On the Investigation of Some Parameter Identification and Experimental Modal Filtering Issues for Nonlinear Reduced Order Models

This paper discusses modal filtering of experimental data and the corresponding identification of linear and nonlinear parameters in reduced order space. Specifically, several experimental configurations will be discussed in order to provide insight into such identification issues as spatial discretization, observability, and the linear independence of the assumed filter or basis. The two experiments considered herein represent different measurement configurations of the same clamped–clamped beam. First, asymmetric inertial loading via asymmetric sensor location was considered, while the second scenario presents a symmetric sensor configuration. Several important conclusions can be drawn from the two experimental scenarios. First, by asymmetrically loading the beam, a corresponding asymmetric beam mode was excited yet not observable. In the second scenario, the symmetric distribution of sensors minimized the impact of the respective asymmetric mode. The resulting spatial information allowed for the proper filtering of the remnants of the asymmetric mode. Nonlinear parameters in modal space as well as the underlying linear parameters were successfully identified simultaneously in both experimental scenarios, although the usefulness of the asymmetrically loaded beam was limited. Finally, successful comparisons were made between the identified reduced order model and experimental response at the beam quarter point using the symmetric case and the beam midpoint using both experimental scenarios.