Abstract: The free modal test and FEM (finite element method) simulation of a bolster structure were performed in this paper, and a FE model which can accurately reflect the real structure was determined through the correlation analysis. First, the free modal test of the bolster structure was designed and carried out to obtain the natural frequencies and modal shapes of the structure. Then, a FEM model of the bolster structure was established according to the drawings, and the theoretical natural frequencies and modal shapes were calculated using the FEM. Finally, the accuracy of the FEM model of the bolster structure was verified by the correlation analysis of the natural frequencies and the mode shapes. It is concluded that the first five natural frequencies of the bolster structure calculated by FEM are basically consistent with the modal test results, and the MAC values of the modal shapes are greater than 85%.