A general purpose, multi-stage, component modal synthesis method

Abstract A general purpose algorithm for the dynamic analysis of large-order finite element structural models using real modal coordinates is presented. Each component substructure may be formulated to include free or fixed boundary modes, inertia relief displacement shapes, and physical displacements as generalized degrees of freedom. Capabilities are developed for transforming interior loads, such as aerodynamic effects, to the reduced set of coordinates. Theory and tests prove that the method duplicates results from most of the other popular methods by selecting various optional terms. The conclusion contains practical recommendations based upon several applications to structural analysis.