Experimental characterization and modeling of microsliding on a small cantilever quartz beam

The design of mechanical systems requires various studies in order to ensure an optimal behavior during operation. In particular, the study of its dynamic behavior makes it possible to evaluate the role of a connection in the energy dissipation mechanisms. In this context, an experimental setup dedicated to small structures has been developed to quantify damping due to microsliding at the beam–clamp interface. The mechanical characterization of the clamped connection is carried out by experimental dynamic tests on a free-clamped structure. The instantaneous frequencies and damping are identified by the wavelet transform technique of a slightly nonlinear system. In parallel, numerical prediction of the equivalent damping is achieved thanks to the implementation of the regularized Coulomb law in a finite element model. A genetic algorithm and artificial neural networks are used to update the stiffness parameter and the friction coefficient. The optimized model is in good agreement with experimental results. It allows for determining the spatial distribution of microsliding and tangential force along the contact interface. The dissipated energy and equivalent damping are finally deduced according to the dynamic deflection of the free part of the beam.