multiple of the step frequency.

For example, the harmonic

frequencies of a 2-Hz step frequency are 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz,
etc. A sub-harmonic frequency is an integer subdivision of a
frequency. For example, the fourth sub-harmonic frequency
of an 8-Hz natural frequency is 2 Hz.
Heel-drop. A means of producing an impact on a floor,
produced by a person standing on his or her toes and letting
the heels drop without the toes lifting from the floor.
Impulse, unit impulse and unit impulse response. An
impulse is a high force that acts for an extremely short time
duration. Impulses are expressed using force-time units such
as lb-s. When a single-degree-of-freedom system is subjected
to a unit impulse, the resulting unit impulse response
is characterized by an initial peak velocity proportional to
the reciprocal of the mass followed by sinusoidal decay at
the natural frequency.
Low- and high-frequency systems. A low-frequency system
is one that can undergo resonant build-up due to the
applicable human-induced dynamic loading. A resonant
build-up can occur if at least one responsive natural mode
has a frequency less than the maximum considered harmonic
frequency. A high-frequency system is one that cannot
undergo resonant build-up due to the applicable dynamic
loading because all responsive frequencies are greater than
the maximum considered harmonic frequency. The response
of a high-frequency system resembles a series of individual
impulse responses to individual footsteps.
Modal analysis. An analytical or experimental method for
determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a
structure, as well as the structural responses of individual
modes to a given excitation.
Modal frequency. See natural frequency.
Mode shape, mass-normalized mode shape, and unitynormalized
mode shape. When a structure vibrates freely in
a particular mode, it moves with a certain deflection configuration
referred to as a mode shape. Each natural frequency
has a mode shape associated with it. Figure 1-3 shows typical
mode shapes for a simple beam and for