Prediction of the dynamic characteristics of an elastically supported full-size flat plate from those of its complete-similitude scale model

This paper presents a technique for predicting the vibration characteristics of an elastically supported full-size flat plate subjected to circular-moving loads from those of its complete-similitude scale model and the associated scaling laws. Firstly, the similarity conditions between the full-size system and its complete-similitude scale model were derived from their equations of motion. Then, the scaling factors, such as length, width, thickness, force, excitation frequency, spring constant, moving-load speed and dynamic responses of the plate, were determined based on the last similarity conditions and the dimensional analysis theory. Combination of the similarity conditions and the scaling factors yields the scaling laws between the full-size system and its complete-similitude scale model. Free and forced vibration analyses of the elastically supported full-size flat plate and those of its complete-similitude scale model, respectively subjected to moving loads, were performed to validate the derived scaling laws and satisfactory results were obtained. Because the scale model tests are inexpensive and more easily carried out, the presented technique will be significant from this point of view.