摘要:This study investigates the applicability of using distorted models to predict the dynamic characteristics of cantilever thin plates. The study provides necessary scaling laws and applicable structure size intervals which guide the design of distorted models. Comparing with the size effects of different vibration orders, the method of using governing equations is employed to establish the scaling laws between the model and the prototype. Both complete and partial similarities are discussed. Then a titanium alloy plate, which is commonly used, is analyzed as a prototype. The establishment of applicable structure size intervals is discussed, with the same vibration mode in the same order. Applicable intervals of distorted model under different orders are also obtained by using a numerical method. The boundary functions of applicable structure size intervals are investigated and the applicability of the scaling laws and intervals are verified by using experimental data. The analytical results indicate that distorted models that satisfied the applicable structure size intervals can predict the characteristics of prototype with good accuracy.