Characterisation of the dynamic characteristics of a complex jointed structure

Every structure that assembled with the joints has a significant effect on the dynamic behaviour of the structure. Therefore, the overall dynamic behaviour of the jointed structure highly relies on these joints. Finite element method (FEM) is commonly used to model an element connector for the jointed structure due to its because every jointed structure has its owns joint properties. The aims of this research are to identify the potential element connectors that are available in commercial finite element analysis package in order to represent the joints for spot welds and adhesive joints. The reliability of potential connector elements are quantified by comparing the predicted result calculated from commercial finite element analysis package with the experimental result that obtained from the LMS Scadas. The model of element connectors have been constructed based on three types of the case studies. The comparison reveals that the combination of Type 2 (ACM2) and Type 3 (CWELD) have shown a better capability to represent the joints of the complex jointed structure.