Dynamic reduction strategies to extend modal analysis approach at higher frequencies

Modal analysis on huge finite element models requires a numerical simplification in terms of total number of degrees of freedom (d.o.f.'s). The above aim is generally achieved by choosing some master d.o.f.'s and condensing the structure matrices on those d.o.f.'s. Static condensation (i.e. stiffness matrix reduction) is theoretically an errorless operation; on the other hand, mass condensation can only be approximate in dynamic applications. In order to accomplish matrix condensation, the technique mainly used is the so-called Guyan reduction. The present paper outlines the limitations of the technique, introducing some significant improvements. These are related to the inertia conservation properties of the reduced mass matrix and the condensed mass matrix assembly by means of fictitious and appropriate stiffness connections that are different from those obtained by the stiffness model. The effectiveness of the modified approach is demonstrated with respect to the modal analysis results obtained by Guyan approach, through three different test cases. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.