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Modal Testing and Modal Analysis - FRF

Frequency Response Function - FRF
Frequency response function H(f) in the frequency domain and impulse response function h(t) in the time domain are used to
describe input-output (force-response) relationships of any system, where signal a(t) and b(t) represent input and output of the
physical system. The system is assumed to be linear and time-invariant. Frequency response function and impulse response
function are so-called system descriptors. They are independent of the signals involved.

excitation a(t) response b(t)

testpiece

h(∏)
H(f)

time

frequency
a(t) b(t)
h (∏) A(f) B(f)
H(f)

Convolution: Multiplication:

∞
b(t) = ∫ h(∏) · a(t-∏)d∏ = h(t) · a(t) B(f) = H(f) · A(f)
-∞

In the table below you can see typical frequency response function formulations.

1
Dynamic stiffness Force / Displacement
Receptance Displacement / Force
Impedance Force / Velocity
Mobility Velocity / Force
Dynamic inertia Force / Acceleration
Accelerance Acceleration / Force

The estimation of the frequency response function depends upon the transformation of data from time to the frequency
domain. For this computation, we use the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm which is based on a limited time history. The
frequency response functions satisfy the following single and multiple input relationships:

Single input relationship

Xp is a spectrum of the output, Fp is a spectrum of the input, and Hpq is frequency response function.

Multiple input relationship

In the image below we can see an example of two inputs - two outputs case.

2
 X1 H11 H12 F1
=
X2 H21 H22 F2

x2(ω)

x1(ω)

F2(ω)

F1(ω)

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Modal Test in Dewesoft software
Modal test and analysis are used to determine the engineering structures modal parameters, such as modal frequencies,
damping ratios, and mode shapes. The measured excitation and response (or only response) data are utilized in modal
analysis, and then dynamic signal analysis and modal parameter identification are processed. The modal test and analysis
have been developed for more than three decades, and a lot of progress has been made. It has been widely applied to the
engineering field, such as the dynamic design, manufacture and maintenance, vibration and noise reduction, vibration control,
condition monitoring, fault detection, model updating, and model validation.

Modal analysis is needed in every modern construction. The measurement of system parameters, called modal parameters
are essential to predict the behavior of a structure.

These modal parameters are needed also for mathematical models. Parameters like resonant frequency(s), structural
damping, and mode shapes are experimentally measured and calculated.

The Dewesoft Modal test module is used for the analysis of e.g. mechanical structures or electrical systems to determine the
transfer characteristic (amplitude and phase) over a certain frequency range.

With the small, handy form factor of the Dewesoft instruments ( DEWE-43, SIRIUSi), it is also a smart portable solution for
technical consultants coping with failure detection.

The Modal test module is included in the DSA package (along with other modules e.g. Order tracking, Torsional vibration, ...).
Let's assume there is a mechanical structure to be analyzed. Where are the resonances? Which frequencies can be
problematic and should be avoided? How to measure that and what about the quality of the measurement? Probably the
easiest way is exciting the structure using a modal hammer (force input) and acceleration sensors for the measurement of the
response (acceleration output). At first, the structure is graphically defined in the geometry editor.

Then the points for excitation and response are selected. The test person knocks on the test points while the software collects
the data. Next to extracting phase and amplitude, in Analyse mode it is possible to animate the structure for the frequencies of
interest. The coherence acts as a measure for the quality. The modal circle provides higher frequency precision and the
damping factor.

For more advanced analysis, the data can be exported to several file formats, important is the widely used UNV to read data in
e.g. MEScope, ...

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5
LTI - Linear, Time-invariant Systems
At first, we have to assume that the methods described here apply to LTI (linear, time-invariant) systems or systems that come
close to that. LTI systems, from applied mathematics, which appear in a lot of technical areas, have the following
characteristics:

Linearity: the relationship between input and output is a linear map (scaled and summed functions at the input will also
exist at the output but with different scaling factors)
Time-invariant: whether an input is applied to the system now or any time later, it will be identical

Furthermore, the fundamental result in the LTI system theory is that any LTI system can be characterized entirely by a single
function called the system's impulse response. The output of the system is a convolution of the input to the system with the
system's impulse response.

x(t) LTI y(t)

input signal output signal

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What is Transfer Function
Transfer functions are widely used in the analysis of systems and the main types are:

mechanical - excite the structure with a modal hammer or shaker (measure force), measure the response with
accelerometers (acceleration)
electrical - apply a voltage to the circuit on the input, measure the voltage on the output

For example, in mechanical structures, the transfer characteristics will show dangerous resonances. The frequency range,
where the stress of the material is too high, has to be avoided, e.g. by specifying a limited operating range. The simplified
process works like that: an input signal is applied to the system and the output signal is measured. The division of response to
excitation basically gives the transfer function

In time-domain, this is described in the following way:

x(t) h(t) y(t) = h(t) · x(t)

Laplace transformation leads to the result in the frequency domain:

7
 x(f) H(f) Y(f) = H(f) · X(f)

On the picture below we can see a diagram of Laplace transform, which is often interpreted as a transformation from the time-
domain (inputs and outputs are functions of time) to the frequency-domain (inputs and outputs are functions of complex
angular frequency), in radians per unit time. Given a simple mathematical or functional description of an input or output to a
system, the Laplace transform provides an alternative functional description that often simplifies the process of analyzing the
behavior of the system, or in synthesizing a new system based on a set of specifications.

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 TIME DOMAIN

x(t) h(t) y(t) = h(t)*x(t)

INVERSE
LAPLACE LAPLACE
LAPLACE

X(s) H(s) Y(s) = H(s)•X(s)

FREQUENCY DOMAIN

How to obtain the transfer function

1. Mechanical structure
Excite the structure with modal hammer or shaker (measure force)
Measure the response with accelerometers (acceleration)

2. Electrical circuit
Apply a voltage to the circuit on the input
Measure the voltage on the output of the circuit

Calculate the transfer function between the measured input and output of the system

Calculate the coherence function. If the coherence is 1 measured response is the power caused totally by the measured input
power. If the coherence is less than one at any frequency it indicates that the measured response is greater than due to
measured input (additional noise).

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Enabling and Adding Modal Test in Dewesoft X
FRF module needs to be enabled in Add module. Click on the Modal Test.

Modal test setup screen appears:

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Test methods
Depending on the application, Dewesoft offers three different types of setup:

Impact hammer - for excitation an impulse is used (=wide frequency spectrum) - modal hammer
Shaker - the structure is excited by a shaker (or the engine rpm is varied), which sweeps through the frequencies (e.g.
10...1000 Hz)
ODS - operational deflection shapes

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Triggered FRF
The easiest test consists of the modal hammer, which is used for exciting the structure with a short impulse (= wide frequency
spectrum) and an acceleration sensor measuring the response. The hammer has a force sensor integrated with the tip, the tip
ends are interchangeable. For bigger structures, there are big hammers available with more mass to generate a distinct
amplitude.

[Video available in the online version]

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Trigger parameters
Let's do a short measurement to explain all the parameters. The structure is hit once and the signals are measured.

The hammer signal (upper, blue line) shows a clean shock impact with about 2500 N peak and high damping while the
response (lower, red line) starts ringing and smoothly fades out.

Trigger level
The Modal test module needs a start criteria in triggered mode, therefore we specify a trigger level of e.g. 2000 N. Each time
the input signal overshoots the trigger level, the FRF calculation (FFT window) will start.

Double hit detection

However, when the input signal shows multiple impulses after one hit (so-called double hits), Dewesoft X can identify this if
you specify a double hit level. When the signal crosses the double-hit-level shortly after the trigger event, you will get a warning

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message and can repeat this point.

Overload level
You can also enable a warning which will be displayed when the hammer impact has exceeded a certain overload level - when
the hit was too strong.

The following picture summarizes the different trigger level options.

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Now that we have defined the trigger condition, we should ensure that the FRF calculation covers our whole signal to get a
good result.

Window length
Let's assume the sample rate of our example is 10 000 Hz and we have set 8192 lines in the FRF setup.

According to Nyquist, we can only measure up to half of the sample rate (5000 Hz) or the other way round, we need at least 2
samples per frequency line. So, our frequency resolution is:

The whole FFT window calculation time (window length) is:

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Below you see the cutout data section of the excitation and response signal, which covers pretty much the whole signal.

Note, that the x-axis is scaled in samples (from -819 to 15565, which gives a total of 16384 samples).

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Pretrigger
The pretrigger time is set to default by 5%. From the screenshot above you can see that 5% of 16 384 samples is 819 samples,
which equals t pre = 819 * (1/10 000 Hz) = 81,9 ms. At sample 0 the trigger occurs.

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Modal Analysis Data Acquisition System Overview
In most of the cases acceleration sensors, microphones, modal hammers or other force transducers are used for analog input.
If they are e.g. voltage or ICP/IEPE type, they are connected directly to the ACC amplifier of the SIRIUS data acquisition
system, or DEWE-43/MINITAUR DAQ systems with Dewesoft smart sensor interface DSI adapter (DSI-ACC).

When analog output is needed (for shaker control), the SIRIUS analog out option (8 channels with BNC connector on the rear
side of the SIRIUS DAQ system) provides a full-grown arbitrary function generator.

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Auto-generated Visual Displays
For an easier start, Dewesoft offers auto-generated displays, which already come with the most often used instruments and an
arrangement that makes sense for them according to the type of application.

Dewesoft automatically makes 2 auto-generated displays, one for measurement and one for analysis.

Depending on the measurement type, the display is adjusted: Impact hammer or shaker.

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The excitation and response sections each consist of two 2D graph instruments (scope and FFT) showing array data of
hammer and accelerometer signal.

The Info channel will show the current point or events such as double hit.

The Control buttons are used for going from one point to the next or canceling and repeating a point if the result was not
satisfying. The OVL display shows if the impact or response signals are too high, exceeding the physical input range of the
amplifier.

The FRF Geometry is already animated in the current point during measurement.

Two further 2D graphs on the right side show transfer function and coherence.

Modal test info channels

There are additional channels provided by the FRF module, which give status information during the measurement. To display
them, please add a Discrete display in Design mode:

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The channels Info and OVLChannel can be assigned to it. OVLChannel will only be displayed if the according option has been
enabled first.

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FRF control channels
During triggered measurement, after one point is finished, you can continue by pressing the Next point button.
If you are unsatisfied with the last hit, you can cancel it by using Reject last.
If all hits for the whole point are incorrect, e.g. if you hit on a point with a wrong number, with Reset point you can delete
all the hits done for the current point at once.

All the actions are done using control channels in Dewesoft. These can be modified during measurement. To change it
manually, you need to pick the input control display from the instrument toolbar. Set it to Control Channel and Push-button.
Channels Reject last, Next point and Reset point can now be assigned from the channel list on the right.

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Trigger Parameters

Excitation window length

You can separately adjust the window length of excitation
and response in order to reduce the influence of noise
appearing after the event of interest. The excitation
window length setting is valid for the excitation signal
(modal hammer hit). Per default 100% is selected, all of the
acquired data will be taken for calculation (all 16 384
samples in our example, the whole shown range).

The excitation FFT is of rectangular window type. In our

case the damping is very high (signal fades out quickly),
therefore we can select a smaller portion of the signal, e.g.
10 % (usually you would define a noise level first to
determine it).

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The rest of the signal will be cut out completely.

Response window decay

The response FFT is an exponential window type. When the response signal is fading out slowly (low damping), the user can
specify a certain time after which the signal is faded to zero (exponential decay function). This helps to reduce noise at low
amplitudes and shortens the measurement time. The picture below shows how the response window is decayed when
different percentages are selected in Dewesoft .

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Averaging of hits
The result can be improved by averaging the excitation and response spectrum over a number of impacts. Therefore, the first
e.g. 5 hits will be recognized and taken into calculation, then you move on to the next point.

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Impact hammer, 1 point excitation

When all acceleration sensors are mounted, the structure is excited at one point by the modal hammer (average over a
number of hits can also be done of course).

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27
Impact hammer, roving excitation sensor

1 roving excitation, 1 response

In this operation mode, there is one acceleration sensor

mounted in a fixed position on the structure. The modal
hammer is moving through the points (e.g. doing 5 hits in
each point, which are averaged). This is the easiest test
and requires only one hammer and one sensor.

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29
Impact hammer, roving acceleration sensor

The hammer is always exciting the structure in the same position. Now the acceleration sensor is moved to different
positions. The disadvantage of this setup is, that the mass of the acceleration sensor changes the structure differently in every
point, therefore, influences the measurement (this effect is called mass loading). Also between each measurement, the sensor
has to be mounted again, which results in a lot of work.

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31
Free run (sweep)
When doing a frequency sweep and measuring the responses, you have the advantage that the coherence will be much better
over the whole frequency range compared with a triggered setup. Of course, you are facing a more extensive setup in terms of
hardware, you'll probably need a shaker (and a shaker controller, which keeps the amplitude constant over the frequency
range). The channel setup of a typical shaker modal test is shown below.

The FFT windowing section is similar to the impact hammer FRF. You should ensure that the sweep is slow enough because
the FFT needs some time for calculation (number of lines, resolution). Again, on the left, we have the excitation and on the right
side response channels. If you enable the Use function generator checkbox, the FGEN settings Waveform, Start frequency and
Stop frequency and the AO channel column in the excitation section will also be visible. These settings are the same as in the
Analog out section (function generator).

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Furthermore, you can adjust here the sweep time and amplitude/phase settings, if you enter the Setup of the according to the
channel (AO 1 in our example). On the right side, you can tick the checkbox Show info channels, e.g. seeing the current
frequency during sweep is very helpful.

When you switch to Measure mode or press the Store button, the sweep will start. In comparison with the triggered
measurement, our excitation(s) and response(s) will in most of the cases consist now of sine waves, with distinct amplitude
and phase shift.

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When using a sine sweep, as the sweep moves through the frequencies, the bode plots will be updated. Putting the AO/Freq
channel on a separate display is a good way to show the current frequency.

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The picture above shows two 2D graph instruments with transfer functions 2-1 and 3-1 (amplitude on top and the phase
below) during a sweep. The left side is already calculated while the right side is ongoing.

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Shaker externally controlled

The usual application for the free-run option is on a shaker. If the shaker is externally controlled, we can measure back the
excitation signal (with a force sensor) and use it as a reference. Of course, it would also be possible to use an engine instead
of the shaker and analyze the transfer functions during runup or coast down.

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37
Shaker controlled by Dewesoft Function Generator

If we tick Use function generator, the FRF module accesses the FGEN section (requires Analog output option on the Dewesoft
instrument (AO)). It generates now e.g. a sine sweep from 10 to 1000 Hz. The shaker controller guarantees a defined
amplitude over all frequencies. With the force sensor, we measure back the excitation force. Please consider that Dewesoft
will not do the shaker control (control loop for amplitude), because of speed limitations. Practically a shaker control device
(shaker control box in the above picture) will be used in between.

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ODS - Operational deflection shapes

[Video available in the online version]

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EMA - Experimental Modal Analysis
In the experimental modal analysis (EMA), the structures are excited by artificial forces and both the inputs (excitation) and
outputs (response) are measured to get the frequency response functions (FRF) or impulse response functions (IRF) by digital
signal processing. Modal parameters can be identified from FRF or IRF by identification algorithms in the frequency domain or
the time domain. EMA tests are usually carried out in the lab, with the advantage of high signal to noise ration (SNR) and easy
to change test status.

EMA identification methods can be classified into a time domain (TD) methods and frequency domain (FD) methods according
to different identification domain. Also, they can be classified according to a different number of input and output:

SISO (single input single output),

SIMO (single input multiple outputs),
MIMO (multiple inputs multiple outputs).

The FRF is generally utilized for the EMA in the frequency domain, which is estimated from the excitation and response
signals. Then the modal parameters are identified by constructing the parametric or nonparametric models of the FRF and
curve fitting them. The IRF is generally utilized for the EMA in the time domain. It can be obtained from the inverse FFT of FRF.

Time domain methods are suitable for the global analysis in a broad frequency band, which have good numeric stability.
However, there are some limitations too:

very difficult to confirm the order of math model,

always time-consuming,
many calculation modes got with the structural modes and difficult to delete them,
many settings needed, complicated-to-use,
not being able to take into account the influence of out-band modes.

On the opposite side, frequency domain methods are always reliable, rapid, easy-to-use, with the capacity to consider the out-
band modes and analysis uneven spaced FRFs, so they are applied widely.

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OMA - Operational Modal Analysis
Operational modal analysis is used for large civil engineering structures, operating machinery or other structures, making use
of their output response only. These structures are always loaded by natural loads that cannot easily be controlled and
measured, for instance, waves load (offshore structures), the wind loads (buildings) or traffic loads (bridges).

Compared with EMA, OMA has its outstanding advantages. In OMA, the structure studied, is excited by natural loads instead of
some expensive excitation equipments as used in EMA. In fact, it is very difficult to excite large structures by artificial means.
So OMA is more economic and fast, and endowed by nature with characteristics of multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO). It
could be used to distinguish closely coupled modes. Moreover, all the measured responses come under operational state of
structures, and their real dynamic characteristics in operation could be revealed, so OMA is very suitable for health monitoring
and damage detection of large-scale structures.

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MIMO - multiple shaker excitation
Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) measurement techniques are a well-proven and well-established method for collecting
FRF data sets. MIMO methods offer some distinct advantages for the measurement and extraction of basic modal
parameters especially while testing larger structures.

The main advantage of MIMO is that the input-force energy is distributed over more locations on the structure. This provides a
more uniform vibration response over the structure, especially in cases of large and complex structures and structures with
heavy damping. In order to get sufficient vibration energy into these types of structures, there is a tendency to overdrive the
excitation DOF when only a single shaker is used. This can result in non-linear behavior and deteriorates the estimation of the
FRFs. Excitation in more locations often also provides a better representation of the excitation forces that the structure
experiences during real-life operation.

The response transducers must be roved around unless there are sufficient transducers available to cover all the response
DOFs. With this type of testing, uncorrelated random (continuous, burst, or periodic random) excitation signals are used. Burst
random and periodic random signals have the ability to provide leakage-free estimates of the FRFs, i.e., without resolution-bias
errors, which is an advantage compared to continuous random signals.

A demo measurement was done on a plane model. The structure was excited by two shakers with uncorrelated excitation
signals. The responses were measured with 3-axial accelerometers and the excitation signals were measured with force
transducers. The voltage signal for the shakers was supplied from the Dewesoft Function generator (AO module).

On the left side of the Modal test UI, you select Shaker as a test method, resolution of the measurement, and additional output
channels.

On the right side of the UI, define the excitation source and excitation channels. We will use Dewesoft AO to drive the shakers
and we select Burst random noise as the type of excitation.

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We will measure the excitation with 2 force transducers in Z+ direction, at points 1 and 2.

We measured the responses with 4 tri-axial accelerometers in X, Y, and Z direction (points 1, 2, 4, 5) and with 2 uni-axial
accelerometers in Z direction (points 3 and 6). Setup was done accordingly, as shown in the image below.

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On time-domain recorder (top right corner) you can see time domain channels from excitation and responses.

On the left side, the results are displayed on 2D graphs. You can see transfer functions, coherences, and MIF (mode indicator
functions). The geometry is animated from the selected frequency.

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Geometry editor
In Dewesoft X, you can quickly draw simple structures, as well as import more complex ones. Cartesian and cylindrical
coordinate systems are supported, which is great for drawing circular objects.

The index numbers defined in the channel setup before are used as Point numbers in the geometry for animation.

[Video available in the online version]

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Importing a CAD file into Dewesoft X's geometry editor
It has always been a big question when it comes to importing a more complex geometry into the Dewesoft X's FRF geometry
editor for modal analysis.

It seems not many CAD software support the export to UNV; actually, it's a process of finite element meshing, calculating the
polygons.

Here you can find a freeware-converter GMSH from e.g. STL-to-UNV ( http://geuz.org/gmsh/ ).

You can download the program by clicking on a link: http://geuz.org/gmsh/bin/Windows/gmsh-2.8.5-Windows.zip

After downloading it, open the program. Then you can open any STL file.

The geometry will be seen in GMSH program.

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The click on Save as and choose *.unv file format and rename the file to .unv.

After that, the importing of geometry in Dewesoft X in the same as it is described on the previous page.

All the nodes and triangles are defined in the .unv file format.
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Geometry is now ready to be used for modal animation.

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49
FRF - frequency response function
For the following explanation of parameters, a triggered FRF was done on a snowboard structure. All 39 excitation points were
sequentially hit by the modal hammer and related to 1 accelerometer placed in the center.

Only 1 hammer and 1 sensor were used!

From the channel list on the right side, we see that each point (#1, #2, #3, #4) is related to the reference point (#1). For each
excitation point, a transfer function was calculated, e.g. TF_1Z+/3Z+.

A transfer function consists of amplitude and phase part or real and imaginary parts. The 2D graph is the instrument to use,
there you can select what you want to display by using the properties from the left side.

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To make a bode plot, use two 2D graphs below each other. The above one shows the amplitude (y-axis type: LOG), the lower
one the phase (y-axis type: LIN).

When the amplitude of the transfer function shows a local maximum, and the phase is turning at this point, it usually indicates
a resonance. But to avoid an erroneous statement, other parameters have to be checked as well!

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52
Coherence
Coherence is used to check the correlation between the output spectrum and the input spectrum. So you can estimate the
power transfer between input and output of a linear system. It shows how well the input and output are related to each other.

Autospectrum
Autospectrum is a function commonly explored both in signal and system analysis. It is computed from the instantaneous
(Fourier) spectrum as:

Im

+OA SAA Re

- OA

There is a new, fundamental function - cross-spectrum - in the dual-channel processing. It is computed from the instantaneous
spectra of both channels. All other functions are computed during post-processing from the cross-spectrum and the two auto
spectrums - all functions are the functions of frequency.

Cross spectrum
Based on complex instantaneous spectrum A(f) and B(f), the cross-spectrum SAB (from A to B) is defined as:

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 Im

B(f)
A(f)

ΦA

ΦB Re

ΦB-ΦA

A*(f)•B(f)

The amplitude of the cross-spectrum SAB is the product of amplitudes, its phase is the difference between both phases (from
A to B). Cross spectrum SBA (from B to A) has the same amplitude, but opposite phase. The phase of the cross-spectrum is
the phase of the system as well.

Both auto spectra and cross-spectrum can be defined either as two-sided (notation SAA, SBB, SAB, SBA) or as one-sided
(notation GAA, GBB, GAB, GBA). One-sided spectrum is obtained from the two-sided one as:

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The cross-spectrum itself has little importance, but it is used to compute other functions. Its amplitude |GAB| indicates the
extent to which the two signals correlate as the function of frequency and phase angle <GAB indicates the phase shift between
the two signals as the function of frequency. The advantage of the cross-spectrum is that influence of noise can be reduced by
averaging. That is because the phase angle of the noise spectrum takes random values so that the sum of those several
random spectra tends to zero. It can be seen that the measured auto spectrum is a sum of the true auto spectrum and auto
spectrum of noise, whilst the measured cross-spectrum is equal to the true cross-spectrum.

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 true input true output
U(f) H(f) V(f)

M(f) ∑ A(f) N(f) ∑ B(f)

noise at input measured input noise at output measured output

channel A autospectrum:

S AA = E [(U+M)*•(U+M)] = E[(U*•U)]+E[(U*•M)]+E[(M•U)]+E[(M*•M)]
UU
+SMM =S

channel B autospectrum:

S BB = E[(V+N)*•(V+N)]= E[(V*•V)]+ E[(V*•N)]+E[(N*•V)]+

VV
+S
E[(N*•N)]
NN =S

cross spectrum:

S AB = E[(U+M)*•(V+N)]= E[(U*•V)]+ E[(U*•N)]+ E[(M*•V)]+

UV E[(M*•N)] = S

Im ∑Ui * • iM 0

Re

Ui * • M
i

Coherence
Coherence function γ indicates the degree of a linear relationship between two signals as a function of frequency. It is
defined by two auto spectra (GAA, GBB) and a cross-spectrum (GAB) as:

At each frequency, coherence can be taken as a correlation coefficient (squared) which expresses the degree of the linear
relationship between two variables, where the magnitudes of auto spectra correspond to variances of those two variables and
the magnitude of cross-spectrum corresponds to covariance.
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The coherence value varies from zero to one. Zero means no relationship between the input A and output B, whilst one means
a perfectly linear relationship.

There are four possible relationships between input A and output B:

Perfectly linear relationship A sufficiently linear relationship with a slight scatters caused by noise

Non-linear relationship No relationship

Low values indicate a weak relation (when the excitation spectrum has gaps at certain frequencies), values close to 1 show a
representative measurement.

That means when the transfer function shows a peak, but the coherence is low (red circles in the picture below), it must not
necessarily be a real resonance. Maybe the measurement has to be repeated (with different hammer tips), or you can
additionally look for the MIF parameter.

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Coherence is a Vector channel and therefore displayed with a 2D graph instrument.

The coherence is calculated separately for each point (e.g. Coherence_3Z/1Z, Coherence_4Z/1Z).

In the case of no averaging, coherence is always equal to 1. In the case of averaging and samples, GAB influenced by noise,
deviations in the phase angles cause that the resulting magnitude |GAB| is lower than it would be without the presence of
noise (see the picture below). The presence of non-linearity has a similar influence.

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Measurement screen - video
[Video available in the online version]

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Mode indicator function (MIF)
If all parts of a structure are moving sinusoidally with the same frequency (fixed phase relations), this motion is called normal
mode. This happens at resonance or natural frequencies. Depending on the structure, material, and bounding conditions there
exist a number of mode shapes (e.g. twisting, bending, half-period, full-period movement...).

These are usually found out by finite element simulation software, or by experimental measurement and analysis.

When the amplitude of the transfer function shows a local maximum, and the phase is turning at this point, it usually indicates
a resonance. To be sure, also the Coherence should be checked as described before. And last, you can look for the MIF
(=Mode Indicator Function).

A MIF close to 1 indicates a mode shape.

The spikes shown in the picture below are very likely resonance frequencies. Just click on them and check the movement in
the geometry instrument.

MIF is a Vector channel, and therefore also displayed with a 2D graph instrument.

The MIF is calculated from all transfer functions (all points), therefore, is only one channel.

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Structure movement animation
The structure movement animation is done by putting sine functions with the amplitudes and phases from the measurement
into the geometry model points. The animation is done in one direction (in our example Z+). You can animate the structure for
a single frequency, which can be chosen in the 2D graph when setting the Cursor type to Channel cursor, as shown below. All
FRF instruments will follow the channel cursor.

[Video available in the online version]

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Modal circle
Finally, when you are certain that the point you are looking at is a resonance, you might want to get its exact frequency and
damping factor. As the FFT can never be that precise (high line resolution needs long calculation time, which is not given when
there is a hammer impact), there are some mathematical methods to interpolate.

[Video available in the online version]

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Export of complex data
After the measurement is done the data can be exported to a lot of different file formats, e.g. UNV/UFF, Diadem, Matlab, Excel,
Text... The transfer function can be separately exported by Real, Imag, Ampl or Phase part, whatever you prefer.

[Video available in the online version]

In MS Excel, for example, the transfer function data will appear on a sheet called Single value. For each transfer function,
Real/Imag/Ampl/Phase is exported.

If you prefer it differently, data rows and columns can simply be exchanged in MS Excel by copying and using the Transpose
function from the submenu when pasting.

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64
Export in UNV / UFF format
The Universal File Format (also known as UFF or UNV format) is very common in modal analysis. Depending on the header, it
can contain either transfer functions, coherence, geometry, ... or various other data.

The following example shows how to export data recorded by Dewesoft into Vibrant Technologies ME Scope analysis
software and how to display it there.

First, choose the UNV export from the export section and the option Export complex channels if you want to export phase, real
and imaginary part. Then select all your transfer functions (you can use the Filter and type TF for simplification). When clicking
on the Export button you will create a UNV datafile.

1.

In FRF, the geometry editor saves the structure also in UNV format. This creates the UNV geometry file.

2.

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3. Start a software that can import UNV files (like ME Scope, N-Modal, ...) and click File Import Data block. Select the UNV
datafile.

4.

5. The transfer functions are already recognized.

6.

7.

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 8. Then click File Import Structure and select the UNV geometry file.
9.

10.

11. Now both data and geometry are successfully imported. Let's try to animate it, select Draw Animate Shapes.
12.

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13.

14.

15. A pop up appears, and we select to match the structure and transfer data. Equations are created.

16. Finally, you can select a peak on a transfer function and enjoy the animation.

17.

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18.

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Example - Imapct hammer measurement
As the triggered measurement might be difficult to understand, this section shows how to use the mentioned controls and
tools step-by-step.

Let's say we want to analyze this metal sheet structure. At first, we define the direction of analysis (orientation up/down, Z-
axis), then we put it on a soft rubber foam that it can vibrate freely. Of course, hanging it with rubber bands from the roof would
be better but would also take more time to wait for each point until the ringing fades out.

Then mark equidistant points, in our case from #1 to #24. The higher the number of points, the more detailed the animation
will be. It is also helpful to write numbers next to the points. They should be consistent with the structure, channel setup, and
FRF geometry in software.

[Video available in the online version]

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Example - excitation of a structure with a shaker
This is a practical example showing shaker mode FRF. The Analog out of the SIRIUS instrument (Function Generator) is
connected to an audio amplifier which drives a loudspeaker. On the membrane, a metal structure (metal beam) is mounted on
a force transducer (excitation) and two acceleration sensors (responses).

1. In the Analog section, we define our force sensor and the two accelerometers. They are all of IEPE type. As we want to
analyze our structure up to 1000 Hz, we select a sampling rate of e.g. 5000 Hz.
2.

1.
2.
3. Next, we add a Modal test module (Shaker measurement type) and choose the Use function generator. A window size of
1024 lines results in a nice resolution of 2.44 Hz. We select a sine sweep from 1 to 1000 Hz. The index numbers 1, 2, and
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 3 are entered according to the structure, the direction is Z+ for all.

1.
2.
3. Also, check the Function generator section. Start and stop frequency are already copied from the Modal test module. We
adjust the sweep time (120 seconds) and amplitude (1 V) for now. Startup time and the fall time is 0.1 s by default, which
prohibits sudden crackles, that could result in wide-spectrum noise at the beginning and end of the measurement.

1. Now we are ready for drawing the structure. Go to measure mode, the screen Modal test should be autogenerated. Click
on the FRF geometry instrument and select Editor from the left side. Then add 3 points with the + button, example
coordinates as shown below. Then save the structure by clicking on File Save UNV...
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1. Now we are ready for measurement. When you click the store button, the Function generator will start, the AO will sweep
from 1 to 1000 Hz. The transfer functions will smoothen from left to right side, here you see a snapshot currently at 357
Hz.

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1. Finally, we can look at the result. The coherence of both channels related to the excitation looks very nice. The green line
(MIF) indicates mode shapes, click on the peaks and the structure will be animated.

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2.

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