In situ measurement of resonant frequencies of a large cylindrical pier of a major telescope


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ÖZYAZICIOĞLU M. H., YEŞİLYAPRAK C.

Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, cilt.16, sa.2, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13349-025-01046-1
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cylindrical shell, Finite element model validation, Impact hammer testing, Operational modal analysis, Resonant frequency, Structural identification, Telescope engineering, Telescope pier
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study addresses the critical need for cost-effective in-situ dynamic validation of large telescope piers, which must exhibit high stiffness to protect astronomical imaging from disruptive vibrations. The DAG Telescope pier was tested using a minimal protocol: impact hammer excitation and response monitoring with only two accelerometers. Operational modal analysis (OMA) of the data, consistent across multiple tests, identified all resonant frequencies to be well above the design threshold, with the fundamental mode at 76 Hz—an order of magnitude higher than the required 8 Hz. This confirms the pier’s exceptional rigidity and compliance with performance criteria. Furthermore, discrepancies with finite element model predictions highlighted the influence of foundation flexibility, an often-overlooked factor. The core novelty of this work is multifaceted: it presents, to the authors’ knowledge, the first published study to directly measure the resonant properties of a major telescope pier prior to telescope integration, providing a crucial baseline for future monitoring and model updating, and it validates a rigorous, low-cost methodology that offers a practical framework for assessing critical infrastructure in resource-constrained settings.