Similitude and Scaling Laws - Static and Dynamic Behaviour Beams and Plates

This investigation concerns the determination of the scaling laws based on the similitude theory for beams and plates cases when loaded statically and with low velocity impact, respectively. Understanding the relationship between model and prototype behaviour is essential in scaled down models designs. The similarity conditions are established directly from the system field equations. Theoretical predictions of the model were projected with each scaling law and compared with the prototype theoretical predictions. Both finite element analysis and experimental tests were compiled for studied cases. The results obtained, using the similitude theory, were in good agreement with the experimental and numerical results. The scaling laws, which produced good predictions, were identified. The prediction depended on the scaling variables range used to stay within acceptable accuracy.