On the application of the mode‐acceleration method to structural engineering problems

Abstract

Mode‐superposition has been extensively used in computing the dynamic response of complex structures. Two versions of mode‐superposition, namely the mode‐displacement method and the mode‐acceleration method, have been employed. The present paper summarizes the results of a systematic study comparing the accuracy of the mode‐displacement and mode‐acceleration methods when applied to structures with various levels of damping or various excitation frequencies. The paper also discusses several details concerning the implementation of the mode‐acceleration method.