At the early stage of a new automobile or a new motorcycle development, it is important to grasp and improve its vibration characteristics. To satisfy this demand, finite element method has been applied to vibration analysis in recent years. However, a poor finite element model can cause not only insufficient vibration estimation but also additional development period. Conventionally, an inaccurate finite element model is corrected by trial and error technique to correspond with the experimental results.
In this study, a finite element model identification system referring to experimental modal parameters has been developed. The system mainly consists of structural analysis, sensitivity analysis, numerical optimization technique, and evaluation of mode shape correlation. All these processes collectively minimize the difference of calculated and experimental natural frequencies.
The system has been applied to automobile and motorcycle structures, and is confirmed to be effective in correcting a finite element model.