Development of a Numerical Model for the Modal Analysis of a Gun Control Unit Column with Isolator

Purpose: The manuscript has presented a realistic numerical simulation of a gun control column. Methods: A numerical model for the modal analysis of a control column with an elastomer isolator was developed in this study. Various contact model definitions were defined between the elastomer isolator and its contact parts. Material tests were conducted on elastomer material for more realistic modeling. Experimental analysis was performed to validate the models. In the experiments, a force was applied to the control column with the impact hammer, and accelerations due to the excitation were collected on it. Using the data, the natural frequencies and their corresponding mode shapes were obtained. Results: A comparison of the numerical results with the experiments revealed the importance of contact types affecting the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure significantly. The natural frequency values calculated using the “bonded contact” algorithm between the surfaces connected by bolts provided the best agreement with the experimental results. Besides, the modeling of accelerometers has been found to be crucial for accurate modeling. Conclusion: A finite element model was developed that accurately simulates control column dynamics mounted on the gun control unit.