Experimental and numerical vibration analysis of the gun control unit column with isolator

A remote-controlled weapon system can be integrated into the naval and ground platforms. The weapon system and its sub-units are exposed to the vibration that comes from the platform on which the weapon system is fitted. The weapon system and its sub-units are expected to withstand vibration-related failure throughout its life. Therefore, the fatigue analysis is carried out for the weapon system during the design process. The system is used in the tracked military vehicle. Hence, the tracked vehicle vibration test procedure is applied to the control column by using the shaker. As a result of the test, the control column was broken from part of the base. This thesis is aimed to obtain a control column that will preserve its structural integrity after vibration test and to develop a finite element model of the weapon control unit validated with experimental modal analysis results. In the first part of the thesis, a neoprene absorber is designed and added to the structure in order to prevent fatigue damage. In the second part of the thesis, an accurate finite element model of the gun control unit is developed. At first, experimental modal analysis is performed. The experimental modal analysis result is used to create a reference model. In addition, the elasticity modulus of the neoprene is determined with the help of the tensile test. Then the finite element model is updated according to the test results, and the finite element model is validated.