Operational modal analysis techniqu

Operational modal analysis techniques allow us to extract the modal properties of structures based on their response to non-measured stationary white noise, i.e., by considering only the system response to operational excitations. In this paper we outline a procedure to deduce modal parameters from operational response measurements. In particular, we discuss a novel approach to analyze operational responses due to unknown harmonic excitation in addition to noise. Structural eigenfrequencies and modal damping are computed using a modified least-squares complex exponential method. Once the poles of the system are identified, mode shapes are obtained by post-processing. The robustness and accuracy of the approach are illustrated by performing tests on a plate structure.