Course Title: Experimental Methods for the Dynamic Response of Structures: Civil and Aerospace Applications
Dr. María D. Cortés
The advanced undergraduate/graduate student will be introduced to theory and a “hands on” experience on the experimental methods available to obtain and simulate the dynamic response of structures. Two advanced testing techniques will be covered for civil structures: Modal testing by means of a shaking table and hybrid testing. The methods for testing of aerospace structures and systems will also be covered and an introduction to new innovative methods under development will be presented. Hybrid simulation/testing is an experimental method where there is an integration of numerical simulation and physical testing that can apply dynamic loading. For further information you can access the website, http://www.uprm.edu/exdsr. The students will be evaluated through the completion of small projects throughout the semester and a final project submitted as technical report.
The topics that will be covered include:
- Similitude, modeling and dimensional analysis
- Test planning, design and implementation
- Structural testing (element, subassemblages and complete structures)
- Loading systems (set-ups, loading devices, actuators, closed loop control)
- Instrumentation (LVDT, String pots, strain gages, accelerometers)
- Data acquisition (A/D converters, NI cDaqs, NI Max, DasyLab, Labview)
- Advanced testing techniques (modal and hybrid testing)
a. Civil Structures
b. Aerospace Structures and Systems
8. Data processing (MATLAB, DaDisp)