Coupling of substructures with in-tolerance uncertain dimensions

In this paper, the effect of component variability (due to dimensional tolerances) on the dynamics of an assembled structure, is analysed using Monte Carlo simulation. Dimensional tolerances are usually prescribed on individual components, whose dynamics is substantially unaffected by the variability within the tolerance field. However, the dynamic behaviour of the assembled structure might be much more sensitive to component variability. A random assembly process is performed by assuming a normal distribution for dimensional uncertainties, and the probability density functions of natural frequencies and MAC are estimated from Monte Carlo simulation. Mode shapes and CoMAC of each assembled substructure are evaluated too. Efficient ways to reduce the dynamic variability of the assembled structures are finally discussed.