Correct simulations? Comparison of Experiment and Simulation in Structural Dynamics

Mechatronics lecturer Franz-Josef Falkner presented innovative test methods from the field of structural dynamics at the CadFem conference in Salzburg

Vibrations in machines, devices, systems or buildings are usually undesirable and pose many challenges. They can shorten the service life of a structure, reduce the operating comfort of a device and can also be the cause of noise pollution. It is therefore clear that these vibrations play a major role in product development and need to be investigated accordingly.

Franz-Josef Falkner has been working on this topic at the MCI Department of Mechatronics for many years. In several research projects, he is developing innovative research methods in collaboration with local industry partners. Students also have the opportunity to work on these projects in their final theses and learn how to tackle current challenges in engineering already during their studies.

In order to solve the problems mentioned above, numerical simulations are used, in which a mathematical model is generated with the help of physical modeling and solved with powerful computers.

Especially due to the rapid development of computing power in recent years and the associated availability, these tools are becoming a precious tool for engineering practice. However, in order to be able to describe the tasks with a mathematical calculation model, approximations must be made.

The validation of such calculation models is therefore essential in order to assess and improve the forecast quality. To achieve this, innovative methods have been developed at the Department of Mechatronics to compare results from vibration measurements and finite element simulations. These results were presented to an interested audience of experts at the CadFem Conference on November 7, 2024 in Salzburg.

Further research projects in this exciting area of mechanics are already planned and being developed for the near future.