Impulse technique for structural frequency response testing

Abstract

This article discusses one of the most useful techniques for experimental structural frequency response testing - one based upon excitation of the structure with an impulsive force. In many situations, this is the simplest and fastest of the various techniques commonly used today. However, the nature of the excitation and response signals in the impulse technique requires special signal processing techniques if accurate frequency response measurements are to be obtained. This article discusses the application of the impulse technique and reviews the special problems encountered in practice and the techniques that have been developed for dealing with those problems.