Subsystem design tool based on modal substructuring concepts

In this paper, the modal substructuring equations are reviewed and reformulated for the process of `reverse system modeling'. This design tool is used to determine a stiffness modification matrix that will produce a desired set of assembled system modes relative to an initial set of subsystem modes. The stiffness modification matrix can then be mapped into perturbations to connection element or internal subsystem stiffness. A simple lumped mass model of an automobile is used to reformulate the substructure equations and is also used in a numeric example.