Comparison of Modal Parameters of a Square Steel Plate Using Finite Element Method and Operational Modal Analysis

In engineering domains, modal analysis is a field that is studied extensively with the goal of better characterizingcomponents or structures. Themodal analysis produces modal parameters, which are essential properties of a system that can be employed for damage identification, vibration analysis, and structural health monitoring. Plated element’s relevance in variousapplications makes it an intriguing vibration study subject. In thisresearch, modal analysis was performed on a square steel plate in free ends condition. This work aimedto provide a complete anatomical description of this complex boundary condition and its implications on modal parameters. Before comparing modal parameters with experimental data, a primary modal analysis was performed using finite element (FE)method. Then experimental analysis was conducted under the operational modal analysis setup (OMA).As the results, six natural frequencies are retrieved and compared amongst the two methods, recording the maximum of 6% percentage difference from the readings. This implied a close values estimated between the methods used. For mode shapes, ninemodes are identified from FE method and discussed according to established free plate vibration studies, while threesimilarly identified modes successfully recognized by using OMA.