimal configuration for the data acquisition is determined. The multi-harmonic nonlinear frequency response functions (FRFs) of the structure under test are then generated by a multi-sinusoidal excitation. Model calibration is conducted by minimizing the difference between the experimental multi-harmonic nonlinear FRFs and their analytical counterparts. The uncertainties of the estimated parameters are assessed by a k-fold cross validation, which confirm that the uncertainties of the estimated parameters are small when the optimal configuration is applied.