Realisation of Real-Time Pseudo-Dynamic Substructure Testing

Abstract

The real-time pseudo-dynamic sub-structure test allows for most realistic dynamic testing of specimen from aerospace as well as structural engineering without the need of testing huge objects for representing entire systems. The specimen is tested in a truly dynamic manner as in shaking table tests, moreover, the structure surrounding and supporting the specimen is simulated by a computer. The computer model solves the equation of motion of the super-structure and calculates the excitation of the specimen. Measured reactions at the joint are fed back to the computer in a closed loop. The tests presented here are - to the knowledge of the authors - the first ones applied in true real time to an oscillatory specimen. The procedure is explained in brief, and the test demonstrate its capabilities. Finally, the hardware concept which enabled these tests is described.