Experimental dynamic validation of a numerical model of a CRP cylindrical shell

This paper presents the results of some experimental dynamic tests carried out on a CRP multilayer cylindrical shell with the main purpose of validating a previously derived finite element model. This model has been formu-lated assuming, for each layer, homogeneous and orthotropic behavior in elastic regime, while the material prop-erties have been set up according to the results of previous static laboratory tests. Experimental and numerical modal properties (natural frequencies, modal damping ratios, modal shapes) have been correlated and compared, observing a reasonable agreement between the first natural frequencies and the first three couples of flexural modal shapes. However the second and the third numerical natural frequencies have been found considerably greater than the experimental ones, suggesting a model updating which will be dealt with in a subsequent paper.