Dynamic force characterization for an industrial process using response measurements

Abstract

Characterization of dynamic forces generated by industrial processes is an important part of the design of the process support structure and foundation. Forces generated by reciprocating industrial machinery are often characterized using sinusoidal functions; however, more complex processes, such as those involving fluid-structure interactions, may not be easily approximated by simplified periodic functions. When possible, operational measurements of the acceleration and displacement response of the supporting structure can be used in conjunction with dynamic Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to estimate force spectra associated with the process. In this paper a case study on dynamic force characterization for an industrial process is presented. The study included static and dynamic response measurements of an existing process installation. A FEM of the system was developed and used in conjunction with the response measurements to estimate the force spectra for the process. The force spectra were then used to generate random time histories of the forces for use in the design of the supporting structure and foundation for a future, similar process installation. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.