Efficient techniques for forced response involving linear modal components interconnected by discrete nonlinear connection elements

Generally, response analysis of systems containing discrete nonlinear connection elements such as typical mounting connections require the physical finite element system matrices to be used in a direct integration algorithm to compute the nonlinear response analysis solution. Due to the large size of these physical matrices, forced nonlinear response analysis requires significant computational resources.Usually, the individual components of the system are analyzed and tested as separate components and their individual behavior may essentially be linear when compared to the total assembled system. However, the joining of these linear subsystems using highly nonlinear connection elements causes the entire system to become nonlinear. It would be advantageous if these linear modal subsystems could be utilized in the forced nonlinear response analysis since much effort has usually been expended in fine tuning and adjusting the analytical models to reflect the tested subsystem configuration.Several more efficient techniques have been developed to address this class of problem. Three of these techniques given as: equivalent reduced model technique (ERMT);modal modification response technique (MMRT); andcomponent element method (CEM);are presented in this paper and are compared to traditional methods.