Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Forty Years of Use and Abuse of Impact Testing: A Practical Guide to Making Good FRF Measurements

  • Conference paper
Experimental Techniques, Rotating Machinery, and Acoustics, Volume 8

Abstract

Impact testing first came into common use over 40 years ago, once the fast Fourier transform (FFT) was commercially available. Over this period of time, implementation of impact testing has evolved but some of the same problems seem to reoccur. This paper documents the practical guidelines that have evolved, along with some practical examples of what happens when the guidelines are not followed, particularly with respect to overload detection and related errors. In particular, the ADC hardware differences are noted and the distortion problem associated with overloads is thoroughly reviewed. Other issues that are discussed include factors that affect force spectrum, impact hammer calibration, double impacting, use, application and correction for exponential windows and understanding how the time truncation causes leakage for a realistic case involving a lightly damped structural system.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    The following is a partial list of published articles over the last forty years that contribute to the background of the methodologies involved with impact testing. There are literally hundreds of published articles if all application examples are included. Our apologies to any author whose publication(s) have been omitted.

References

  1. Morse IE, Shapton WR, Brown DL, Kuljanic E (1972) Application of pulse testing for determining dynamic characteristics of machine tools. In: 13th international machine tool design and research conference, University of Birmingham, Birmingham

    Google Scholar 

  2. Hewlett Packard Corporation (1972) Dynamic testing of mechanical systems using impulse testing techniques. HP Application Note 140–3

    Google Scholar 

  3. Allemang RJ, Graef T, Powell CD (1974) Dynamic characteristics of rotating and non-rotating machine tool spindles. ASME paper number 73-DET-29, ASME Trans J Eng Ind Ser B 96(1):343–347

    Google Scholar 

  4. Brown DL (1976) Grinding dynamics. PhD dissertation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cincinnati

    Google Scholar 

  5. Halvorsen WG, Brown DL (1977) Impulse technique for structural frequency response testing. Sound and Vibration Magazine, Nov 1977, pp 8–21

    Google Scholar 

  6. Fladung WA (1994) Multiple-reference impact testing. MS thesis, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cincinnati

    Google Scholar 

  7. Fladung WA, Zucker AT, Phillips AW, Allemang RJ (1999) Using cyclic averaging with impact testing. In: Proceedings of the SEM-IMAC, 7pp

    Google Scholar 

Impact Testing Bibliography

  • Agardh L (1994) Impact excitations of concrete highway bridges. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahn SJ, Jeong WB, Yoo WS (2004) Unbiased expression of FRF with exponential window function in impact hammer testing. J Sound Vib 277(4–5):931–944

    Google Scholar 

  • Berman MS, Li TH (2001) High-energy modal excitation technique utilizing powder-actuated impact tool. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Bissinger G (1993) Merging microphone and accelerometer hammer-impact modal analysis measurements: working example -the violin bow. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Bissinger G, Chowdury M (1990) Comparison of modal analysis measurements with microphone and accelerometer on hammer-impacted structures. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Bono RW, Lally MJ, Hunt VJ, Aktan AE, Brown DL (1996) Portable, controllable impact excitation for civil infrastructure. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandt (2010) Impact excitation processing for improved frequency response quality. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, pp 7

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown DL (1679) The weaknesses of impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, pp 1672–1676

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown DL, Witter MC (2010) Review of recent developments in multiple-reference impact testing. Sound Vib Mag, pp 8–16 In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, pp 18

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown DL, Carbon GD, Ramsey K (1977) Survey of excitation techniques applicable to the testing of automotive structures. SAE Paper Number 770029, pp 16

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown DL, Phillips AW, Witter MC (2011) Practical trouble shooting test methodologies. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, pp 12

    Google Scholar 

  • Carne TS, Stasiunas ET (2006) Lessons learned in modal testing-part 3: transient excitation for modal testing, more than just hammer impacts. Experimental Techniques, May/June, 2006, pp 69–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Catbas FN (1997) Investigation of global condition assessment and structural damage identification of bridges with dynamic testing and modal analysis. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Cincinnati, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

    Google Scholar 

  • Catbas FN, Lenett M, Brown DL (1997) Modal analysis of multi-reference impact test data for steel stringer bridges. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Champoux Y, Paillard B, Machéto D (2001) Moment excitation using two synchronized impact hammers. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Chouychai T, Vinh T (1986) Analysis of non linear structure by programmed impact testing and higher order transfer function. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Chouychai, Vinh T (1987) Impact testing of non-linear structures. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Corelli DA, Brown DL (1984) Impact testing considerations. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Correlli DL, Zimmerman RD (1990) Electric impact hammer – a performance comparison between the PCB electric impact hammer and conventional impact hammers. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Dillon M, Fladung B, Brown DL (1996) Improved impact testing throughput by using a 3D digitizing system. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Doebling SW, Farrar CR, Cornwell PJ (1997) A statistical comparison of impact and ambient testing results from the Alamosa Canyon bridge. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong J, McConnell KG, Atfonzo M, Golovanova L (1998) Error reduction of measured impact forces and their lines of action via cross sensitivity studies. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung WA (1994) Multiple-reference impact testing. MS Thesis, University of Cincinnati, Department of Mechanical Engineering

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung WA (1997) Windows used for impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung WA, Brown DL (1993) Multiple reference impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung WA, Rost RW, Brown DL (1994) Further developments of multiple reference impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung WA, Rost RW, Poland JB (1994) The modal punch: a new impacting development. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Fladung WA, Zucker AT, Phillips AW, Allemang RJ (1999) Using cyclic averaging with impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Gade S, Herlufsen H (1993) A hand-held exciter for field mobility measurements – an alternative to the impact hammer method. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Hemez FM, Doebling SW, Rhee W (2000) Validation of nonlinear modeling from impact test data using probability integration. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Hemez FM, Wilson AC, Doebling SW (2001) Design of computer experiments for improving an impact test simulation. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim SR, Mikulcik EC (1977) A method for the direct identification of vibration parameters from the free response. Shock Vib Bull 47(4): 183–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Keiffer J, Bissinger G (2001) Planar Grid vs. Geometry-controlled hammer-impact/scanning laser modal analysis. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessler CL, Kim J (1999) Application of triaxial force sensor to impact testing of spinning rotor systems. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim HS, Schmidtz TL (2007) Bivariate uncertainty analysis for impact testing. Meas Sci Technol, 18(11)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kong FL, Liang Z, Lee GC (1996) Responses of a model bridge under impact and ambient excitation. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenett M, Catbas N, Hunt V, Aktan AE, Helmicki A, Brown DL (1997) Issues in multi-reference impact testing of steel-stringer bridges. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenett MS, Helmicki AJ, Hunt VJ (2000) Multi-reference impact testing of FRP bridge deck material. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenett MS, Hunt VJ, Helmicki AJ, Shahrooz B (2001) Influence of FRP Decking as measured through impact test data. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Mattson SG, Van Karsen CD, Blough JR, Scheifer M (2000) Design and performance of a gas actuated impact hammer. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • McConnell KG, Varoto PS (1995) The effects of window functions and trigger levels on FRF estimations from impact tests. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, Wang B, Britt S, Kazi R, Adams DE (2006) Modal impact testing of ground vehicles enabling mechanical condition assessment. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, 9pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Napolitano K, Yoder N, Brillhart R (2012) A comparison of multiple impact testing methods. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, pp 331–345

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavic RL, Pimentel R, Waldron P (1998) Instrumented sledge hammer impact excitation: worked examples. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickrel CR, Foss GC, Phillips S, Allemang RJ, Brown DL (2004) New concepts in Aircraft ground vibration testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC, pp 6

    Google Scholar 

  • Rezai MK, Ventura CE, Prion HGL, Lubell AS (1997) Dynamic properties of steel plate shear wall frame by impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Seth BB, Field NL (1984) Structural dynamics characteristics using impact tests. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Sohaney RC, Nieters JM (1985) Proper use of weighting functions for impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Soom, Wang BJ (1987) Frequency domain power transfer during impact testing of structures. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Soom, Wang BJ, Trachsler T (1986) Energy transfer during impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Stanbridge AB, Martarelli M, Ewins DJ (1999) The scanning laser doppler vibrometer applied to impact modal testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Stenger G (1979) Step relaxation method for structural dynamic excitation. Master of Science Thesis, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 54pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Tamhane SK (1984) Feasibility of impact technique for studying nonlinear systems. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Tretheway MW, Cafeo JA (1992) Tutorial: signal processing aspects of structural impact testing. Int J Anal Exp Modal Anal 7(2):129–149

    Google Scholar 

  • Trethewey MW (1997) Structural impact testing force spectra. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Karsen CD, Little EF (1997) The strengths of impact testing. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Varghese J, Dasgupta A (2003) Test tailoring methodology for impact testing of portable electronic products. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

  • Witter MC, Brown DL, Bono RW (1998) Broadband 6 DOF accelerometer calibration via impact excitation. In: Proceedings, SEM-IMAC

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Structural Dynamics Research Lab, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0072, USA

    David L. Brown, Randall J. Allemang & Allyn W. Phillips

Authors
  1. David L. Brown
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Randall J. Allemang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Allyn W. Phillips
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Randall J. Allemang .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Enterprise Program, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mississippi, USA

    James De Clerck

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc.

About this paper

Cite this paper

Brown, D.L., Allemang, R.J., Phillips, A.W. (2015). Forty Years of Use and Abuse of Impact Testing: A Practical Guide to Making Good FRF Measurements. In: De Clerck, J. (eds) Experimental Techniques, Rotating Machinery, and Acoustics, Volume 8. Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15236-3_21

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15236-3_21

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-15235-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-15236-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation