Simplified setup for the vibration study of plates with simply-supported boundary conditions

The experimental study of vibrating plates having simply-supported boundary conditions can be difficult to achieve due to the complexity of preventing translation, but allowing rotation along all boundaries simultaneously. Only a few methods have been proposed, but all are either time-consuming to set up and involve customization of the test rig for each plate or do not allow the plate to be reused for other purposes. The method described in this paper offers a low-cost, simple, accurate and non-destructive way of experimentally measuring the modal properties of thin, simply supported plates and can be used for quick validations of models and designs without modification for multiple trials and varying plate properties. The key attributes of this method include: •An adjustable sliding support frame which can be made of a distinct material from the plate and which can accommodate variations in plate geometry and properties without modification.•Removable flexible sealant applied in a v-groove on the supporting frame which can be easily used to fix and support the plate according to the simply-supported boundary conditions.•A low-profile design, which can be used to accommodate most experimental testing methods for determining modal properties of vibrating plates.