Identification of printed circuit boards mechanical properties using response surface methods

Purpose This study aims to discuss the determination of the unknown in-plane mechanical material properties of printed circuit boards (PCBs) by correlating the results from dynamic testing and finite element (FE) models using the response surface method (RSM). Design/methodology/approach The first 10 resonant frequencies and vibratory mode shapes are measured using modal analysis with hammer testing experiment, and hence, systematically compared with finite element analysis (FEA) results. The RSM is consequently used to minimize the cumulative error between dynamic testing and FEA results by continuously modifying the FE model, to acquire material properties of PCBs. Findings Great agreement is shown when comparing FEA to measurements, the optimum in-plane material properties were identified, and hence, verified. Originality/value This paper used FEA and RSMs along with modal measurements to obtain in-plane material properties of PCBs. The methodology presented here can be easily generalized and repeated for different board designs and configurations.