An iterative method for the generation of seismic power spectral density functions

Abstract The paper presents an iterative method for the generation of seismic power spectral density functions from specified response spectra. As an example, the power spectral density function that is consistent with a USNRC response spectrum is generated. Convergence and accuracy of the solution are studied via this example, and it is found that good results can be obtained in only a few iterations (as low as one iteration in certain cases). Characteristics of the generated power spectral density function and the implications of assuming the earthquake motion to be a stationary process are also discussed.