Abstract
This paper describes the prediction of eigenfrequencies due to changes in stiffness and mass in the connection area of the lap joint beam in terms of linear and torsional stiffness as well as connection length. The sensitivities of mass and stiffness in the finite element model were derived by using the first-order differential and algebraic equation and were thereafter applied to obtain new natural frequencies that were compared with theoretical exact solutions. Newly predicted natural frequencies due to only a change in stiffness were in relatively good agreement with those in lower modes for rigid joints, while further investigation was needed for flexible joints. On the other hand, only the change in mass resulted in a large discrepancy in the flexible joint case. It may be strongly anticipated that this study will provide a useful tool for estimating modal parameters by change in any design variable, such as the structural dimension, material property, or connection type for a large-scale structure, even though the proposed methodology is currently limited to a jointed beam.
