Improving the correlation of finite element models using vibration correlation technique on composite cylindrical shells

Abstract

The Vibration Correlation Technique (VCT) is a nondestructive experimental method that can be used for the estimation of realistic boundary conditions and to improve the correlation of numerical models used to estimate the buckling load of shell structures. This paper presents initial experimental results of vibration frequencies and modes shapes of a cylindrical shell loaded in compression, up to buckling. The experimental results are used to point out the influence of the boundary conditions and material properties on the correlation with a finite element model. The results show that the application of calibrated boundary conditions and material properties are not enough to guarantee a good numerical-experimental correlation, requiring further studies suggested herein.