2010-10-14

Assignment 2
Experimental Mechanics II
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Assignment 2
Modal Analysis II
Purpose: Practice experimental modal analysis. Use the
experimental results to validate and improve an FE-
model.
Preparation: Study chapter 8 in ‘Introductory Noise and Vibration
Analysis’.

Read the compendium “Single Degree of Freedom

Experimental Modal Analysis Methods”.

Read chapter 2 (pp. 6-19) in Ahlin, K. & Brandt, A.,

(2001), “Experimental Modal Analysis in Practice”,
Saven EduTech AB.
Equipment: Structure with Bolt-channel Joints
Accelerometers and cables
Impulse Hammer and cable
Software: Matlab, IDEAS Test, ABAQUS
Latest Submission date: No later than two weeks after the scheduled lab!

Problem Description
A beam structure (shown in Figure 2) will be studied with theoretical modelling and
experimental testing. A numerical model will be used to design a suitable
experimental modal analysis test, which will then be carried out with an impulse
hammer. Modal parameters will be extracted from the measured data and used to
update and verify the numerical model.

The cross section is shown in Figure 1 and data for the section is shown below:
Area: 821.22 mm2
IXX: 164640 mm4 (Moment of Inertia about the x-axis)
IYY: 400446 mm4 (Moment of Inertia about the y-axis)
JZ: 565086 mm4 (Polar moment of Inertia about the centerpoint)

Figure 1. Cross section.

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 2010-10-14

Assignment 2
Experimental Mechanics II
Department of Mechanical Engineering

1000 mm

710 mm
Figure 2. T-Beam structure “fixed” in the lower end.

The two beams are connected with joints, each with weight 225 g.

Task 1. Numerical Model

Create a simplified finite-element model of the beam and use it to find the two
lowest modes in the “out of the paper” direction. You may neglect the joints in this
task.

Note: If you use beam elements in ABAQUS (recommended) then use a generalized
profile to model the section.

Task 2. Pre-test analysis

Use your numerical model as a help to decide the following:
The number of, as well as appropriate locations of, response measurement
points.
A suitable excitation (reference) point.
Frequency range of interest for experimental modal analysis.

Task 3. Experimental Work

The measurements shall be made with a modal hammer and a fixed accelerometer.
Collect the FRF data using IDEAS Test and save the data in unv files.

In your report, show a typical FRF together with the coherence function.

Task 4. Analysis of Experimental Data I

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 2010-10-14

Assignment 2
Experimental Mechanics II
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Estimate the resonance frequencies, damping and the mode shapes from the
measurement data using Peak Picking and Mode Picking (SDOF methods).

Task 5. Analysis of Experimental Data II

Estimate the resonance frequencies, damping and the mode shapes for the first two
modes using the Modaltools toolbox (MATLAB). The modes shall be animated.
Compare with the results obtained in task 4.

Task 6. Comparisons I
Use your finite-element model to compute an FRF. Use the measured modal damping
when calculating the FRF. Then compare with a measured FRF (in the same
reference/response point!).

Task 7. Comparisons II
Compare resonance frequencies and mode shapes obtained from the finite-element
model (ABAQUS) with the result obtained from the experimental data (Task 5).
Improve you finite-element model just by using basic engineering knowledge
(model the joints!) and compare the results again.

Report
A short and well written technical report shall be produced. Copied text in
your report will not be accepted. Use the Template at the hompage!

Good luck!
Andreas Josefsson/Tatiana Smirnova, ING
tatiana.smirnova@bth.se