Modal and experimental analysis of floating floors

This paper investigates the appropriate modelling techniques and assumptions to determine the finite element modelling procedure for floating floors which are used on the ships. For this purpose, several features were analysed: (1) choice of finite elements (solid, shell and their combinations), (2) interfaces between the structure and the insulating material. The effect of these two items on numerical modal parameters such as natural frequencies and mode shapes are presented. To verify a numerical model, an experimental modal analysis was performed, where experimental modal parameters were determined. Finally, difference in natural frequencies between experimental and numerical parameters were reported.