Some advances in the definition of exact and distorted similitudes

One of the most intriguing points of the engineering applications is the definition of prototypes (parent or similitude models) which are able, in some extent, to reproduce the response of a fullscale model. This concerns the computational field and even experimental activities but for these latter they are particularly desired. In fact the assembly of similitude models has always represented a fundamental step for a deep understanding of given phenomena at different scales; aeroelastic instabilities are one of the best examples. A well-known general view of the problems of similitudes and analogies are in the text by Szucs,. The present goal is thus to get a general procedure for defining exact and distorted similitudes in order to build prototype models for linear structural and structural-acoustic responses. Previous experiences have been reported for simplified thin plates and shells: the actual step is to discuss some advances for a thin stiffened cylinder. The complete procedure is named SAMSARA, Similitude and Asymptotic Models for Structural-Acoustic Research and Application.