Dynamic characteristics of tower structure based on finite element analysis

Natural frequencies of tower structure under two damage conditions were obtained by dynamic testing and finite element analysis. The results showed that finite element model is correct, so seven kinds of damage conditions for the tower structure were analyzed by finite element analysis. Effects of various damage cases on the natural frequency were studied, it could be found that effects of the same damage at different locations on the natural frequency were different. Effects of various severities of damage on the natural frequency were identified, and found that effects of various severities of damages on the natural frequency could be divided into three stages. These results can provide a valuable reference for damage detection by measuring change of the natural frequency.