Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R51223/01
Title:	Model structure determination VFII
Principal Investigator:	Mottershead, Professor J
Other Investigators:	Friswell, Professor MI
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	AWE
Department:	School of Engineering
Organisation:	University of Liverpool
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	11 July 2001	Ends:	10 October 2001	Value (£):	14,185
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The purpose of the visit is to complete a self-contained piece of work within a broader research programme on 'Model-Structure Determination'. The idea is to covert identified matrix terms into differential equations so that the physical meaning of the parameters is revealed. The theory was established by Dr Ahmadian in an earlier visit and applied to the problem of updating a finite-element beam model using vibration data from a cracked beam. A major advantage of the technique is that it can represent physical effects (such as the crack) which were not present in the initial finite element model. Now it is proposed to apply the technique to the much more challenging problem of an industrial structure containing complicated joints and interfaces. The MACE (Modal Analysis Correlation Exercise) structure was purpose-built at AWE Aldermaston and will be available for the research. It is typical of many mechanical systems with multiple components having loaded contact interfaces. Such systems are notoriously difficult to model with finite elements. The joints are weakly nonlinear and it is intended therefore to develop equivalent linearised models based on orthotropic elements at the contact interfaces. The equivalent model should be consistent with and aid the understanding of the complicated load path through the buttress-loaded joint.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.liv.ac.uk