A Study on Dynamic Characteristics of Structural Materials Using Modal Analysis

Modal analysis is a process of describing a structure in terms of its natural characteristicswhich are the frequency, damping and mode shapes - its dynamic properties [1]. The change of modal characteristics directly provides an indication of structural condition based on changes in frequencies and mode shapes of vibration. This paper presents results of an experimental modal analysis of beams made with different materials such as Steel, Brass, Copper and Aluminum. The beams were excited using an impact hammer excitation technique over the frequency range of interest, 0–2000 Hz. Frequency response functions (FRFs) were obtained using OROS vibration analyzer. The FRFs were processed using NV Solutions modal analysis package to identify natural frequencies, Damping and the corresponding mode shapes of the beams.