Damping Matrix Identification by Finite Element Model Updating Using Frequency Response Data

Accurate modeling of damping is essential for prediction of vibration response of a structure. This paper presents a study of damping matrix identification method using experimental data. The identification is done by performing finite element (FE) model updating using normal frequency response functions (FRFs). The paper addresses some key issues like data incompleteness and computation of the normal FRFs for carrying out the model updating using experimental data. The effect of various levels of damping in structures on the performance of the identification techniques is also investigated. Experimental studies on three beam structures made up of mild steel, cast iron and acrylic are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the identification techniques for different levels of damping.