Reduction of models of large scale lumped structures using normal modes and bond graphs

Abstract Bond graphs are an extremely useful modeling procedure for representing the actual energy exchange mechanisms of interacting dynamic systems. Governing state equations are straightforwardly obtained from the bond graph; however, for large structures, a restrictively large number of equations can result. A procedure is developed whereby the original equations are reduced to a form suitable for modal decomposition. The resulting modes are reinterpreted in bond graph form with the resulting model being an extremely accurate system representation while requiring only a fraction of the original number of equations. The procedure is demonstrated through example.