Proc.

ofthe4thNationalConferenceonEmergingTrendsinMechanicalEngineering,March1819,2011
G.H.PatelCollegeofEngineering&Technology,V.V.Nagar388120,Gujarat,India
ISBN:9788190937634

Methodology for Estimation of Modal Parameters using

Experimental Modal Analysis in light of Curve Fitting Technique
N.V.Oza1*, R.I.Patel2, S.S.Pathan3
1. Pursuing M.E. Mechanical Engg. at L.D.College of Engineering , Ahmedabad.
2. Pursuing M.E. Mechanical Engg. at L.D.College of Engineering , Ahmedabad.
3. Sr. Lecturer in Mechanical Engg., at L.D.College of Engineering , Ahmedabad.
*
Corresponding author (e-mail: nigam91@yahoo.com)

In this paper, concept of experimental modal analysis is discussed to derive dynamic

properties of mechanical structures and equipments. Dynamic properties (mode shape,
damping, and resonant frequencies) are calculated using MATLAB program. Amongst
present curve fitting method, Rational Fraction Polynomials (RFP) method is used in the
derivation of modal parameters. Results obtained from this method are compared with
those obtained form experiment and shown in form of standard deviation. This standard
deviation is computed from different experimental FRF values and analytically obtained
FRF values.

Keywords: Experimental modal analysis; Modal parameter extraction; Damping

identification; Polynomial curve fitting

1. Introduction

Vibration has many undesirable and harmful effects on life and performance of mechanical
equipments and other structures. The effects of vibration are due to dynamic interaction between
vehicles and bridges, structural motions due to earthquakes, noise generated by construction
equipment , vibration transmitted from machinery to its supporting structures thereby interfering
with their performance , damage as well as malfunction and failure due to dynamic loading,
fatigue failure, oscillation of transmission lines[1].

The objective of this paper is to emphasis on dynamic analysis of such equipments and
structures by capturing their actual dynamic behaviour during experimentation such that the adversity
arising from vibration effects can be minimised to improve their life and performance.

Dynamic analysis consists of experimental and operational modal analysis. In experimental

modal analysis (EMA), structures are artificially excited by exciters (Impact hammers and shakers). In
operational modal analysis (OMA), structure is analysed while it is operated upon.

For large and heavy structures (civil structures such as bridge and dams), modal analysis
is used to detect damage by ambient (traffic) condition [2] .Recent trends in dynamic analysis
are extremely focused on better performance and life of structures. Self excited vibrations of tool
result in unstable cutting process, poor surface finish, reduced productivity and damage on the
machine itself. By considering spindle geometry (its diameter and length), bearing stiffness, tool
holder geometry and selection of combination of depth of cut and spindle speed from stability lobe
diagrams, machining operation can be made chatter free[3,4]. In vibration of rotating equipments
(such as pump, turbine etc.), dynamic analysis is used to check their health as excessive noise of
these equipments is experienced by personnel in large power plants and refineries due to damage or
failure of seals [5].

2. Methodology

In this paper, EMA is focused upon. EMA is used to characterize resonant vibration in
machinery and structures. In EMA, a mode of vibration is defined by three parameters; modal
frequency, modal damping and mode shape. Modal parameter estimation is the process of
determining these parameters from experimental data. Furthermore, a set of modal parameters can
completely characterize the dynamic properties of a structure. This set of parameters is also called a
modal model for the structure. Modes (or resonances) are inherent properties of a structure.

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 Proc.ofthe4thNationalConferenceonEmergingTrendsinMechanicalEngineering,March1819,2011
G.H.PatelCollegeofEngineering&Technology,V.V.Nagar388120,Gujarat,India
ISBN:9788190937634

Resonances are determined by the material properties (mass, stiffness, and damping properties), and
boundary conditions of the structure. If either the material properties or the boundary conditions of a
structure change, its modes will change. For instance, if mass is added to a vertical pump, it will
vibrate differently because its modes have changed.

All vibration is a combination of both forced and resonant vibration. Forced vibration can be
due to internally generated forces, unbalances, external loads, ambient excitation. Resonant vibration
occurs when one or more of the resonances or natural modes of vibration of a machine or structure
are excited. Resonant vibration typically amplifies the vibration response far beyond the level
deflection, stress, and strain caused by static loading. At certain natural frequencies of the structure
(its modal frequencies), a small amount of input force can cause a very large response [6].

2.1 Types of testing

Two types of Impact and shaker testing are used for EMA. Impact testing is used as it is fast,
convenient, and low cost way of finding the modes of machines and structures. Shaker test is used
for structure with delicate surfaces which cannot be impact tested or because of its limited frequency
range or low energy density over a wide spectrum, the impacting force is not be sufficient to
adequately excite the modes of interest.

2.2 Procedure of Experimental Modal Analysis:

i. Obtain a suitable (admissible) set of test data, consisting of forcing excitations and motion
responses, for various pairs of degrees of freedom of the test object.
ii. Compute the frequency transfer functions (frequency response functions).
iii. Curve fit analytical transfer functions to the computed transfer functions. Determine natural
frequencies, damping ratios, and residues for various modes in each transfer function.
iv. Compute mode shape vectors.
v. Compute inertia (mass) matrix M, stiffness matrix K, and damping matrix C [7].

2.3 Frequency Response Function (FRF)

The FRF is essentially a normalized measure of structural response. That is, it is the ratio of a
response spectrum divided by the spectrum of the excitation which causes the response. Hence, the
FRF is a measure of the dynamic properties between two degrees-of-freedom of a structure; the
excitation point (and direction) and the response point (and direction) [1].

Figure 1 Frequency Response Function (FRF) [8]

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 Proc.ofthe4thNationalConferenceonEmergingTrendsinMechanicalEngineering,March1819,2011
G.H.PatelCollegeofEngineering&Technology,V.V.Nagar388120,Gujarat,India
ISBN:9788190937634

Mathematically, FRF can be represented as

M rA ij
ij () =
r =1
2
r 2 + 2r r j

Where r = Excitation frequencies, =natural frequencies, r = damping loss factor, r =modes

Figure 2 FRF for damping ratio 0.001 Figure 3 FRF for damping ratio 0.1

Figure 2 and 3 show the effect on FRF for different values of damping. At lower value of
damping (0.001), sharp edge of FRF is seen whereas at higher value of damping (0.1), this edge
becomes blunt.

2.4 Curve fitting methods

Curve fitting, or Parameter Estimation, is a numerical process that is typically used to

represent a set of experimentally measured data points by some assumed analytical function. The
results of this curve fitting process are the coefficients, or parameters, that are used in defining the
analytical function. With regard to the Frequency Response Function, the parameters that are
calculated are its so-called modal parameters (i.e. modal frequency, damping, and residue) [9].

Amongst all present methods, Rational Fraction Polynomials (RFP) method is giving better
results for single as well as for multi degree of freedom systems. In this paper, RFP method is used
for modal parameter extraction [10].

Mathematical representation of FRF in RFP method can be shown as,

a k p k ( j )
( j ) = k 0
ns
where bn = 1
b q
k =0
k k ( j )

Where p0( j ) =1, p1( j ) = j , p2( j ) =( j )2 . , pm( j ) =( j )m

q0( j ) =1, q1( j ) = j , q2( j ) =( j )2 ,.. , qm( j ) =( j )n

Poles can be expressed as + i( (1 2 )

Natural frequency= = Absolute value of Poles
Damping ratio= = (real part)/ (absolute value of pole)

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 Proc.ofthe4thNationalConferenceonEmergingTrendsinMechanicalEngineering,March1819,2011
G.H.PatelCollegeofEngineering&Technology,V.V.Nagar388120,Gujarat,India
ISBN:9788190937634

3. Result & Discussion

Experimental data in form of FRF was collected from FFT analyser. In this data, as many
modes as can be identified. In this case, five modes were identified .MATLAB signal processing tool
box was used for processing data. Invfreqs and residue function were used to find out poles and
residues. From the real and imaginary parts of poles, resonant natural frequencies as well as
damping ratio for identified modes were found out. Residual between the experimental data curve and
the curve fit were calculated for the analytical and experimental data. Standard deviations were
calculated from this residual.

Table 1 RFP estimated parameters on structure

Local Global
Natural Damping
Mode Standard Standard
Frequency (Hz) Ratio
Deviation Deviation
1 43 0.00100000 0.21454
2 85 0.00083333 0.36879
3 171 0.00046296 0.69839 0.87551
4 256 0.00030864 0.96098
5 259 0.00015432 1.08120

Experiment was carried out on F- type structure specimen as shown in figure 4.

Figure 4 F- type structure

By RFP method, the values of damping ratio and local and global standard deviation are
shown in table 1. This value indicates accuracy of RFP method as exact value of damping ratio
cannot be calculated in real structures.

Figures 5 and 6 indicate FRF plots for experimental data and curve fit FRF data with
RFP method respectively.

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 Proc.ofthe4thNationalConferenceonEmergingTrendsinMechanicalEngineering,March1819,2011
G.H.PatelCollegeofEngineering&Technology,V.V.Nagar388120,Gujarat,India
ISBN:9788190937634

Response vs Frequency Response vs Frequency

Figure 5 FRF for experimental data Figure 6 curve fit FRF data with RFP method

Based on the plot response vs frequency plot, resonance frequencies can be clearly picked
up. This plot clearly indicates what percentage of damping the structure would be carrying. Sharp
edge defines lower damping ratio (below 0.01%). As the edge becomes flat, percentage-damping
ratio increases. This makes curve-fitting method such as half power method unable to pick
neighboring frequencies, as at flat edge, frequencies cannot be distinguished clearly. This makes
RFP method attractive in modal parameter extraction.

The verification of MATLAB program can also be carried out by comparing it with FEA (finite
element analysis) and with ME SCOPE VES curve-fitting software. Using commercially available
FEA packages, the modal analysis can be performed. The mode shapes obtained by MATLAB
program can be compared with those obtained with FEA for the structures of interest. Future work is
focused on the same.

4. Conclusion

EMA is attractive to extract modal parameters. By impact and shaker type of testing, wide
range of frequencies are imposed on a structure which is useful to find its response at different
frequencies particularly resonance frequencies. By EMA, simulation of such structures can be carried
out even before prototypes are made. This is very helpful in early prediction of structures dynamic
properties in design stage itself. Their life and performance can be improved in advance with low cost
and effectiveness.

References

[1] Clarence W. de Silva, Vibration: Fundamentals and Practice , Boca Raton: CRC Press LLC,
2000.

[2] A Cunha, E Caetano Experimental Modal Analysis of Civil Engineering Structures , Sound and
Vibration, 2006.

[3] A Erturka, E Budakb, H.N.O zgu vena, Selection of design and operational parameters in spindle
holdertool assemblies for maximum chatter stability by using a new analytical model
International Journal of Machine Tools & Manufacture 47,2006 , pp14011409.

[4] I. Zaghbani, V. Songmene, Estimation of machine-tool dynamic parameters during machining

operation through operational modal analysis International Journal of Machine Tools &
Manufacture 49,2009, pp947957.

[5] M. M. Onari, P. A. Boyadjis,Solving Structural Vibration Problems Using Operating Deflection

Shape And Finite Element Analysis , Proceeding of the Twenty-Fifth International Pump Users
Symposium, 2009.

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 Proc.ofthe4thNationalConferenceonEmergingTrendsinMechanicalEngineering,March1819,2011
G.H.PatelCollegeofEngineering&Technology,V.V.Nagar388120,Gujarat,India
ISBN:9788190937634

[6] D Formenti, M Richardson, Parameter Estimation from Frequency Response Measurements

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[7] B. J. Schwarz, M. H. Richardson Experimental Modal Analysis, Vibrant Technology, Inc.

Jamestown, California 95327,1999.

[8] J. He, Z. F. Fu, Modal Analysis Butterworth-Heinemann, 2001.

[9] M.H.Richardson, Global Frequency & Damping Estimates From Frequency Response
Measurements Structural Measurement Systems, IMAC, 2000, San Jose, California.

[10] W. A. Fladung, A. W. Phillips, R. J. Allemang, Application of a generalized residual model to

frequency domain modal parameter estimation, Journal of Sound and Vibration 262, 2003,
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