• Journal of KSNVE
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.57-74
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• 1998

This paper is concerned with a combination of experimental and analytical investigation aimed at identifying modeling errors, accounted for the lack of correlation between experimental measurements and analytical predictions of the modal parameters for lap joint panels. A nonlinearity vibration test methodology, initiated from the theoretical analysis, is suggested for measurements of dynamic stiffnesses in a lap joint using the rivet fastener. Based on the experimental evidence on discrepancies between measured and predicted frequencies, improved finite element models of the joint are developed using PATRAN and ABAQUS, in which the beam element size is evaluated from the joint stiffnesses readily determined in the test. The beam element diameter as a principal design parameter is tuned to match experimental results within the evaluated bound value. Frequencies predicted by the proposed numerical model are compared with frequencies measured by the test. Improved predictions based on this new model are observed when compared with those based on conventional modeling practices.