Objective functions for the nonlinear curve fit of frequency response functions

IV. Discussion and Conclusions It is concluded that the theoretical model as described herein predicts frequencies and mode shapes that are in good agreement with experiment. It has been observed that accurate prediction of higher mode frequencies, for plates of the type discussed here, often requires inclusion of the effects of rotary inertia of attached masses in the analysis. This is not surprising as the masses will undergo harmonic rotation for some of the higher modes. Extension of the analysis to include these rotary inertia effects is currently underway. To the authors' knowledge, the work reported here represents the first comprehensive analytical and experimental study of this interesting and timely problem. The analysis provides the designer with a powerful tool for optimizing the distribution of rigid point supports and attached masses on the plate surface. The experimental data will provide other researchers with reference points against which they can compare their theoretical results.