Modelling and parameter estimation for distributed vibratory systems

Abstract : Citing data collected and analyzed with the University of Wisconsin MIPAC (Modelling, Information Processing and Control) Facility electronic measurement and analysis equipment, the investigators make some general comments concerning mathematical models which appear to be appropriate for modelling certain vibratory systems of distributed parameter type. Aspects discussed include: location of vibrational spectra, damping rates, and spectral displacement due to mass density and/or elasticity variations. Particular emphasis is placed on some properties of segmented beams. The article ends with a preliminary mathematical discussion of the feasibility of parameter identification, from vibrational spectrum data alone, in the wave and Euler-Bernoulli beam equations.