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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Noise elimination algorithm for modal analysis

Modal analysis is an ongoing interdisciplinary physical issue. Modal parameters estimation is applied to determine the dynamic characteristics of structures under vibration excitation. Modal analysis is more challenging for the measured vibration response signals are contaminated with noise. This study develops a mathematical algorithm of structured low rank approximation combined with the complex exponential method to estimate the modal parameters. Physical experiments using a steel cantilever beam with ten accelerometers mounted, excited by an impulse load, demonstrate that this method can significantly eliminate noise from measured signals and accurately identify the modal frequencies and damping ratios. This study provides a fundamental mechanism of noise elimination using structured low rank approximation in physical fields.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modal Analysis and Testing of a Cantilever Beam: Results and Guide

This report discusses modal analysis and testing of a cantilever beam including an introduction to modal testing, simulation, analysis, and a comparison of results. An accompanying presentation can be found from the LLNL CASIS website. Modal testing and analysis are essential for characterizing the response of a structure during vibration environments. Determining natural frequencies and mode shapes helps determine whether resonances will be reached during operations and if so, how the structure will respond and how the response can be tuned. The goal of this work is to convey the basics of modal testing and analysis through a simple project. This can be applied later to more complex, applicable structures. This includes a variety of work including data collection, finite element analysis and data processing. For this project a cantilever beam was chosen because it is a simple, well-characterized structure.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Using Multi-shaker Force Control Methods in Modal Analysis

Shaker excitation is a popular technique in experimental modal analysis because it gives the practitioner a high level of control and repeatability in the excitation. However, the dynamics of the shaker and test article can fundamentally limit the excitation bandwidth when a voltage-mode amplifier is used to power the shaker. Further, multiple shakers can couple to one-another through the test article and correlate the forces during a multiple-input / multiple-output modal test, potentially impa

Carter, Steven Phillip↗
DOE OSTI2020

Experimental Modal Analysis Using Phase Quantities from Phase-Based Motion Processing and Motion Magnification

Phase-based motion processing and the associated Motion Magnification that it enables has become popular not only for the striking videos that it can produce of traditionally stiff structures visualized with very large deflections, but also for its ability to pull information out of the noise floor of images so that they can be processed with more traditional optical techniques such as digital image correlation or feature tracking. While the majority of papers in the literature have utilized the Phase-based Image Processing approach as a pre-processor for more quantitative analyses, the technique itself can be used directly to extract modal parameters from an image, noting that the extracted phases are proportional to displacements in the image. Therefore, once phases are extracted, they can be fit using traditional experimental modal analysis techniques. This produces a mode “shape” where the degrees of freedom are phases instead of physical motions. These phases can be scaled to produce on-image visualizations of the mode shapes, rather than operational shapes produced by bandpass filtering. Modal filtering techniques can also be used to visualize motions from an environment on an image using the modal phases as a basis for the expansion.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Efficient Full-Field Vibration Measurements and Operational Modal Analysis Using Neuromorphic Event-Based Imaging

Traditional vibration measurement typically requires physically attached sensors, such as accelerometers and strain gauges. However, these discrete-point sensors provide only low spatial resolution vibration measurements, potentially foregoing valuable structural information such as localized damage. Noncontact optical measurement methods such as laser vibrometers can achieve high spatial resolution vibration measurements but only through time-consuming sequential measurements and are not cost-effective. As an alternative to traditional vibration measurement methods, digital video cameras are relatively low-cost, agile, and offer noncontact, simultaneous high spatial resolution measurements where every pixel on the structure becomes a measurement point. However, regular digital video cameras are frame-based where each pixel simultaneously performs temporally uniform (synchronous) measurements containing large amounts of redundant (background) data, which consumes considerable resources for video data measurement, management, and processing. To alleviate such a challenge, this work explores the use of event-based neuromorphic imagers, specifically silicon retinas, an efficient alternative to traditional frame-based video cameras, to perform full-field vibration measurements and operational modal analysis. By imitating biological vision, each silicon retina pixel independently and asynchronously records only intensity change events that contain structural motion information while excluding redundant (background) information. Such an asynchronous event-based data measurement mechanism allows for structural motion to be captured on the microsecond scale in an extremely data-efficient manner, which could benefit real-time vibration measurement and control applications. This study takes the first step toward these applications by formulating an existing video frame-based full-field operational modal analysis technique in the event-based, asynchronous silicon retina measurement framework. Specifically, local phase-based motion extraction and blind source separation are used to automatically and efficiently extract full-field vibration and dynamics parameters from silicon retina measurements. The developed method is validated by laboratory experiments on a bench-scale cantilever beam.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Real-Time Modal Analysis of Electric Power Grids - The Need for Dynamic State Estimation

We articulate the reason why dynamic state estimation is needed to push the boundaries of the modal analysis of electric power grids in real-time operation. Then, we demonstrate how to unravel linear and nonlinear modes by using the extended dynamic mode decomposition along with estimates of the synchronous generators’ rotor angles and rotor speed deviations from nominal speed. The estimated modes are associated with electromechanical oscillations that take place continuously in electric power grids because of imbalances between power generation and demand. The numerical simulations are performed on a synthetic, albeit realistic, 2,000-bus network that was designed to resemble the electric power grid of Texas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Real-Time Modal Analysis of Electric Power Grids - The Need for Dynamic State Estimation: Preprint

We articulate the reason why dynamic state estimation is needed to push the boundaries of the modal analysis of electric power grids in real-time operation. Then, we demonstrate how to unravel linear and nonlinear modes by using the extended dynamic mode decomposition along with estimates of the synchronous generators' rotor angles and rotor speed deviations from nominal speed. The estimated modes are associated with electromechanical oscillations that take place continuously in electric power grids because of imbalances between power generation and demand. The numerical simulations are performed on a synthetic, albeit realistic, 2,000-bus network that was designed to resemble the electric power grid of Texas.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Structural Characterization of a Toppling Rock Slab From Array-Based Ambient Vibration Measurements and Numerical Modal Analysis

Accurate assessments of the internal structure and boundary conditions of unstable rock slopes are imperative for evaluating landslide hazard scenarios. However, instability characterization at depth remains challenging and is often limited by costly or invasive subsurface investigations. Here, we develop a new approach coupling array-based ambient vibration modal analysis and numerical modeling to improve structural characterization of rock slope instabilities at depth. We used ambient noise cross-correlation on 4 hr of seismic data recorded by an array of 30 nodal geophones at a 500-m-long toppling rock slab in Utah, USA to identify modal frequencies between 0.8 and 3.5 Hz and derive modal displacements. We show that transverse and longitudinal bending modes span the length of the instability, indicating an interconnected slab. Further, statistical comparison of field results with outputs from >1,000 finite element models with varying boundary conditions showed that the instability depth varies between 40–70 and 10–20 m in the middle and lateral regions, respectively. Our approach yields new information on the structural conditions of rock cliff and column instabilities at depth, which is not easily obtained by other means but is imperative for change detection monitoring and improved hazard assessments.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Resonant Ultrasonic Spectroscopy: A Modal-Analysis Approach for Additive Manufacturing

Resonant ultrasonic spectroscopy is a methodology capable of measuring a change in modal resonant frequencies of material structures. It encompasses an inversion technique based on the eigen-frequencies of a simple regular sample geometry to estimate the elastic tensor of a solid. Obtaining an accurate and complete set of resonant frequencies is a critical first step in the RUS process. In this paper a variety of techniques to extract and validate material resonances from complicated RUS measurement spectra are developed. Various processing methodologies employing modal analysis techniques are applied to estimate the underlying resonances that lead to the extraction of the elastic coefficients characterizing the specimen under test. A case study of a simple isotropic material (304 SS) is investigated to analyze the algorithms and evaluate their performance

Coal, lignite, and peat↗
DOE OSTI2024

A data-driven framework for predicting machining stability: employing simulated data, operational modal analysis, and enhanced transfer learning

Chatter, a self-excited vibration phenomenon, presents a significant challenge in machining operations, particularly in high-speed milling, where it can degrade tool life, reduce material removal efficiency, and compromise workpiece quality. Addressing this challenge requires a reliable predictive model that can accommodate the complex dynamics of various machining scenarios. This study introduces a novel, data-driven approach to predicting machining stability, leveraging over 140,000 simulated datasets and employing advanced techniques such as operational modal analysis (OMA), enhanced transfer learning (TL), and receptance coupling substructure analysis (RCSA). By integrating these methodologies, the framework effectively classifies and predicts chatter across diverse operational modes, achieving robust and accurate outcomes. Our model utilizes a Random Forest (RF) classifier trained with the comprehensive dataset, which demonstrates substantial improvements in both predictive accuracy and robustness. Specifically, the RF model achieved an accuracy rate of 85%, an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90, and an F1 score of 0.88, underscoring its capability to adapt to varying machining configurations. These results highlight the framework’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and machining quality by providing reliable chatter predictions across a broad range of machining parameters. In conclusion, this research thus offers a significant advancement in predictive maintenance for machining processes, enabling more stable and efficient manufacturing operations.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

UNDERSTANDING FLOW OF ENERGY IN BUILDINGS USING MODAL ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY

It is widely understood that energy storage is the key to integrating variable generators into the grid. It has been proposed that the thermal mass of buildings could be used as a distributed energy storage solution and several researchers are making headway in this problem. However, the inability to easily determine the magnitude of the building’s effective thermal mass, and how the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system exchanges thermal energy with it, is a significant challenge to designing systems which utilize this storage mechanism. In this paper we adapt modal analysis methods used in mechanical structures to identify the primary modes of energy transfer among thermal masses in a building. The paper describes the technique using data from an idealized building model. The approach is successfully applied to actual temperature data from a commercial building in downtown Boise, Idaho.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Full circle mechanical dynamic characterization including experimental modal analysis and finite element analysis

During operation, it was observed that a specific mechanical system experienced undesirable vibration and it became necessary to understand and mitigate this phenomenon. This document investigates the tools, methodology, and results of the dynamic characterization of the system. The characterization makes use of the experimental modal analysis (EMA) methods of single input multiple output (SIMO) and single input single output (SISO). The validity of the theory of reciprocity is confirmed to minimize measurement error, cost, and time of repeat testing. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used in choosing transducer and modal impact locations to adequately characterize the system. Single degree of freedom (SDOF) and multiple degree of freedom (MDOF) curve fitting is used to fully characterize the system’s mode shapes and natural frequencies. The EMA characterization results are used to modify and validate the FEA model so that FEA can be used to model potential structural modifications to the system to mitigate the undesirable vibration. Structural modifications are chosen, implemented, and their effectiveness is quantified using EMA. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of the methodology of FEA validation by EMA and tuning of the model to match the experimental results is discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Digital Image Correlation as an Experimental Modal Analysis Capability

Digital image correlation (DIC) is an established test technique in several fields including quasi-static displacement measurements. Recently there has been growing interest in using DIC to measure structural dynamic response and even extract modal parameters from that information. Although high-speed cameras have become more ubiquitous, there are no commercial end-to-end packages for modal analysis based on image data, particularly when combined with traditional data acquisition systems. As such, the practitioner is left to develop several key data processing capabilities, hardware interface equipment, and testing practices themselves. This work highlights several practical aspects that have been encountered while establishing DIC as a viable modal testing capability in a laboratory environment.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Experimental Characterization of a Grid-Loss Event on a 2.5-MW Dynamometer Using Advanced Operational Modal Analysis: Preprint

This paper experimentally investigates a worst case grid loss event conducted on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Gearbox Reliability Collaborative (GRC) drivetrain mounted on the 2.5MW NREL dynamic nacelle test-rig. The GRC drivetrain has a directly grid-coupled, fixed speed asynchronous generator. The main goal is the assessment of the dynamic content driving this particular assess the dynamic content of the high-speed stage of the GRC gearbox. In addition to external accelerometers, high frequency sampled measurements of strain gauges were used to assess torque fluctuations and bending moments both at the nacelle main shaft and gearbox high-speed shaft (HSS) through the entire duration of the event. Modal analysis was conducted using a polyreference Least Squares Complex Frequency-domain (pLSCF) modal identification estimator. The event driving the torsional resonance was identified. Moreover, the pLSCF estimator identified main drivetrain resonances based on a combination of acceleration and strain measurements. Without external action during the grid-loss event, a mode shape characterized by counter phase rotation of the rotor and generator rotor determined by the drivetrain flexibility and rotor inertias was the main driver of the event. This behavior resulted in significant torque oscillations with large amplitude negative torque periods. Based on tooth strain measurements of the HSS pinion, this work showed that at each zero-crossing, the teeth lost contact and came into contact with the backside flank. In addition, dynamic nontorque loads between the gearbox and generator at the HSS played an important role, as indicated by strain gauge-measurements.

17 WIND ENERGY↗