The department of Structural Dynamics and System Identification works in the field of the dynamics and vibrations of structures in aeronautics and space technology. Included are, for example, the primary structures (load-carrying structures) of fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and satellites. This involves the experimental and
numerical analysis of structural vibrations as well as the development and assessment of efficient means of vibration reduction.
In experimental mechanics, the department of Structural Dynamics and System Identification has been working for many years in the field of ground vibration testing of large aircraft and the modal survey testing of aircraft components and wind tunnel models. The aim of a ground vibration test is the identification of the modal parameters of structures, i.e. eigenfrequencies, damping ratios, mode shapes, and generalized masses. The Institute of Aeroelasticity is outstandingly equipped with hardware and software to efficiently perform ground vibration tests contracted by industry partners.
The Institute of Aeroelasticity operates a multi-axis shaking table for the experimental analysis of spacecraft structures. This test facility is used to investigate the dynamic behaviour of structures when exposed to base accelerations. This is typically required in spacecraft engineering for the acceptance or qualification of flight hardware. In addition to the spacecraft applications, the multi-axis shaking table is also used for comfort analysis and for identification of the inertia properties of the tested structures.
The field of analytical or numerical mechanics is essentially concerned with the combined usage of experimental modal data with finite element models. Application of commercial finite element software is the foundation upon which the different scientific topics are based. Most important is the development of interfaces between commercial finite element software and in-house analysis codes, which are available for different scientific applications in structural dynamics and aeroelasticity.
The following list is a summary of the scientific focal points of the department of Structural Dynamics and System Identification at the Institute of Aeroelasticity: