Chapter 3 _ Introduction of Modal Analy: CHAPTER 3 INTRODUCTION OF MODAL ANALYSIS 31 INTRODUCTION Vibration or dynamic motion has a significant effect on elastic components such as machines and structures. In today’s world, machines and structures are almost everywhere. Therefore reliable vibration and dynamic analysis tools are a basic need to measure the response of machines and structures when subject to external and internal forces, which will cause deformations and overall motions. Modal analysis is one of the tools which provides an understanding of structural characteristics, operating conditions and performance criteria. As an engineering tool, moda analysis is the process of characterizing the dynamic properties of a structure in terms of its modal parameters, that is natural frequency, mode shape and damping. Generally, the understanding of modal analysis can be divided into two namely experimental modal analysis and analytical modal analysis. Although both experimental and analytical approaches can be used to obtain modal parameters, they differ totally in the process of characterizing dynamic properties. 32 EXPERIMENTAL MODAL ANALYSIS Experimental modal analysis is based on the use of experimentally determined data which is obtained from modal testing (21]. Today, Transfer Function Method (TEM) is commonly used as the basic of modal testing. This method involves the acquisition of point to point frequency response functions (FRFs) at a set of points defined as a dynamic model. The time data are collected and converted into the frequency domain as frequency response functions in the Fast Fourier Transfer (FFT) analyzer. In addition, different excitation techniques can be used in the estimation ofChapters Introduction of Modat Analysis frequency response functions. Modal parameter estimation methods are used to obtain modal parameters of the structure from measured frequency response functions. Figure 3.1 illustrates the process of a modal test. Cure Fi Representation te tyored, oF a Mota Paromters a — regency © —borping (6) — Mask Stops Figure 3.1 Modal test [20]Chapter Modal Analysis. 4.2.1 FREQUENCY RESPONSE FUNCTION (FRF) ‘The frequency response function (FRF) is an inherent measurement in the modal testing, which is defined as Fourier transform of the output (acceleration response) divided by Fourier transform of the input (excitation force) [20]. The measurement of input excitation and output response is measured simultaneously, as shown in the block diagram in Figure 3.2, to obtain the frequency response function. —— H) Response X(o) Yo) X(o) ~ Fourier transform of the input Excitation Y(o) - Fourier transform of the output H(0) = ©). - Frequency response function X(o) Figure 3.2 System block diagram [20] In order to obtain good frequency response functions, the test setup and the measurement acquisition process of modal testing are critical. It is important to understand the purpose of the test and results that are expected during the test setup. Knowledge of anticipated mode shapes and excitation techniques in a structure are also required in order to define the test so that its frequency range, measurement points and other relevant features can be identified. A proper test setup avoids obtaining poor quality or unnecessary frequency response measurements, thus enabling the estimation of modal parameters to be carried out more easily during the curve fitting process, which will be discussed in Section 3.2.3. The acquisition of measurement is a time-consuming process and careful documentation is important during the test to help uncover problems. Basic understanding of concepts associated with digital signal processing such as leakage, 37