Elastic characterization of isotropic plates of any shape via dynamic tests: Practical aspects and experimental applications

In this paper, the feasibility of identifying the elastic constants of isotropic materials from the first four natural frequencies of completely free plates with any type of contour is considered. The unknowns are determined simultaneously in a single test by a non destructive numerical-experimental methodology proposed by the authors. An experimental assessment of such a methodology has been carried out by applying it to thin and thick plates of various shapes. In the paper, the experimental equipment and procedures are illustrated and the sources of error affecting the measurement process are also discussed.