A new algorithm for real-time sub-structure pseudo-dynamic tests

The real-time sub-structure pseudo-dynamic test (real-time sub-structure PSD test) is a new testing procedure that is able to simulate the interaction between a sub-structure and its main structure. Applications are in qualification testing of structural control devices like tuned mass dampers (TMDs) or active mass dampers (AMDs), or payloads in aerospace systems like satellites (sub-structure) in rockets (structure). A stable, implicit time stepping scheme is required which must be formulated as acceleration control. In order to avoid iteration, a sub-stepping method is applied during each time step. Results of an analytical study on a vibrating 2-DOF sub-system on a 2-DOF structure show the effects of the number of sub steps and of an error force compensation that is necessary to compensate the unavoidable equilibrium error at the end of each time step. This study is representative of aerospace applications. One-to-one application to buildings with TMDs is possible