Vibration prediction of thin-walled composite I-beams using scaled models

Abstract Scaled models of large and expensive structures facilitate in understanding the physical behavior of the large structure during operation but on a smaller scale in both size and cost. These reduced-sized models also expedite in tuning designs and material properties, but also could be used for certification of the full-scale structure (referred to as the prototype). Within this study, the applicability of structural similitude theory in design of partially similar composite structures is demonstrated. Particular emphasis is placed on the design of scaled-down composite I-beams that can predict the fundamental frequency of their corresponding prototype. Composite I-beams are frequently used in the aerospace industry and are referred to as the back bone of large wind turbine blades. In this study, the governing equations of motion for free vibration of a shear deformable composite I-beam are analyzed using similarity transformation to derive scaling laws. Derived scaling laws are used as design criteria to develop scaled-down models. Both complete and partial similarity is discussed. A systematic approach is proposed to design partially similar scaled-down models with totally different layup from those of the full-scale I-beam. Based on the results, the designed scaled-down I-beams using the proposed technique show very good accuracy in predicting the fundamental frequency of their prototype.