Dynamic Parameter Estimation of a CANDU Type Containment Using Ambient Vibration Measurements

Dynamic parameters such as natural frequencies can provide global stiffness information of a structure, and thus be utilized in monitoring structural integrity of large structures such as a containment. To identify the dynamic parameters without interrupting normal operation, a modal analysis method based on ambient vibration measurements should be applied. In this study, dynamic parameters of the containment of Wolsong Unit 2 are identified using ambient vibration measurement data. The feasibility of the study is verified using a numerical model for the containment. From the modal analysis, dynamic parameters of the containment with acceptable correlation to analytical modes can be estimated.