MODAL TEST AND ANALYSIS

SOLUTION USER MANUAL

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1. Table of contents
1. Table of contents 2

2. About this document 5

2.1 Legend 5

3. Introduction 5
3.1 Modal test module and Modal analysis module 5
3.2 LTI systems 6
3.3 Frequency response function 6
3.4 System overview 7
3.5 Adding Modal test module 8

4. Setup / Operation modes 9

4.1 Impact hammer 9
4.1.2 Signal preview 17
4.2 Shaker 18
4.2.1 External excitation source 19
4.2.2 Dewesoft AO excitation source 20
4.3 Spectral ODS (operational deflection shapes) 23
4.4 Transfer functions tab 23
4.5 Geometry editor tab 24

5. How to perform Modal test 25

5.1 Single reference modal test 25
5.1.1 Single reference roving hammer test 25
5.1.2 Single reference roving accelerometer(s) test 26
5.1.3 Single reference shaker test 27
5.2 Multi-reference modal test 28
5.2.1 Multi-reference roving hammer test 29
5.2.2 Multi-reference shaker test 30
5.2 Distinguishable modes at the reference DOFs 32
5.3 Multi-reference excitation types 32
5.4 ODS (operational deflection shapes) 32

6. Modal Test Measurement and visualization 34

6.1 Auto-generated displays 34
6.1.1 Pre-test display 36
6.1.2 Test method displays 36
6.1.3 MT Analysis display 37
6.2 Modal test output channels 38
6.3 Modal test common channels 39
6.3.1 Modal test control channels 40
6.4 Progress table 40
6.5 Autofill setup 41
6.6 Modal geometry widget 42

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6.6.1 Importing a structure 43

6.6.2 Drawing a structure 43
6.6.3 Additional options 50
6.6.4 Grid settings 50

7. Modal test results 52

7.1 FRF (Frequency Response Function) 52
7.2 Coherence 52
7.3 Mode Indicator Function (MIF) 53
7.4 Modal circle 54

8. How to perform modal analysis 56

8.1 Modal analysis setup 56
8.1.1 Inputs table 57
8.1.2 General setup 57
8.1.3 Calculations 57
8.2 Using the Stabilization diagram 59

9. Modal analysis review and visualization 60

9.1 Auto-generated displays 60
9.2 Estimation display 61
9.3 Validation display 62
9.3 Animation display 63
9.4 CrossMAC displays 64

10. Modal analysis results 65

10.1 CMIF (Complex Mode Indicator Function) 65
10.2 Mode Shapes 66
10.3 Complexity 67
10.4 FRF synthesis 68
10.5 AutoMAC 69
10.6 CrossMAC 70

11. Export of data 71

11.1 Export in UNV / UFF format 72

12. Merging multiple datafiles 74

13. Examples (step-by-step) 76

13.1 Impact hammer (roving hammer) 76
13.2 MIMO measurement example with 2 shakers 85

14. Time ODS 89

14.1 How to use Time ODS 90
14.1.1 Mount response sensors 90
14.1.2 Setup configuration 90
14.1.3 Measurement 90
14.1.4 Geometry configuration 91

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14.1.5 Post analysis 91

14.2 Plugin parameters 92
14.2.1 Response channels 92
14.2.2 Autofill setup 94
14.2.3 Output settings 95

15. Warranty information 98

15.1 Calibration 98
15.2 Support 98
15.3 Service/repair 98
15.4 Restricted Rights 98
15.5 Printing History 99
15.6 Copyright 99
15.7 Trademarks 99

16. Safety instructions 99

16.1 Safety symbols in the manual 99
16.2 General Safety Instructions 99
16.2.1 Environmental Considerations 100
16.2.2 Product End-of-Life Handling 100
16.2.3 System and Components Recycling 100
16.2.4. General safety and hazard warnings for all Dewesoft systems 100

17. Documentation version history 103

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2. About this document

2.1 Legend

The following symbols and formats will be used throughout the document.

Important
It gives you important information about the subject.
Please read carefully!

Hint
It gives you a hint or provides additional information about a subject.

Example
Gives you an example of a specific subject.

3. Introduction
3.1 Modal test module and Modal analysis module
The DEWESoft Modal solution is used for analysis of mechanical structures or electrical systems to
determine the transfer characteristic (amplitude and phase) over a certain frequency range.

With the small, handy form factor of the DEWESoft instruments (DEWE-43, SIRIUSi) it is also a smart
portable solution for technical consultants coping with failure detection. The Modal test module is
included in the DSA package (along with other modules e.g. Order Tracking, Torsional vibration, …).

Let's assume there is a mechanical structure to be analyzed. Where are the resonances? Which
frequencies can be problematic and should be avoided? How to measure that and what about the
quality of the measurement?

Probably the easiest way is exciting the structure using a modal hammer (force input) and acceleration
sensors for the measurement of the response (acceleration output). At first the structure is graphically
defined in the geometry editor. Then the points for excitation and response are selected. The test person
knocks on the test points while the software collects the data. Next to extracting phase and amplitude,
in Analyse mode it is possible to animate the structure for the frequencies of interest. The coherence
acts as a measure for the quality. The modal circle provides higher frequency precision and the damping
factor.

In Modal Analysis perform the modal parameter Identification (MIF, Curve Fitting , Mode Selection,
Stability Diagram, Natural Frequencies, Damping and Mode Shapes).

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3.2 LTI systems

At first we have to assume that the methods described here apply to LTI (linear, time-invariant) systems
or systems which come close to that. LTI systems, from applied mathematics, which appear in a lot of
technical areas, have following characteristics:

● Linearity: the relationship between input and output is a linear map (scaled and summed
functions at the input will also exist at the output, but with different scaling factors)
● Time-invariant: whether an input is applied to the system now or any time later, it will be identical

Furthermore, the fundamental giving of evidence in LTI theory is that the system can be characterized
entirely by a single function called the system's impulse response. The output of the system is a
convolution of the input to the system with the system’s impulse response.

3.3 Frequency response function

Transfer functions are widely used in the analysis of systems, the main types are

● mechanical → excite the structure with a modal hammer or shaker (measure force), measure
response with accelerometers (acceleration)
● electrical → apply a voltage to the circuit on the input, measure back the voltage on the output

In mechanical structures for example, when the transfer characteristic is known, this will show
dangerous resonances. The frequency range, where the stress to the material is too high, has to be
avoided, e.g. by specifying a limited operating range. The simplified process works like that: an input
signal is applied to the system and the output signal is measured. The division of response to excitation
basically gives the transfer function.

𝑌(⍵)
𝐻(⍵) = 𝑋(⍵)

In time-domain this is described in the following way:

Laplace transformation leads to the result in frequency domain:

DEWESoft utilizes H1 and H2 parameter estimation methods.

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𝑆𝑥𝑦(⍵)
𝐻1(⍵) = 𝑆𝑥𝑥(⍵)
Sxy(⍵) = cross spectrum between excitation and response
Sxx(⍵) = auto spectrum of excitation

3.4 System overview

In most of the cases acceleration sensors, microphones, modal hammers or other force transducers are
used for analog input. If they are e.g. voltage or IEPE/ICP type, they are connected to the SIRIUS ACC
amplifier, or DEWE-43 with DSI-ACC adapter. When analog output is needed (shaker), the AO option (8
channels BNC on rear side of SIRIUS instrument) provides a full-grown arbitrary function generator.

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3.5 Adding Modal test module

Adding the Modal test module is the same as for other modules.

The description of the channel setup and the parameters for the different test methods are split into the
chapters: 4.1 Impact hammer, 4.2 Shaker, 4.3 Spectral ODS and 14. Time ODS.

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4. Setup / Operation modes

Depending on the application DEWESoft offers three different types measurement test methods:

● Impact hammer: For excitation an impulse is used (=wide frequency spectrum), e.g. modal
hammer; triggered acquisition
● Shaker: The structure is excited e.g. with a shaker (or the engine rpm is varied), which sweeps
through the frequencies (e.g. 10...1000 Hz)
● ODS: operational deflection shapes, only response of the structure is measured. Spectral ODS is
configured in the Modal test setup plugin, while Time ODS is configured in a separate Time ODS
setup plugin.

As the channel setup is different between the test methods they will be explained separately, along with
practical examples.

4.1 Impact hammer

The easiest test consists of the modal hammer, which is used for exciting the structure with a short
impulse (= wide frequency spectrum) and an acceleration sensor measuring the response. The hammer
has a force sensor integrated in the tip, the tip ends are interchangeable. For bigger structures there are
big hammers available with more mass to generate a distinct amplitude.

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HINT:
Please keep in mind that a hard tip generates a wider excitation spectrum, therefore you will
get a better result (coherence) for the higher frequencies.

The two pictures below show the comparison. The scopes on top show time-domain, FFTs below show
frequency domain (same scaling).

hard tip (low damping) soft tip (high damping)

On the other side, with a hard tip double-hits appear more frequently.

When you have set the calculation type to “Impact hammer”, the setup looks like shown below.

Under the Excitation tab specify the excitation channels (modal hammer), in the Response tab set the
response channels (acceleration sensors). For the following examples we named the two analog
channels “Excitation” and “Response”.

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Let's do a short measurement to explain all the parameters. The structure is hit once and the signals are
measured.

The hammer signal (upper, blue line) shows a clean shock impact with about 2500 N peak and high
damping, while the response (lower, red line) starts ringing and smoothly fades out.

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Trigger level

The Modal test module needs a start criteria in triggered mode, therefore we specify a trigger level of e.g.
100 N. Each time the input signal overshoots the trigger level, the FRF calculation (FFT window) will start

Second hit level

However, when the input signal shows multiple impulses after one hit (so called “double hit”), DEWESoft
can identify this if you specify a second hit level. When the signal crosses the second-hit-level shortly
after the trigger event, you will get a warning message and can repeat this point.

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Overload level

You can also enable that a warning will be displayed, if the hammer impact is exceeding a certain
overload level (when the hit was too strong).

The following picture summarizes the different trigger level options.

After configuring the trigger condition, we should ensure that the FRF calculation covers the whole
signal to get a good result.

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Window length

Let's assume the sample rate of our example is 10 000 Hz and we have adjusted 8192 lines in the Modal
test setup.

According to Nyquist we can only measure up to half of the sample rate (5000 Hz), or the other way
round, we need at least 2 samples per frequency line. So, our frequency resolution is:

Df = 10 000 Hz / (8192 lines x 2) = 0,61 Hz.

The whole FFT window calculation time (FFT block length) is

t = 1 / Df = 1 / 0,61 = 1,638 s.

Below you see the cut out data section of excitation and response signal, which covers pretty much the
whole signal. Note, that the x-axis is scaled in samples (from -819 to 15565, which gives a total 16 384
samples).

16 384 samples * (1/10 000 Hz) = 1,64 s.

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Pretrigger

Pretrigger is the amount of “buffer time” measured before the trigger level was crossed. The pretrigger
time is set to 1 % (of the FFT block length) by default. From the screenshot above a 5 % pre-trigger is
used and you can see that 5% of 16 384 samples is 819 samples, which equals t pre = 819 * (1/10 000 Hz) =
81,9 ms. At sample 0 the trigger occurs.

Pretrigger must be used to reduce leakage and to avoid distorted FRFs. Without using the pretrigger,
you can lose the initial part of the input signal.

Time windows
You can separately adjust the window length of excitation and response (it's like cutting out the
interesting segments of the graph above) in order to reduce the influence of noise appearing after the
event of interest.

The windowing can be set to Force or Force + Exponential.

Force: will apply a rectangular window in excitation channels (in selected %) and rectangular window
(100%) to response channels

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Force + Exponential: will apply an exponential window on the excitation channels with a length set by
the Window length. After the Window length the exponential window drops to zero. The response
channels will get an exponential window over the full FFT block length, T. Both for the excitation and
response channels the Window decay percentage is relative to T.

‘Force + Exponential’ is commonly used for impact testing since it both reduces noise on the excitation
and response channels, and keeps equal decay ratios between excitation and response channels inside
the defined Window length, which avoids the need for additional window corrections.

An illustration of of Force, Force + Exponential and Exponential windows are shown below:

Averaging of hits
The result can be improved by averaging the excitation and response spectra over a number of impacts.
Therefore the first e.g. 3 hits will be recognized and taken into calculation, then you move on to the next
point. If ‘Stop after’ is not selected, you can make as many hits as you want to average for each point.

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4.1.2 Signal preview

Directly in the Modal test module we offer users to be able to see the preview of excitation and response
channels.

With this preview the user can correctly set the trigger level, second hit level and windowing.

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Important:

Please note that the preview depends on the setup sample rate and not acquisition sample rate.
They might differ depending on the settings in Settings -> Devices -> Channel setup sample
rate.

4.2 Shaker
Modal shakers are types of vibration shakers used to excite large or complex structures and to achieve
high-quality modal data. In comparison to modal hammers, modal shakers have the ability to excite the
structure in a broader frequency range, and with many different signal types, best suited for different
structures and ideal for accurate test results.

In the Modal test module, shakers can be controlled externally or with Dewesoft AO channels.

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4.2.1 External excitation source

If the shaker is externally controlled, we offer users to have burst mode (triggered acquisition) or
continuous mode (free-run acquisition).

4.2.1.1 Continuous
In Continuous mode spectra are calculated continuously as data are acquired throughout the
measurement. A list of time weighting FFT windows for continuous signals are supported, and the
calculated spectra can be set to overlap in time by specifying the Signal overlap parameter.

The calculation runs to the end of the measurement, but it can also be stopped automatically after a
user-defined number of spectra by Checking on the ‘Stop after’ parameter under FRF settings, and
specifying a number of averages.

4.2.1.2 Burst
In Burst mode the calculation of each spectrum is triggered by the externally controlled excitation
signal. When the excitation input signal exceeds the Trigger level a new spectrum will be calculated.
Depending on the ramp-up burst time, a Pretrigger can be adjusted to ensure the FFT block of time
samples, used for a spectrum, includes the entire burst.

Time window functions for burst random signals are supported together with related user-defined
window parameters. With triggered spectrum calculation Signal overlap is disabled since it is controlled
by the trigger.

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4.2.2 Dewesoft AO excitation source

If the shaker is controlled with Dewesoft AO, we support Continuous random, Burst random and Sine
sweep generator output excitation signals. AO is an abbreviation for Analog Output.
All the settings for the function generator can be done directly in the Modal test setup.

For all Waveform types the AO soft start and soft stop times can be set. The soft start/stop times define
the duration of half-sine leading and trailing gain tapers. The measurements will be calculated after the
leading taper and before the trailing taper, except for triggered calculations when using Burst random.

In the Excitation channels table the Dewesoft AO channels to use must be selected, and their output
voltage amplitudes must be set.

4.2.2.1 Continuous random

By selecting the Waveform type Continuous random, AO channels will output continuous random noise.
The random noise will have a frequency Bandwidth equal to the Nyquist 𝑓𝑁 of the DAQ sample rate 𝑓𝑆,
given by:
𝑓𝑁 = 𝑓𝑆 / 2

Other settings like the FFT window and Signal overlap follow the description in the section 4.2.1.1
Continuous.

4.2.2.2 Burst random

With Burst random Waveform type, the AO channels will output bursts of random signals with a
user-defined burst length. The burst length, between the AO soft start and stop times, is set by the
Excitation duration parameter. The excitation duration is specified in percent of the FFT time block
length used for each spectrum.

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Note:
For minimum spectral leakage, remember to limit the Excitation duration enough to have room
for the AO soft start/stop times in the FFT time blocks. Also, make sure the Pretrigger is set such
that the FFT time block includes the entire burst - from the beginning of AO soft start to the
end of the AO soft stop.

Like described in the section 4.2.2.1 Continuous random, the bursts of random noise will have a
bandwidth equal to Nyquist 𝑓𝑁 of the DAQ sample rate.
For Burst random the window function is always rectangular/uniform.

4.2.2.3 Sine sweep

The Sine sweep waveform outputs a sinusoidal signal that sweeps in frequency from Star freq. to Stop
freq. over a specified Sweep time or with a specified Sweep rate. The frequency sweeping will begin after
the AO soft start time and end before the AO soft stop time.

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The Sweep type can be either Linear or Logarithmic sweeping over the frequency range.
When the sweep duration is set to be defined by a Sweep rate, the rate will be set based on the selected
Sweep type.

When using Sine sweep with multiple shakers, multiple sinusoidal sweeps have to be measured to be
able to un-correlate the multiple input excitation signals. To be able to distinguish between the multiple
excitation signals , the excitation pattern has to be different between the sweep runs. In DewesoftX, this
is managed by changing the phase pattern between sweep runs for the AO channels.

Each sweep will have a phase profile containing the phase for each AO channel. The profiles can be set
randomly by pressing the button Randomize profiles, or it can be set by the user in the Excitation
channels table.

In order to un-correlate the excitation signals, at least the same number of sweep runs as the number of
included AO channels must be used. The multiple phase profiles should be as different as possible to get
best results. For example using two AO channels the optimal phase profiles are 0° and 0° for run 1, and
0° and 180° for run 2.

The measurements are averaged over all sweep runs, hereby measured data from all phase profiles are
used for the spectral results.

No phase profiles need to be configured for the random waveform types, since the excitation patterns
between AO channels already change by the independent noise signals
.

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4.3 Spectral ODS (operational deflection shapes)

Operating Deflection Shapes (ODS) is a simple way to do dynamic analysis and see how a machine or a
structure moves within its operational conditions. ODS tests have no applied artificial forces and only
response vibration signals are measured.

When performing Spectral ODS, one of the accelerometers is selected as a reference (Excitation)
channel.
The reference channels should be the channel revealing most structural modes.

4.4 Transfer functions tab

The transfer functions tab gives an overview of which transfer functions that will be calculated.
For large test setups involving many sensor locations and multiple references the full set of transfer
functions can be big. If not all transfer functions are required while performing measurements they can
be toggled from ‘Used’ to ‘Unused’ to increase the performance.
In Analyze mode, when doing post-analysis, the ‘Unused’ transfer functions can be toggled back to
‘Used’ and recalculations can be done based on the acquired time data.

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4.5 Geometry editor tab

Under the Geometry editor tab you can create or import a geometry that relates to the test. The
geometry is mapped to the channels via the Node IDs. After connecting all nodes to channels the
geometry can animate mode shapes and defection shapes depending on the used Test method.

For more information about how to use the Geometry editor please look at section 6.6 Modal geometry
widget.

The created or imported geometry will automatically be applied to the related Measure display MT
template.

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5. How to perform Modal test

When the test preparations are done the modal test is ready to start. For EMA testing, depending on the
test situation it might have been chosen to use one or multiple modal exciters and one or multiple
response sensors. These different test configurations are grouped into the sections ‘Single-reference
Modal Tests’ and ‘Multi-reference Modal Tests’.

5.1 Single reference modal test

In some test cases, it is sufficient to extract the modal model from measurement data with only one
reference DOF.

The assumption is that the selected reference DOF contains information about all the modes. This is
possible if the reference DOF location can be chosen such that none of the modes are in a nodal
position. In practice, this means that all the modes should be sufficiently ‘present’ in the measured data.

5.1.1 Single reference roving hammer test

For a Roving Hammer Test, this means that only one response DOF is needed, i.e., only one
accelerometer position. For such a roving hammer test the accelerometer response DOF will be used as
the reference DOF, while the hammer will rove between the DOFs. This is an example of what is called a
Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) test configuration.

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5.1.2 Single reference roving accelerometer(s) test

Another type of roving test can also be selected, where it is the modal exciter (e.g. hammer or shaker)
which are used as the reference DOF, while one or a group of accelerometers will rove until all DOFs
have been measured. This is also referred to as a Roving Response Test.

If multiple accelerometers are used it will be referred to as a Single-Input Multiple-Output (SIMO) test
configuration.

The disadvantage of this configuration is that the mass of the accelerometer affects the structure
differently at every point, and therefore influences the measurement (this effect is called Mass Loading).

Also between each roving measurement, the sensor has to be moved and mounted again, which is more
time-consuming than a roving hammer test.

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5.1.3 Single reference shaker test

For a single reference modal test (where it is sufficient to extract the modal model using only one
reference DOF) a modal shaker can also be used.

A modal shaker is often chosen for modal tests requiring a more accurate modal model determination.

When using a modal shaker, the reference DOF is very often chosen to be the shaker excitation location,
since force excitations at that location should excite most modes possible, and since it normally is more
time-consuming to rove the shaker than roving a group of accelerometers.

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5.2 Multi-reference modal test

Some test cases require measurements with more than one reference DOF. This is the situation when it
is not possible to find a proper reference DOF where all the modes are sufficiently ‘present’ in the
measured data.

The structure could, for example, exhibit different modes with predominant modal deflections at
different parts of the structure. Such modes are often referred to as local modes.

An example of this is complex structures composed of several different parts with different structural
properties.

Multi-reference testing is also required in cases where the test object has more modes with the same
resonance frequency. This is often referred to as ‘repeated roots’ and closely coupled modes.

An example of repeated roots is when having certain symmetrical structures. In such cases e.g. two
bending modes perpendicular to each other could be closely coupled regarding their resonance
frequency.

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The number of reference DOFs measured must be (at least) equal to the number of modes at the same
frequency.

5.2.1 Multi-reference roving hammer test

Regarding hammer testing, to include multiple reference DOFs in a modal test, this can be achieved by
using multiple response sensors as reference DOFs.

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5.2.2 Multi-reference shaker test

Multi-shaker tests are normally performed with more accelerometer sensors - hereby having a
Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration.

The main advantage of using multiple shakers is that the input-force energy is distributed over more
locations on the structure. This provides a more uniform vibration response over the structure, especially
in cases of large and complex structures and structures with heavy damping.

To get sufficient vibration energy into these types of structures, the input excitation level is often chosen
too high when only a single shaker is used. This can cause non-linear effects and give bad estimations of
the modal model. Excitation in more locations often also provides a better representation of the
excitation forces that the structure experiences during real-life operation.

Using multiple shakers instead of roving a single shaker also has the advantage of providing more
consistent data and reduced measurement time. Consistent data is crucial for the modal analysis
performed on multi-reference modal test data.

When using multiple modal shakers, the excitation sensors are used as reference DOFs.

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5.2 Distinguishable modes at the reference DOFs

In multi-reference configurations, the mode shapes that are to be extracted have to ‘look differently’ at
the reference DOFs. That is to say, the mode shapes for these modes must be linear independent at the
reference DOFs. This is achieved by selecting proper DOFs as reference DOFs.

As an example, a plate might have two closely coupled modes (resonance around the same frequency),
where the deflection is similar for both modes at some DOFs. Let’s say two reference DOFs are chosen to
be at such two similarly deflecting DOFs - then the measured reference DOF data does not include
information that can separate such modes.

Sketch of first bending mode (left), first torsional mode (middle), and both modes together with a good
and a bad position for two reference DOFs (right). If the modes have repeated roots, then the reference
DOFs must be selected such that the modes reveal their differences.

5.3 Multi-reference excitation types

In multi-reference shaker tests, uncorrelated random excitation signal types are normally used. The
random excitation types in DewesoftX can be continuous random or burst random.

Sinusoidal excitation signals can also be used in DewesoftX to perform Swept Sine Testing.
With Swept Sine Testing all applied energy can be focused on exciting one specific frequency at the
time - hereby a significant amount of the input energy can be reduced (or focused at one frequency),
compared to random excitation signals, where the energy is distributed over the full frequency span -
covering all modes simultaneously.
Also, with swept sine testing it is possible to set the phase pattern between multiple analog output sine
signals.

5.4 ODS (operational deflection shapes)

ODS Testing can be a valuable tool for analyzing and determining modifications for dominating
structural vibrations on operating structures, where normal EMA is difficult to perform.

Examples of operational test conditions can be e.g. continuous signals from a running engine, or
transient signals from earthquakes, explosions, drop-tests, and much more.

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ODS testing determines the structural deflection shapes of an operating DUT by measuring amplitude
and phase information of the DOFs.

ODS Testing does not use input excitation signals, but only output response signals. For Spectral ODS,
one or more of the response DOFs are selected as the reference DOF(s) to extract the phase information.
Note that the selected reference(s) need to cover energy from all frequencies/orders of interest.

For Time ODS no reference response channels have to be selected, since the used phase relations
between the channels are included in the time signals.

The results from ODS testing are animated deflection shapes on the Geometry indicating amplitude and
phase relations.

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6. Modal Test Measurement and visualization

6.1 Auto-generated displays
For an easier start, DEWESoft offers auto-generated displays, which already come with the most often
used instruments and an arrangement that makes sense for the according type of application.

With the Modal test module added, usually when switching to measure mode, there should already
appear a display group, called “MT”.

If that is not the case, please go to Settings → User interface and enable the “Auto generate displays”
checkbox. Then add a new Modal test module and go to measure to see the MT display group.

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The excitation and response sections each consist of two 2D graph instruments (scope and FFT) showing
array data of hammer and accelerometer signal. The Info channel will show the current point or events
such as doublehit. The Control buttons are used for going from one point to the next, or cancelling and
repeating a point if the result was not satisfying.. The Modal Geometry is already animated in the current
point during measurement. Two further 2D graphs on the right side show transfer function and
coherence of the point that is currently being measured.

Important:

If the user makes changes in the modal test setup module the optimal display layout might
change - For example, toggling Roving measurement on or off changes the need for some
buttons in the display layouts.
The displays can be updated to match the newest changes in the MT setup module by
right-mouse-clicking on the screen symbol in measure mode and then click "Rebuild".

To add a new display manually go to the Display section, select the plus button and add e.g. the whole
MT display group (All) or a single MT display.

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6.1.1 Pre-test display

One of the auto-generated displays for the Modal test application is the Pretest display. The Pretest
display can be of great help in the process of configuring an optimal test setup. Before starting the
actual test measurements the pretest display can be used to monitor how the measurements will
perform, and indicate if changes to the MT setup module should be done.

The default pretest display is applicable for all supported Modal Test methods (Impact hammer, Shaker
and Spectral ODS).
If the Test method is changed later on, then the pretest display should be rebuilt to have the display
template relating to the new test method.

In the picture below the pretest display is illustrated when doing a non-roving Shaker test with Dewesoft
AO Sweep sine waveform.

6.1.2 Test method displays

A default display layout is included for all supported Modal test methods (Impact hammer, Shaker and
Spectral ODS).

These displays are of great help to get a basic overview for how to perform Modal testing.
Depending on the test method and related display selected, the required user controls and relevant
graph widgets are shown.

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The user can modify the MT display templates as desired or build a totally new display by adding a new
custom display. but having these default MT templates provides a great start for how widgets could be
configured for MT.

Again, changing parameters in the MT setup module might affect the display for the used Test method,
and the display should in such cases be rebuilt to include newest setup changes.

In the picture below the Shaker display is illustrated for a non-roving measurement using Dewesoft AO
Sweep sine Waveform.

Note: The pre-defined display layout for Time ODS, (described in section 14.1.3) is generated when the
Time ODS setup plugin has been added to the setup.

6.1.3 MT Analysis display

Dewesoft Modal Test application also includes an Analysis display template, where measurement results
can be investigated. MT analysis is mostly suitable when performing tests on simple structures, having
few and well separated modes. For analysis of complex structures with many and closely spaced modes
the Dewesoft Modal Analysis application should be used.

In the picture below the MT Analysis display is illustrated.

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6.2 Modal test output channels

● Transfer function (H1 or H2 estimator)
○ Magnitude - magnitude of FRF
○ Phase - the phase of the FRF
○ Real - the real part of the FRF
○ Imaginary - the imaginary part of the FRF
● Ordinary coherence - is a real value between zero and one. If the value is one then response
power is caused totally by input power. A value less than one indicates that measured response
power is greater than that from input power, e.g. due to noise.
● Multiple coherence - used in MIMO calculation. If the value is one then response power is caused
totally by input power. A value less than one indicates that measured response power is greater
than that from input power, e.g. due to noise.
● PSD - Power Spectral Density is the measure of signal’s power content over frequency.
● Ordinary mode indicator function - Mode Indicator Function (MIF) is a function ranging from
zero to one and shows where resonances are.
● Intermediate Fourier transform - FFTs of excitation and response channels during the
measurement.

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6.3 Modal test common channels

● Info - information about which point is currently measured or a information about double hit
detection
● Ave Count - a number of collected averages.
● Reject last - this is a channel which can be used with visual control to reject the last sample
(overload of channels, double hit…).
● Next point - this is a channel which can be used with visual control to go to the next point when
grouping is used.

There are additional info channels provided by the Modal test module, which give status information
during the measurement. To display them, please add a Discrete display in design mode:

The channels “Info” and “OVLChannel” can be assigned to it. OVLChannel will only be displayed if the
according option has been enabled first.

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6.3.1 Modal test control channels

● During triggered measurement, after one point is finished, you can continue by pressing the
“Next point” button (Next excitation point or Next response point).
● If you are unsatisfied with the last hit, you can cancel it by using “Reject last”.
● If all hits for the whole point are incorrect, e.g. if you hit on a point with a wrong number, with
“Reset point” you can delete all the hits done for the current point at once.

All the actions are done using “control channels'' in DEWESoft. These can be modified during
measurement. To change it manually, you need to pick the “Input control” widget from the instrument
toolbar. Set it to the Control Channel and Push button. Channels “Reject last”, “Next point” and “Reset
point” can now be assigned from the channel list on the right.

When you exit the design mode, you are able to press the buttons.

6.4 Progress table

In the Progress table all the transfer functions that were defined in the Modal test module are listed.
When the transfer functions of each group are calculated you will see a green indicator (Calculated).
Until the point or group is measured, it will remain red.

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6.5 Autofill setup

NOTE: If you wish to use Autofill (for response channels) for triaxial sensors you must connect the
response channels (Triaxial accelerometers) in a manner of: 1st sensor X, Y, Z, 2nd sensor X, Y, Z,
and so on.

Select the channel that will measure the first node of the structure under the AI start node input
channel.

Option Triaxial sensors is available only for response channels, and not for excitation channels.

Geometry settings:

● Start node ID - Define the starting point node of the structure

● Node ID increment - Set the increment by which the nodes will advance
● Direction(s) - Select the direction(s) of the measurement (if Triaxial response you can select
multiple X, Y and Z)
● Sign - Define the orientation of the sensors
● Number of nodes - Define the number of nodes being measured at the same time (in same
group)
● Number of roving groups - Define how many times the group of measured nodes is roving

For example, in the picture below 16 triaxial response sensors are roving 4 times, giving 3 (directions) * 16
(nodes) * 4 (groups) = 192 response channels.

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6.6 Modal geometry widget

In DEWESoft you can quickly draw structures, as well as import already existing ones. A cartesian and
cylindrical coordinate system is supported, which is great for drawing circular objects.

Please note that the maximum number of points in the geometry is limited to 10000 nodes.

The geometry can be managed in the Modal Test setup under the Geometry editor tab, or in Design
mode we can add the “Modal Geometry” widget.

Then you can either load a UNV (universal file format) geometry file, or create your own in the Editor.

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6.6.1 Importing a structure

There are two ways of importing a UNV / UFF (universal file format) geometry of other software (e.g.
MEScope or Femap) into DEWESoft. Of course you can also import a geometry drawn in the DEWESoft
Modal geometry editor before.

From the properties of the FRF geometry instrument on the left select “Load UNV”, or go to the Editor
and Import the UNV file there.

6.6.2 Drawing a structure

To draw a structure enter the UNV editor. In the UNV editor we can add Objects, Nodes, Lines and
Surfaces. All the points and objects can be defined in the Cartesian coordinate system or Cylindrical
coordinate system.

Objects

The structure can be assembled from predefined objects. The object that are available in Geometry are:
● Cuboid
● Plate
● Circle
● Sphere
● Cylinder
● Cone

For each object you can define the position (X, Y and Z coordinate), size (of axis) and number of points in
each axis.

If the user selects option Surfaces, the surfaces will automatically be assigned to the structure.

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When you select an object and use the right mouse button you will also have following options:

● Group - group selected nodes into an object

● Ungroup - ungroup selected object into nodes
● Duplicate - duplicate selected nodes/objects
● Delete - delete selected nodes/objects

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Nodes
Under the Nodes tab you can link the channels, used in the setup, to the geometry. The setup channel
Node ID numbers are linked to the geometry Node ID numbers.

Nodes are points where the sensor is positioned on an object. Nodes are defined with location (X, Y, Z)
and rotation around axes (X angle, Y angle, Z angle). In order to create a new structure from nodes, we
have to switch to the Nodes tab. Now we have to create a coordinate system in which we will define our
nodes. This can either be Cartesian or Cylindrical.

After the coordinate system is created, we can add nodes with the Plus button.

In the picture below, you can see the Cartesian coordinate system with 18 nodes.

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After nodes are created we can change their rotation (according to how the sensor is rotated on the
object) with all three axes. Nodes can be selected with selection in the node table or with the right
mouse click on the structure preview window. When a node is selected, rotation is shown with a small
coordinate system located directly on the node. In the picture below you can see selected and rotated
nodes.

When a node is selected, we can remove it by pressing the Minus button on the nodes tab.

Nodes state can be:

● Measured - point in the structure that we measured. The color of the point is yellow.
● Unmeasured - point in the structure that was not measured. In order to animate unmeasured
points, it must be connected with a line to a measured point.
● Hidden - hidden point in the structure

Lines

When nodes are defined we can go ahead and add lines to connect them.
Easiest way to create lines is to right click with the mouse on the node, select Add -> Lines.

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Left click on the first node and move to the second node. This will create a white line and when you
hover to the node, the line will change to green color. Select the second node and the line will be added.

You can add multiple lines consecutively. Right mouse click will stop adding lines.

If we don’t want to draw a connected line, we can also manually add lines by pressing on the Plus button
in Lines tab.

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With that new line added and we have to select nodes which connect them – we can do that with
selecting nodes in the table. In the picture below we can see objects with some trace lines added.

Surfaces
Surface can be defined with 3 nodes.
Triangle surfaces can be added with a right mouse click, Add -> Triangles.

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In order to add a triangle surface, 3 points must be selected as shown in the image below.

Triangle surfaces can also be added by clicking the plus button and manually defining corners.

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6.6.3 Additional options

● Clear structure - the whole structure will be cleared
● Save as - save the geometry as an XML file
● Load - load existing XML file into the editor
● Import - import UNV/UFF files
● Export - the structure can be exported to UNV/UFF file format
● Exit - option will close the UNV editor and discard all your changes.

Cartesian coordinates

Usually nodes are presented with a Cartesian coordinate system. This means you have X, Y, Z position
and rotation around all three axes. Coordinate system can be used for grouping nodes, because you can
later rotate or translate them with the Center point.

Cylindrical Coordinates

Cylindrical coordinate system is used for easier creation of round objects. Points are defined with radius,
angle and z (height) around coordinate systems center point.

Cartesian and cylindrical CS can be combined in one geometry.

6.6.4 Grid settings

Under Tools -> Grid settings a grid can be added into the coordinate system.

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Users can define the position, rotation, orientation and size of the grid.

The grid is displayed in the coordinate system.

By pressing the CTRL button on the keyboard and left click on the mouse, you can add a node to a grid.
By default, the node is set to unmeasured (green color).

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7. Modal test results

7.1 FRF (Frequency Response Function)
The primary result to extract from Experimental Modal Tests are the Frequency Response Functions
(FRFs) between the reference DOFs and all DOFs on the geometry.

FRFs are measures of the relation between output response motion and the input excitation force, and
hereby indicate the inherent properties of a linear system.

FRF values are calculated for each FFT frequency component, providing FRF functions over the
measured frequency range.

The magnitude of an FRF is often in units [m/s2/N] or [g/lbf]. At frequencies with high FRF magnitude
values, the structure is more sensitive and the output response will be relatively high even at low input
force levels. When the FRF magnitude is at a local maximum/peak, and the phase turns 90 degrees at
this point, it usually indicates a resonance. This can be validated by inspecting the Coherence.

On the other hand, at frequencies with low FRF magnitude values the structure is more resistant to
input forces and the output response will be relatively low even at higher input force levels. Valley
locations often indicate anti-resonance frequencies of the structure.

7.2 Coherence
The coherence is used to check the correlation between output spectrum and input spectrum. So you
can estimate the power transfer between input and output of a linear system. Easily talking, it shows
how good the input and output are related to each other.

The amplitude of the coherence can reach max 1.

Low values indicate a weak relation (e.g. when the excitation spectrum has gaps at certain frequencies),
values close to 1 show a representative measurement.

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That means, when the transfer function shows a peak, but the coherence is low (red circles in the picture
below), it must not necessarily be a real resonance. Maybe the measurement has to be repeated (e.g.
with a different hammer tip?), or you can additionally look for the MIF parameter, explained below.

Coherence is a Vector channel, and therefore displayed with a 2D graph instrument. The coherence is
calculated separately for each point (e.g. Coherence_3Z/1Z, Coherence_4Z/1Z, …).

7.3 Mode Indicator Function (MIF)

If all parts of a structure are moving sinusoidally with the same frequency (fixed phase relations), this
motion is called normal mode. This happens at resonance, or natural frequencies. Depending on the
structure, material and boundary conditions, there exist a number of mode shapes (e.g. twisting,
bending, half-period, full-period movement...).

These are usually found out by finite elements simulation software, or by experimental measurement
and analysis.

In Dewesoft, when the amplitude of the transfer function shows a local maximum, and the phase is
turning at this point, it usually indicates a resonance. To be sure, also the Coherence should be checked,
as described before. And last, you can look for the MIF (=Mode Indicator Function).

A MIF value close to 1 in Dewesoft indicates a mode shape.

NOTE: In other software MIF data is often calculated to represent modes at 0 instead of 1, but in
Dewesoft we calculated MIF results as 1 - NMIF, where NMIF (Normal MIF) basically takes the real part of
the FRFs divided by the magnitude of the FRFs. See also section: 10.1.1 MIF (Mode indicator function)

The spikes shown in the picture below are very likely resonance frequencies. Just click on them and
check the movement in the geometry instrument. MIF is a Vector channel, and therefore also displayed
with a 2D graph instrument. The MIF is calculated over all transfer functions (all points), therefore is only
one channel.

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7.4 Modal circle

Finally, when you are certain the point you are looking at is a resonance, you might want to get it's exact
frequency and damping factor. As the FFT can never be that precise (high line resolution needs long
calculation time, which is not given when there is a hammer impact), there are some mathematical
methods to interpolate.

The method DEWESoft is using, is based on the well-known circle-fit principle. The FFT lines to the right
and left side of a peak (so called “neighbour lines”) are drawn by real and imaginary parts in the complex
coordinate system. A circle is aligned between them with minimum error to each point and the
resonance frequency is approximated.

In the example below we switched the 2D graph “Graph type” property to “histogram” to make the FFT
lines visible.

Imagine, we had a sample rate of 2000 Hz, and 1024 FFT lines, resulting in a line resolution of 0.977 Hz.
The peak we are looking at is 73,2 Hz. But it could be in the range of 73,2 Hz +/- 0,977 Hz.

We add the Modal circle from the instrument toolbar (see picture above). The 2D graph is again in
“cursor” mode, the modal circle instrument will follow. – By clicking on the peak, at first no resonance
peak is found.

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● From the cursor channel - the yellow cursor on the 2D graph is taken for frequency point
determination.
● Manual - you can manually enter frequency points for circle fit procedure.
● Peak search (manual mode) - an area in which we will search for a peak for circle fit.
● Neighbour count - a number of neighbours taken into account when doing the circle fit.

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8. How to perform modal analysis

Having acquired the Modal Test data, the next step is to identify the modal parameters (resonance
frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes) by using Parameter Estimation techniques, including
Mode Indication Functions (MIFs) and Curve Fitters.

User scenarios for how to perform modal tests and analysis can also be found under section 13. Examples
(step-by-step).

8.1 Modal analysis setup

Since the Modal analysis is a post-analysis tool that uses already measured data, the modal analysis
setup and analysis is handled in Analyze mode.
Under Analyze, open a data file containing modal test measurements. The FRF results from the Modal
test are used for the estimation of the modal parameters in the Modal analysis plugin.

Add the Modal analysis plugin by clicking on the + More.. icon and select Modal analysis.
Below the setup for the Modal analysis plugin is illustrated.

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8.1.1 Inputs table

Add specific or all FRFs from the data file by either pressing the + button or the ‘Add all FRFs’ button.
The Inputs table lists all added FRFs and by default all added FRFs are also set to be used for the modal
model estimation process.
If some FRFs look very different from the others it might be due to local modes only present at certain
DOFs. Such FRFs can be de-selected (set to Unused) and instead used for other estimations that only
include those FRFs with such characteristics. You can have multiple Modal analysis instances in parallel
to handle more estimations at the same time. This is done by pressing the + tab next to the MA 1 tab.

8.1.2 General setup

Under the Modal analysis - General setup, the frequency range that should be included in the modal
estimation can be specified.
The ‘Damping correction’ should be checked if the Modal test measurements were performed with
‘Force + Exponential’ time window functions, where the ‘Exponential window decay’ value should be set
to the same as used under the Modal test.

8.1.3 Calculations
Under the Calculation tab settings for the ‘Stabilization’ plot is shown together with the list of possible
output result types provided by the Modal analysis plugin. Outputs will be described in section: 10. Modal
analysis results.

Max order determines how many iterations the estimation process will use to fit a series of SDOF
systems (the modal model) to represent the information in the selected FRFs.
Frequency and Damping tolerance will determine when the stabilization plot will indicate estimated
poles to be stable. For more information see section: 8.2 Using the Stabilization diagram.

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8.1.4 CrossMAC setup

In the Modal analysis plugin it is possible to import other modal models and analyze those in
comparison with current estimated modal.
By selecting CrossMAC to be Used, a CrossMAC setup area becomes visible.

Modal models can be imported from UNV files having the model data stored in the UNV 55 dataset.
After importing a model the included mode frequencies will be shown together with the used number
of DOFs and node information shown in the MA nodes table.

It is also possible to export estimated modal models to the UNV 55 file format for them to be used later
for crossMAC and other usages in e.g. 3rd. party software like FEM applications.
Modal models can be exported under the ‘Export’ section in Analyze mode. Select the UNV55 Export
type and set the desired ‘Mode shapes’ to be exported, as shown below:

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8.2 Using the Stabilization diagram

When going from Modal analysis Setuo to the Review and the Estimation display layout has been
selected, the first step is to select stable poles on the Stabilization Diagram (SD).
If no poles are shown on the SD then click on ‘Recalculate’.

Click and select a stable pole from each desired mode on the Stabilization Diagram. If not
‘Auto-recalculate’ is checked then press recalculate, and the modal model will get estimated based on
those selected poles.

In the stabilization diagram stable poles will represent consistent modes. The poles consist of the modal
frequency and damping. Increasing the Order of the estimation in the Setup will also increase the
number of estimated poles. When the estimated poles begin to only change a little between individual
neighbor orders, then the poles are said to be stable.

The Modal Analysis module provides user-defined tolerance values that can be set to determine pole
stability. Such tolerances can be specified for the frequency and damping individually on the Setup
page.

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9. Modal analysis review and visualization

9.1 Auto-generated displays
For an easier start, DEWESoft also offers auto-generated displays for Modal analysis, which already come
with the most often used instruments and an arrangement that makes sense for the according type of
application.

With the Modal analysis module added, usually when switching to Review mode, there should already
appear a display group, called “MA 1”. If the Modal analysis setup tab instance name was modified that
name will also be used as the display group name.

If that is not the case, please go to Settings → User interface and enable the “Auto generate displays”
checkbox. Then add a new Modal analysis module and go to Review to see the MA display group.

If later on changes are made to the Modal analysis setup that will affect the displays then right click on
the display group and press Rebuild. Then the display layout will update to the newest settings.

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9.2 Estimation display

The first predefined Modal analysis sub-display is ‘Estimation’. Estimation is used to start the modal
estimation process by having a larger Stabilization diagram which is used to select poles at. After poles
for the relevant modes are selected click on ‘Recalculate’ to determine the modal model.

After recalculating, the estimated global modal parameters being Damped resonance frequencies,
Damping ratios are listed for all selected modes in a table in the right side of the display. Also the Mode
Complexity Factor (MCF) is listed in the table.

In the lower right the AutoMAC are illustrating how well the different modes are uncoupled from each
other in the estimated model. For more information about AutoMAC see section: 10.5 AutoMAC.

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9.3 Validation display

After finishing the estimation process, go to the next pre-defined Modal analysis sub-display called
‘Validation’. This display is configured with widgets representing the quality of the estimated model.

In the upper left a group of 2D graphs show measured FRFs overlaid with model synthesized FRFs.
Comparing FRFs with synthesized FRFs can indicate if all modes are represented in the modal or not,
and how well they describe the measured FRFs.

In the upper right a Complexity plot shows the relative phase difference between the individual DOFs. A
straight line with DOFs at 0 or 180 degrees between each other indicates a mode with low complexity
where all DOFs vibrate like a standing wave. For more information about complexity plots see the
section: 10.3 Complexity.

In order to overview what happens to the synthesized FRFs and the complexity when selected poles get
modified, the stabilization diagram and AutoMAC is shown again at the bottom of the display.
By clicking poles on and off and recalculating the modal model, the synthesized FRF and complexity
results will update.

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9.3 Animation display

When the quality of the modal model has been validated, the estimated mode shapes can be seen
animated under the pre-defined sub-display ‘Animation’.

In the Animation display two different geometry widgets are added.

The geometry to the left side is animating the deflection shape based on information from the
measured FRFs. The frequency which the deflection shape is based on can be set manually under the
geometry properties, or it can be linked to a cursor channel in another graph e.g. the ordinary MIF from
MT.
The geometries to the right side are animating one or multiple of the estimated mode shapes.

By comparing the measured deflection shapes at the resonances with the estimated mode shapes can
both give an overview of how the modes are looking and how well the estimated mode shapes mimic
the measured dynamics. It will hereby be possible to determine which modes are e.g. bending modes
and torsional modes.

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9.4 CrossMAC displays

If other modal models have been imported via the Modal analysis setup for CrossMAC, then pre-defined
display layouts for CrossMAC will be available for each pair of models, where the current estimated
model is the reference model.
If you later on import models to the setup the MA display group needs to be rebuilt in order to show the
new CrossMAC sub-displays. Rebuilding displays is done by right clicking on the MA display icon and
press Rebuild.

In the display layout information about the two models are shown in each side and the CrossMAC
between them is shown in the top middle.

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10. Modal analysis results

In the Modal analysis plugin the modal parameters are always available as output results - Those being
the Damped resonance frequencies, the Damping ratios and the Mode shapes, for all estimated
modes.

Next to these modal parameter results the following outputs are available to be extracted as well.
These outputs are all used to help validate the quality of the estimated modal model.

10.1 CMIF (Complex Mode Indicator Function)

Complex Mode Indicator Functions (CMIF), have one function for each reference DOF included (poly
reference) and can detect closely coupled modes with repeated roots.

The CMIF is by default shown in the Stabilization Diagram (or SD) to help identify the relevant modes.

CMIF is based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of the FRF functions to identify all modes
included in the model test measurements.

The CMIF functions have peaks at resonances - indicating poles of the DUT.

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10.2 Mode Shapes

The mode shape result provides complex values used to represent the shape behavior of each mode.
The complex values contain the phase information at each DOF for each mode (DOF vs. mode values).
In the picture below mode shapes for 4 different modes are animated base on the complex mode shape
data:

The mode shape is a Local modal parameter - meaning that the values for the mode shape is different
for each DOF.
This is different from the damped resonance frequency and damping ratio which are global modal
parameters - meaning that these values are the same for all DOFs - E.g. the resonance frequency is the
same over the whole structure.

Since the mode shape is a local parameter it contains values based on each DOF. The full mode shape
information can be shown in a 2D/3D table widget where the rows are modes and the columns are
DOFs.

The mode shape values are determined from the global modal parameters together with the FRFs for all
DOFs, in order to calculate the residues.

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10.3 Complexity
The Mode Complexity Factor (MCF) indicates how well all the DOFs for a given mode deflects totally in or
out of phase compared to each other.
If all DOFs vibrate with a 0 or 180 degrees phase difference between each other the complexity or MCF is
low, around 0 %.
If the DOFs vibrate with other phases relative to each other the MCF is higher.

High complexity can occur due to:

● Non-proportional damping - e.g. due to non-linearities.

● Bad measurements or poor modal parameter estimation.
● Inconsistent data - e.g. due to time variant conditions.

The mode complexity can be shown in Dewesoft both in a 2D/3D table and in the Complexity plot
widget, as shown below.

The complexity plot illustrates the phase of the individual DOFs compared to each other, which makes it
possible to locate a specific DOF that might cause a high MCF.

For a mode having a low complexity, all DOFs are deflecting such that the mode shape can be described
as a standing wave.

For a mode having a high complexity, some DOFs are deflecting such that the mode shape will contain
parts that can be described as a traveling wave.

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10.4 FRF synthesis

FRF Synthesis is used as a validation tool by comparing the FRFs from the estimated modal model (the
synthesized FRFs) with the real measured FRF data. It is therefore possible to see how well the estimated
model mimics the dynamics of the physical structure.

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10.5 AutoMAC
The Modal Assurance Criterion analysis (MAC) analysis is used to determine the similarity of two-mode
shapes. The MAC number is defined as a scalar constant, between 0 and 1, expressing the degree of
consistency between two mode shapes. In practice, any value between 0.9 and 1.0 is considered a good
correlation. Below 0.7 is considered to indicate a bad correlation.

AutoMAC is a procedure that can be used to validate the accuracy of modal models. It is a measure of
the similarity between estimated mode shape vectors from the same parameter estimation, same data
set. All the diagonal values are 1 by definition, because each mode shape correlates perfectly with itself.

AutoMAC is a good tool for determining which and how many DOFs are required in the modal analysis
to avoid spatial aliasing. With spatial aliasing, some modes look similar due to the insufficient number of
DOFs used in the measurements. With insufficient DOFs used there will not be enough information to
describe all modes separately. In an AutoMac plot, spatial aliasing will show high values at off-diagonal
elements, indicating different modes look similar.

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10.6 CrossMAC
Where AutoMAC is used to validate how well modes are uncorrelated between each other (from the
same modal), CrossMAC is in the same way used to validate how well modes are uncorrelated but from
different modal estimations.

With CrossMAC, modes from two different models are analyzed in order to see if the same modes from
the two different estimates have good correlation, and to see if different modes from the different
models have bad correlation.

The two modals might contain different numbers of modes and therefore the CrossMAC does not
necessarily have the same amount of modes on both axes as the AutoMAC always has.

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11. Export of data

After the measurement is done the data can be exported to a lot of different file formats, e.g. UNV/UFF,
Diadem, Matlab, Excel, Text... The transfer functions can be separately exported by Real, Imag, Ampl or
Phase part, whatever you prefer.

In MS Excel for example the transfer function data will appear on a sheet called “Single value”. For each
transfer function Real/Imag/Ampl/Phase is exported.

HINT: If you prefer it differently, data rows and columns can simply be exchanged in MS
Excel by copying and using the “Transpose” function from the submenu when pasting.

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11.1 Export in UNV / UFF format

The Universal File Format (also known as UFF or UNV format) is very common in modal analysis.
Depending on the header it can contain either transfer functions, coherence, geometry, ... or various
other data.

The following example shows how to export data recorded by DEWESoft into Vibrant Technologies ME
Scope analysis software and how to display it there.

1. First choose the “Universal file format” from the export section and select all your transfer functions
(you can use the Filter and type “TF” for simplification). It does not matter if you select
Real/Imag/Ampl/Phase part, as the UFF/UNV export follows the standard. This will create a UNV datafile.

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2. In the Modal geometry editor save the structure also in UNV format. This creates the UNV geometry
file.

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12. Merging multiple datafiles

If a modal test of a structure cannot be performed at once, the datafiles can be merged into a single
datafile for easier identification of mode shapes, animation, etc.

Open one of the datafiles and go to the Import section.

Add the datafiles that contain the transfer functions that you want to import.

We only need to import single value vectors (transfer functions) and not the whole time history. Search
for the transfer function, set import to Yes and click the Import button.

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All the imported transfer functions have information about response node and direction, function type,
reference node and direction. This parameter can be manually changed under the Channels section to
match our modal test results.

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13. Examples (step-by-step)

13.1 Impact hammer (roving hammer)
Let's say we want to analyze this metal sheet structure. At first we define the direction of analysis
(orientation up/down, Z axis), then we put it on a soft rubber foam that it can vibrate freely. Of course
hanging it with rubber bands from the roof would be better, but would also take more time to wait at
each point until the ringing fades out; for now we are fine with it.

Then mark equidistant points, in our case from #1 to #24. The higher the number of points, the more
detailed the animation will be. It is also helpful to write numbers next to the points. They should be
consistent on the structure, in the channel setup and in Modal geometry.

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The hammer will move through the points, so in one point an accelerometer has to be mounted. We
select point #12.

1. We define the sampling rate with 5000 Hz. Name the Modal hammer and accelerometer in the
channel setup and apply the scaling. In our case both are of IEPE type, hammer is measuring force in N,
accelerometer acceleration in g. Then go into the channel setup of the hammer.

2. Do a test impact with the hammer on the structure. In the scope preview memorize the max value.

3. In the Modal test setup choose the Impact hammer method, and use the “Roving hammer/response”
option. The trigger level should be set somewhere below the max value of the pre-measurement. We
will do 3 hits in each point, which are then averaged. The FFT window size is 2048, which gives a good
line resolution of 1.22 Hz.

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4. Now that the points are defined, it is time for drawing the structure. When you switch to measure
mode, usually you should have an auto-generated screen called “MT: Impact hammer”. There the Modal
geometry instrument is already shown (x,y,z axis display). From the left side (properties) select “Edit” and
add 24 points and their coordinates. You can draw trace lines between them and finally quads (shapes)
between them. - Take care that the excitation direction Z is upright and should have the same level for
all points of this structure.

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5. Now it's time for a test hit, and finalizing the display arrangement. In measure mode – without storing
– you can do a test hit, to fill the displays with signals. Immediately the structure will be animated in the
first point. If the auto-generated screen does not look like below, you might have to assign the channels
to the instruments.

On the left side of the screen you have a control channel to navigate between the measured points, reset
or reject points and with a drop-down menu manually switch between wanted points.

Right to the control channel is the progress table, where you can observe all the transfer functions that
were defined in the modal test setup and if they were already measured or not.

On the top right corner you can see the time domain signal of excitation and response channels, below
there is a frequency spectrum of excitation and response channels.

In the bottom left corner of the display is modal geometry, showing the animation of the structure at a
certain frequency.

In the bottom right corner of the display, you can see the transfer function (amplitude, phase, real or
imag) and coherence function.

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6. Now we are ready for the measurement. Start storing and do 3 hits on point #1. The scope and FFT
graphs will be updated after each hit, so you can visually check for double-hits or “bad” hits and reject
them. If you hit a wrong point, you can also reset the whole point. After clicking the “Next point” button,
the point number increases, always showing you the current transfer function (e.g. 12-1, 12-2, …).

We can freely select input/output transfer pair, by dropdown, during the measurement routine

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The procedure can also be described by a flow chart:

8. When finished, go to Analyze mode. Automatically the last stored file is reloaded.

To make a further analysis of the modal test data, add the Modal analysis module. Add the transfer
functions that were measured in the Modal test module. With the preview option you can determine the
useful frequency range in which you want to make further analysis. In out example, we will set the
frequency range from 0 Hz to 2000 Hz.

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Modal analysis uses the LSCF algorithm to calculate the stable poles. In addition, CMIF and Mode shapes
are calculated and FRFs are synthesized.

The results are shown on a widget called stabilization diagram. Click on the stable poles that you want to
further examine.

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The results can be displayed in a 2D table, where we can see the frequencies of mode shapes and
damping ratios of modes.

To show the similarities between mode shapes we display the AutoMAC matrix on a 3D graph.

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To show the animation of mode shapes we click on the modal geometry and select Mode shapes as the
animation mode.

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13.2 MIMO measurement example with 2 shakers

This is a practical example showing measurement of structural properties of a demo airplane, excited
with 2 shakers.

The airplane was excited with 2 shakers. Between a stinger and a structure, the force transducer was
mounted. The response of the structure was measured on 6 different locations.

The shakers were driven by Dewesoft’s function generator.

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The airplane was excited with burst random excitation, where the shakers were exciting the structure for
30% of the block duration and the remaining 70% of the segment, the structure was vibrating freely.

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Modal geometry editor was used to draw a model of an airplane. Only the points where we actually
measured the response were selected as Measured, others were set as Unmeasured. If the unmeasured
points are connected with a measured point with a line, also the unmeasured points will be animated
with interpolation of behaviour between the points.

When we take a look at the results from the Modal test module, we can see the TFs, coherences and MIF.
The structure can be animated at the resonance frequencies.

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Next step was to add a Modal analysis module where all the TFs from the Modal test were taken as an
input channel. We defined the frequency range from 0 Hz to 200 Hz. The damping correction is not
needed because we didn’t have an exponential window on response channels.

Stable poles are displayed on the Stabilization diagram where we selected the first 9 modes. On the right
side we also checked the AutoMAC matrix to see the similarity between the modes.

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14. Time ODS

ODS (Operational Deflection Shape) and hereunder Time ODS testing can be a valuable tool for
inspecting critical structural deflections on operating structures, since for operating structures it can be
difficult to do proper experimental modal testing, with external applied forces.

Examples of operational test conditions can be measurements of e.g. continuous signals from running
engines, or transient signals from earthquakes, explosions, drop-tests, and many more operational test
scenarios.

Time ODS is used to animate and visualize structural deflections based on measured time data. With
Time ODS the user can adjust the time for where to look at deflections on geometry animations.

The geometry animations can show the structural deflections both in real-time and when performing
post-analysis. In post analysis the playback speed can be reduced and hereby deflection patterns can be
properly evaluated.

Time ODS do only use response channel time data - no excitation channels, and no reference is required.
Geometries can be created or imported in the Geometry Editor and the DOF nodes will be mapped to
the processed response channels via the Time ODS Response channels table.

The Time ODS plugin supports deflection animation in the physical quantities acceleration, velocity and
displacement.

Example of Time ODS animation of a plate measured at 32 response nodes

Important:
All Input channels must have the same physical quantity, which has to be either: Displacement,
Velocity or Acceleration.

Normally Time ODS is performed when enough response sensors are available to cover the DUT (Device
Under Test) without roving.

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14.1 How to use Time ODS

14.1.1 Mount response sensors

When using Dewesoft Time ODS a sufficient amount of response sensors are mounted on the operating
DUT to gather the desired deflection characteristics with each measurement. Response sensors can e.g.
be accelerometers.

The response sensors are typically mounted at locations that will reveal relatively large deflections,
locations of great importance or at weak spots which are relevant for inspection.

14.1.2 Setup configuration

In the Dewesoft software application Time ODS can be added (in the Ch. setup tab) as a plugin to the
current setup by selecting it from the Plugin list, as shown below:

The Time ODS plugin can be added to the setup through the plugin list.

Through the Time ODS plugin:

● Input response sensors are selected to be used
● DOF information is added to the Inputs
● Output physical quantity and unit scaling is selected.

All adjustable parameters are described in more detail in the section 14.2 Plugin parameters.
Online help for the individual Time ODS parameters can also be found by pressing “F1” while focussing
on Dewesoft Time ODS plugin.

14.1.3 Measurement
After configuring the Time ODS channel setup, going to the Measure screen will now indicate a Time
ODS display template:

After Time ODS has been added to the setup, a related display template will be available when proceeding to
Measure.

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The default Time ODS display template contains a time Recorder widget showing the selected group of
channels processed by the Time ODS plugin. The template also contains a geometry widget which is
used to set up and animate the structural deflections.

Illustration of the Time ODS display template, showing the deflection values over time together with the structural
deflection animation.

Under the Measure screen it is possible to monitor the Time ODS live, and to perform data recording for
storing, export, post-analysis and reporting.

14.1.4 Geometry configuration

In order to visualize the Time ODS a geometry has to be assigned to the geometry widget.
By selecting the geometry widget to be highlighted, then related widget properties become available
on the right side of the screen.

Under the widget properties panel a pre-prepared geometry can be loaded, or the geometry Editor can
be used to create a new one.

When configuring the geometry the Node IDs, defined for the response channels in the Time ODS
Response channels setup table, must be selected for the related geometry DOF Node IDs. In this way
the Time ODS output channels are linked to the correct geometry DOF nodes - enabling the geometry
to be animated accordingly.

More detailed information on how to configure the geometry widget can be found in section 6.6 Modal
geometry widget.

14.1.5 Post analysis

With recorded time data Time ODS post-analysis enables detailed inspection of the measured structural
deflections, by letting the user manage how the recording should be replayed.

In Analyze mode after loading an acquired data file (.dxd file) the user will get the same channel setup
and display setup as were used while doing the recording.

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Under Review, by pressing the Play button the recording will begin to be replayed. To investigate
deflection shapes of operating structures in more detail the playback speed can be adjusted by the user
as illustrated below:

Illustration of how to adjust the playback speed and direction of a data file in Analyze mode.

More information about replaying data files can be found here -linking to the online manual for
Replaying Data.

14.2 Plugin parameters

In this section all Time ODS plugin setup parameters will be described.

Time ODS plugin setup parameters are found under Ch. setup - Time ODS.

14.2.1 Response channels

The Response channels table defines and connects DOF information and Input response channels.
DOF information defines node point locations and directions to measure. Such DOF information is
added to the measured Input response channels enabling the response channels to be properly
visualized on geometry animations.

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Index
The Index column in the Response channels table is only used to help with overviewing the Response
channels table, e.g. when having a large amount of channels. The numbering will start from 1 and
increase up to the number of response channels added.

Node ID
The Node ID column refers to the DOF Node IDs - the number relating to the physical location of the
selected Input response sensor. The Node IDs are also used when creating a geometry animation.
Hereby the node points on a geometry and the response Node IDs are mapped together, such that
geometry animations can reflect the measured characteristics. In the geometry the Node ID numbers
can be configured under the Nodes tab.

Direction
The Direction defines in which directions (x, y, z) measurements were performed for related DOFs and
Node IDs. The selected Directions are also used for geometry animations to reflect measured deflections
in the correct directions.

Sign
The Sign defines the orientation (+, -) of the DOF for the specified Direction. The Sign should reflect
orientation of the related response sensor.

Input
The Input determines which Input response channel that is related to the specified DOF information
(Node ID, Direction and Sign).

Physical quantity
Indicates the Physical quantity of the Input response channel. Changes to the Physical quantity of Input
response channels are global changes and will affect all usages of the related channels.
The Input Physical quantity has to be either Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement.
If the Physical quantity is different from either Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement, then the related
table cell will indicate ‘<Custom>’, and the related DOF point will not reflect the measurement on
geometry animations.

Unit
Indicate the unit for the related Input response channel. Changes to the Unit of Input response channels
are global changes and will affect all usages of the related channels.

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Scaling
Scaling is a read-only parameter that indicates the Scaling factor that will be used in order to get correct
values in the specified Output unit.

14.2.2 Autofill setup

By using Autofill multiple response channels can be added at the same time if the Input channels are AI
(Analog Input) channels.

AI start node input channel

Defines the first AI channel to use as an Input response channel.

Triaxial sensors

A checkbox that indicates whether the used AI channels relate to uniaxial sensors or triaxial sensors.
If the checkbox is enabled then all used Directions can be selected and not only one.

Important:
If you wish to use Autofill (for response channels) for triaxial sensors you must connect the
response channels (Triaxial accelerometers) in a manner of: 1st sensor X, Y, Z, 2nd sensor X, Y, Z,
and so on.

Start Node ID

Defines the starting point Node ID of the structure

Node ID increment

Sets the increment by which the Node ID number will advance from one DOF to the next.

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Direction(s)

Select the direction(s) of the measurement (if Triaxial response you can select multiple).

Sign

Defines if the excitation will be positive or negative regarding the Direction.

Number of nodes

Defines how many nodes that will be measured at the same time. The Autofill setup will add 1-3
Response channels for each node depending on how many Directions that have been selected.

14.2.3 Output settings

Output type

The Output type defines the physical quantity of the output response channels.
The user can select between:

● Displacement
● Velocity
● Acceleration

If the physical quantity of the Input channels is different from the selected Output type, then the Input
channels will be converted to have the Output type.
For example, If the Input channels have acceleration as their physical quantity, and the Output type is
set to Displacement, then the input channels will get double integrated in order to convert them to
represent displacement.

Output unit

The Output unit defines the unit of the output response channels. Based on the selected Output Type,
the user can select between a list of related units. The list of related units can be edited in the Physical
Quantity Editor:

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The default defined list of units are shown below:

● Displacement
○ m (meters)
○ km (kilometers)
○ dm (decimeters)
○ cm (centimeters)
○ mm (millimeters)
○ um (micrometers)
○ in (inches)
○ ft (feet)
○ yd (yards)
○ mi (miles)
○ nmi (nautical miles)

● Velocity
○ m/s (meters per second)
○ mm/s (millimeters per second)
○ km/h (kilometers per hour)
○ mph (miles per hour)
○ knot (nautical miles per hour)
○ ips (inches per second)

● Acceleration
○ m/s2 (meters per second squared)
○ g (gravitational acceleration)

If the selected Output unit is different from the Input channel unit then value scaling will be performed -
converting the input unit to the desired output unit.

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Filter low frequencies and DC and Filter high frequencies

If the physical quantity of the Input channels is different from the selected Output type, the required
physical quantity conversion is done by time integration/differentiation filters.

Which time filters are required for the different conversions are illustrated in the table below.

If integration filters are required for conversion then the checkbox ‘Filter low frequencies and DC’ will be
available.
Time integration and double integration will amplify lower frequency components. If such lower
frequency components only consist of irrelevant noise the user has the ability to remove those
components by enabling the ‘Filter low frequencies and DC’ checkbox.

If derivation filters are required for conversion then the checkbox ‘Filter high frequencies’ will be
available.
Time derivation and double derivation will amplify upper frequency components. If such upper
frequency components only consist of irrelevant noise the user has the ability to remove those
components by enabling the ‘Filter high frequencies’ checkbox.

Filter order

The Filter order determines the strength of the filters used to cut-off either the low frequencies and DC
or the high frequencies, depending on which time filter is required to obtain the desired Output type.

The Filter order can be set from 1 to 10 and the frequency cut-off slope will be approximately 20 dB per
order.

Cut-off frequency

The Cut-off frequency determines at which frequency the filters for Filter low frequencies and DC or
Filter high frequencies will begin to cut-off the output signals with a rate/strength defined by the Filter
order.

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15. Warranty information

Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Note:
Dewesoft d.o.o. shall not be liable for any errors contained in this document. Dewesoft MAKES NO
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
DEWESOFT SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Dewesoft shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory, in connection with
the furnishing of this document or the use of the information in this document.

The copy of the specific warranty terms applicable to your Dewesoft product and replacement parts can
be obtained from your local sales and service office. To find a local dealer for your country, please visit
https://dewesoft.com/support/distributors.

15.1 Calibration
Every instrument needs to be calibrated at regular intervals. The standard norm across nearly every
industry is annual calibration. Before your Dewesoft data acquisition system is delivered, it is calibrated.
Detailed calibration reports for your Dewesoft system can be requested. We retain them for at least one
year, after system delivery.

15.2 Support
Dewesoft has a team of people ready to assist you if you have any questions or any technical difficulties
regarding the system. For any support please contact your local distributor first or Dewesoft directly.

Dewesoft d.o.o.
Gabrsko 11a
1420 Trbovlje Slovenia

Europe Tel.: +386 356 25 300

Web: http://www.dewesoft.com
Email: [email protected]
The telephone hotline is available Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 16:00 CET (GMT +1:00)

15.3 Service/repair
The team of Dewesoft also performs any kinds of repairs to your system to assure a safe and proper
operation in the future. For information regarding service and repairs please contact your local
distributor first or Dewesoft directly on https://dewesoft.com/support/rma-service.

15.4 Restricted Rights

Use Slovenian law for duplication or disclosure. Dewesoft d.o.o. Gabrsko 11a, 1420 Trbovlje, Slovenia /
Europe.

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15.5 Printing History

Version 2.0.0, Revision 217 Released 2015 Last changed: 23. July 2018 at 16:54.

15.6 Copyright
Copyright © 2015-2019 Dewesoft d.o.o. This document contains information which is protected by
copyright. All rights are reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written
permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws. All trademarks and registered
trademarks are acknowledged to be the property of their owners.

15.7 Trademarks
We take pride in our products and we take care that all key products and technologies are registered as
trademarks all over the world. The Dewesoft name is a registered trademark. Product families (KRYPTON,
SIRIUS, DSI, DS-NET) and technologies (DualCoreADC, SuperCounter, GrandView) are registered
trademarks as well. When used as the logo or as part of any graphic material, the registered trademark
sign is used as a part of the logo. When used in text representing the company, product or technology
name, the ® sign is not used. The Dewesoft triangle logo is a registered trademark but the ® sign is not
used in the visual representation of the triangle logo.

16. Safety instructions

Your safety is our primary concern! Please be safe!

16.1 Safety symbols in the manual

Warning
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, or condition that could cause the body injury or death

Caution
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, or condition that could possibly cause damage to
equipment or permanent loss of data.

16.2 General Safety Instructions

Warning

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and
repair of this product. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in
this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the product. Dewesoft
d.o.o. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

All accessories shown in this document are available as an option and will not be shipped as standard
parts.

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16.2.1 Environmental Considerations

Information about the environmental impact of the product.

16.2.2 Product End-of-Life Handling

Observe the following guidelines when recycling a Dewesoft system:

16.2.3 System and Components Recycling

Production of these components required the extraction and use of natural resources. The substances
contained in the system could be harmful to your health and to the environment if the system is
improperly handled at its end of life! Please recycle this product in an appropriate way to avoid
unnecessary pollution of the environment and to keep natural resources.

This symbol indicates that this system complies with the European Union’s requirements
according to Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Please find further information about recycling on the Dewesoft web site www.dewesoft.com

Restriction of Hazardous Substances

This product has been classified as Monitoring and Control equipment and is outside the
scope of the 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive. However, we take care of our environment and the product is
lead-free.

16.2.4. General safety and hazard warnings for all Dewesoft systems
Safety of the operator and the unit depend on following these rules.
● Use this system under the terms of the specifications only to avoid any possible danger.
● Read your manual before operating the system.
● Observe local laws when using the instrument.
● DO NOT touch internal wiring!
● DO NOT use higher supply voltage than specified!
● Use only original plugs and cables for harnessing.
● You may not connect higher voltages than rated to any connectors.
● The power cable and connector serve as Power-Breaker. The cable must not exceed 3 meters, the
disconnect function must be possible without tools.
● Maintenance must be executed by qualified staff only.
● During the use of the system, it might be possible to access other parts of a more comprehensive
system. Please read and follow the safety instructions provided in the manuals of all other
components regarding warning and security advice for using the system.
● With this product, only use the power cable delivered or defined for the host country.
● DO NOT connect or disconnect sensors, probes or test leads, as these parts are connected to a
voltage supply unit.
● Ground the equipment: For Safety Class 1 equipment (equipment having a protective earth
terminal), a non-interruptible safety earth ground must be provided from the mains power
source to the product input wiring terminals.
● Please note the characteristics and indicators on the system to avoid fire or electric shocks. Before
connecting the system, please read the corresponding specifications in the product manual
carefully.

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● The inputs must not, unless otherwise noted (CATx identification), be connected to the main
circuit of category II, III and IV.
● The power cord separates the system from the power supply. Do not block the power cord, since
it has to be accessible for the users.
● DO NOT use the system if equipment covers or shields are removed.
● If you assume the system is damaged, get it examined by authorized personnel only.
● Adverse environmental conditions are Moisture or high humidity Dust, flammable gases, fumes
or dissolver Thunderstorm or thunderstorm conditions (except assembly PNA) Electrostatic fields,
etc.
● The measurement category can be adjusted depending on module configuration.
● Any other use than described above may damage your system and is attended with dangers like
short-circuiting, fire or electric shocks.
● The whole system must not be changed, rebuilt or opened.
● DO NOT operate damaged equipment: Whenever it is possible that the safety protection features
built into this product have been impaired, either through physical damage, excessive moisture,
or any other reason, REMOVE POWER and do not use the product until the safe operation can be
verified by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the product to Dewesoft sales and
service office for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
● If you assume a more riskless use is not provided anymore, the system has to be rendered
inoperative and should be protected against inadvertent operation. It is assumed that a more
riskless operation is not possible anymore if the system is damaged obviously or causes strange
noises. The system does not work anymore. The system has been exposed to long storage in
adverse environments. The system has been exposed to heavy shipment strain.
● Warranty void if damages caused by disregarding this manual. For consequential damages, NO
liability will be assumed!
● Warranty void if damage to property or persons caused by improper use or disregarding the
safety instructions.
● Unauthorized changing or rebuilding the system is prohibited due to safety and permission
reasons (CE).
● Be careful with voltages >25 VAC or >35 VDC! These voltages are already high enough in order to
get a perilous electric shock by touching the wiring.
● The product heats during operation. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. Ventilation slots
must not be covered!
● Only fuses of the specified type and nominal current may be used. The use of patched fuses is
prohibited.
● Prevent using metal bare wires! Risk of short circuit and fire hazard!
● DO NOT use the system before, during or shortly after a thunderstorm (risk of lightning and high
energy over-voltage). An advanced range of application under certain conditions is allowed with
therefore designed products only. For details please refer to the specifications.
● Make sure that your hands, shoes, clothes, the floor, the system or measuring leads, integrated
circuits and so on, are dry.
● DO NOT use the system in rooms with flammable gases, fumes or dust or in adverse
environmental conditions.
● Avoid operation in the immediate vicinity of high magnetic or electromagnetic fields,
transmitting antennas or high-frequency generators, for exact values please refer to enclosed
specifications.
● Use measurement leads or measurement accessories aligned with the specification of the
system only. Fire hazard in case of overload!

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● Do not switch on the system after transporting it from a cold into a warm room and vice versa.
The thereby created condensation may damage your system. Acclimatise the system unpowered
to room temperature.
● Do not disassemble the system! There is a high risk of getting a perilous electric shock. Capacitors
still might be charged, even if the system has been removed from the power supply.
● The electrical installations and equipment in industrial facilities must be observed by the security
regulations and insurance institutions.
● The use of the measuring system in schools and other training facilities must be observed by
skilled personnel.
● The measuring systems are not designed for use in humans and animals.
● Please contact a professional if you have doubts about the method of operation, safety or the
connection of the system.
● Please be careful with the product. Shocks, hits and dropping it from already- lower level may
damage your system.
● Please also consider the detailed technical reference manual as well as the security advice of the
connected systems.
● This product has left the factory in safety-related flawlessness and in proper condition. In order to
maintain this condition and guarantee safety use, the user has to consider the security advice
and warnings in this manual.

EN 61326-3-1:2008
IEC 61326-1 applies to this part of IEC 61326 but is limited to systems and equipment for industrial
applications intended to perform safety functions as defined in IEC 61508 with SIL 1-3.

The electromagnetic environments encompassed by this product family standard are industrial, both
indoor and outdoor, as described for industrial locations in IEC 61000-6-2 or defined in 3.7 of IEC 61326-1.

Equipment and systems intended for use in other electromagnetic environments, for example, in the
process industry or in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, are excluded from the
scope of this product family standard, IEC 61326-3-1.

Devices and systems according to IEC 61508 or IEC 61511 which are considered as “operationally
well-tried”, are excluded from the scope of IEC 61326-3-1.

Fire-alarm and safety-alarm systems, intended for the protection of buildings, are excluded from the
scope of IEC 61326-3-1.

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17. Documentation version history

Last modified: Fri 11 May 2021

Version Date Notes

[dd.mm.yyyy]

1.0 29.05.14 ☑ initial revision

1.1 08.06.15 ☑MIMO removed; Triggered, group response removed; ☑ added hint
to 3.2.3 ODS
☑ changed pictures of modal testing force transducer with more
suitable one
☑ corrected response exponential window decay lines (20%, 50%, ...)

V21-1 11.05.2021 ☑Updated screenshots with the latest version (2021.2)

☑ Added Modal analysis
☑ Updated examples

V21-3 07.10.2021 ☑ Updated section 4.2 Shaker

☑ Updated section 6.1 Auto-generated displays
☑ Added section 6.1.1-3 for generated displays

V21-4 16.12.2021 ☑ Added Time ODS, section 12

☑ Updated “ODS” to Spectral ODS and Time ODS
☑ Updated pictures to match V2021.6
☑ Added Geometry editor tab information
☑ MT setup Index changed to Node ID, Geometry editor Label change
to Node ID
☑ Additional MIF information about NMIF.

V22-1 11.05.2022 ☑ Updated Modal analysis information: Added new sections 8, 9 and
10.

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