Implementation of the scanning laser Doppler vibrometer combined
with a light-weight pneumatic artificial muscle actuator for the modal analysis
of a civil structure
Affiliations: Acoustics and Vibration Research Group, Department of
Mechanical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050
Brussels, Belgium | Department of Applied Science and Technology, Artesis
Hogeschool Antwerpen, Paardenmarkt 92, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Abstract: The identification of the modal parameters of bridges and other
large civil constructions has become an important research issue. Different
approaches have been proposed depending on the excitation used: ambient
excitations (due to wind, traffic, …) or artificial excitations (e.g.
impact test with heavy drop weights). In practice it turns out that not all
modes are well excited by the ambient forces. Hence the application of an
artificial actuator is advisable. The problem is that larger constructions
often require large and heavy excitation devices, which are hard to manipulate.
Another difficulty encountered in performing a modal analysis on large civil
constructions is the necessity for a large number of high sensitivity sensors.
Consequently a large number of cables has to be installed resulting in a large
setup time. This paper is a proof-of-concept which demonstrates the possibility
of using lightweight Pneumatic Artificial Muscles combined with the scanning
laser Doppler vibrometer to perform a modal analysis on a civil structure. This
combination allows for an important reduction in setup time and allows for sine
testing as well as the application of broadband signals such as periodic
chirps, true noise or multisines.
