Enhancement of Impact-Synchronous Modal analysis (ISMA) with number of averages.

A new method, namely Impact-synchronous Modal Analysis (ISMA), utilizing the modal extraction technique commonly used in Experimental Modal Analysis performed in the presence of the ambient forces, is proposed. In ISMA, the extraction is performed while the machine is running, utilized Impact-synchronous Time Averaging prior to performing the Fast Fourier Transform. The number of averages had a very important effect when applying ISMA on structures with dominant periodic responses of cyclic loads and ambient excitation. With a sufficient number of impacts, all the unaccounted forces were diminished, leaving only the response due to the impacts. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of averages taken in the determination of dynamic characteristics of a machine while in different rotating speeds. At low operating speeds that coincided with the lower natural modes, ISMA with a high number of impacts determined the dynamic characteristics of the system successfully. Meanwhile, at operating speeds that were away from any natural modes, ISMA with a moderate number of averages taken was sufficient to extract the modal parameters. Finally for high-speed machines, ISMA with a high number of impacts taken has limitations in extracting natural modes close to the operating speed

Impact force identification by using modal transformation method for automobile test Rig

In the automobile industry, impact force is the main cause for material fatigue in lightweight vehicles. Bump-excited impact force is the most common case, which causes damage to vehicles and reduces the quality of the ride. Force identification is important to reflect the structure's health so that action such as structure modification can be taken before material fatigue. However, direct measurement by using force transducer is not practical due to difficulty in force sensor configuration. A methodology utilizing Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) analysis, Frequency Response Function (FRF) measurement and Modal Transformation Method (MTM) to evaluate the dynamic force is proposed here. This method is called indirect force measurement by using inverse technique. The performance of this approach was demonstrated via experiment. From the measured responses and measured dynamic characteristics of an automobile test rig, a real time mathematical manipulation can generate the system's input force. The force location is known in priori for impact excitation and therefore the inverse problem is well-posed. This method was tested using different force location with unique input force. It shows that high quality of curve fitting to extract the modal parameters such as damped natural frequency, modal damping and residue mode shape is essential to obtain a high accuracy force determination © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland

Importance of Selecting a Suitable Analysis Frequency Range in Impact Force Identification for Automobile Test Rig

In this study, the effectiveness of selecting a suitable analysis frequency range in impact force identification is highlighted. A methodology that utilizesOperating Deflection Shape (ODS) analysis, Modal Analysis (MA) and Modal Transformation Method (MTM) to evaluate the dynamic force in three cases of analysis frequency ranges was presented. These three cases are the overestimated, even-estimated, and under-estimated cases, which consist of higher, similar andlower analysis frequency range respectively, compared to the actual excitation frequency range. The performance of this approach was demonstrated via experiment. A Perspex plate with four ground supports was used as the automobile test rig. By measuring the acceleration response and Frequency Response Function (FRF) of the test rig, the time history of unknown force was recovered by the proposed method where the impact location was known in advance. It showed that the force identification result for even-estimated case falls within acceptable range while the force identification result for over-estimated and under-estimated cases isnot acceptable

The dynamic elastic response to impulse synchronisation of composite prosthetic energy storing and returning feet

In this research, it is proven that perfect synchronisation between the input impulse (human effort) and the ground reaction impulse/impact can result in a phenomenon called the dynamic elastic response to impulse synchronisation with favourable consequences to the behaviour of the energy storing and returning foot. An energy storing and returning composite prosthetic foot was first used in elite competition at the 1988 Paralympic Games. Since its introduction, the prostheses have proven to be a source of controversy. In 2008, it was concluded that the athletes who use such technology when running are in advantageous position when compared to able-bodied athletes. However, these findings have since been disputed. There still remain unanswered questions regarding the level of contribution of energy storing and returning feet in the performance of amputee athletes. A series of investigations have previously been conducted to study the dynamic characteristics of a number of energy storing and returning composite prosthetic feet. It was found that if a sinusoidal input impulse, with a frequency close to one of the energy storing and returning feet’s natural frequencies, could be applied, it can make the energy storing and returning foot susceptible to resonance, which, in the case of bending mode, if sustained can lead to a gain in height or increased velocity

Identification of material properties of orthotropic composite plate using hybrid non-destructive evaluation approach

Identification of material properties is one of the key issues in composite materials research. The mechanical properties of composite materials depend on diverse factors such as configuration of the laminates, constituent materials used and production method adopted. Conventional testing approach tends to be time-consuming, expensive and destructive. As an alternative, a rapid, inexpensive, hybrid and non-destructive evaluation approach which utilises experimental modal analysis and finite element analysis is proposed. Experimental modal data which consist of natural frequencies and mode shapes of an orthotropic composite plate are utilised for correlation purpose with its finite element model. This finite element model of the composite plate is continuously updated and achieves less than 5% in difference of natural frequencies and over 70% in modal assurance criterion. Material properties such as Young's moduli, inplane shear modulus and Poisson ratio of the composite plate are then successfully determined using the well-correlated FE model

Non-destructive testing and assessment of dynamic incompatibility between third-party piping and drain valve systems: An industrial case study

This paper presents the outcome of an industrial case study that involved condition monitoring of piping system that showed signs of excess fatigue due to flow-induced vibration. Due to operational requirements, a novel non-destructive assessment stratagem was adopted using different vibration analysis techniques - such as experimental modal analysis and operating deflection shapes - and complemented by visual inspection. Modal analysis carried out near a drain valve showed a dynamic weakness problem (several high-frequency flow-induced vibration frequency peaks), hence condition-based monitoring was used. This could easily be linked to design problem associated with the dynamic incompatibility due to dissimilar stiffness between two third-party supplied pipe and valve systems. It was concluded that this is the main cause for these problem types especially when systems are supplied by third parties, but assembled locally, a major cause of dynamic incompatibility. It is the local assembler's responsibility to develop skills and expertise needed to sustain the operation of these plants. This paper shows the technique used as result of one such initiative. Since high amplitude, low-frequency displacement can cause low cycle fatigue, attention must be paid to ensure flow remains as steady state as possible. The ability to assess the level of design incompatibility and the level of modification required using non-destructive testing is vital if these systems are to work continuously. © 2014 Taylor & Francis