Multi-shaker vibration testing is gaining interest from structural dynamics test engineers as it can provide a much more accurate match to complicated field vibration responses than traditional single-axis shaker tests. However, the force capabilities of the small modal shakers typically used in multi-shaker vibration tests has limited the achievable response levels. To date, most multi-shaker vibration tests have been performed using a variety of standard, commercially-available control systems. While these control systems are adequate for a wide range of multiple-input/multiple-output tests, their control algorithms have not been tailored for the specific problem of multi-shaker vibration tests: efficiently coordinating the various shakers to work together to achieve a desired response. Here, a new input estimation algorithm is developed and demonstrated using simulations and actual test data. This algorithm, dubbed shape-constrained input estimation, is shown to effectively coordinate multiple shakers using a set of constraint vectors based on the deflection shapes of the test structure. This is accomplished by using the singular vector shapes of the system frequency response matrix, which allows the constraint vectors to automatically change as a function of frequency. Simulation and test results indicate a significant reduction in the input forces required to achieve a desired response. The results indicate that shape-constrained input estimation is an effective method to achieve higher response levels from limited shaker forces which will enable higher level multi-shaker vibration tests to be performed.

中文翻译：

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用于高效多激振器振动测试的形状约束输入估计

多激振器振动测试引起了结构动力学测试工程师的兴趣，因为与传统的单轴激振器测试相比，它可以为复杂的现场振动响应提供更准确的匹配。然而，通常用于多激振器振动测试的小型模态激振器的受力能力限制了可实现的响应水平。迄今为止，大多数多台激振器振动测试都是使用各种标准的、市售的控制系统进行的。虽然这些控制系统足以进行广泛的多输入/多输出测试，但它们的控制算法还没有针对多激振器振动测试的特定问题进行定制：有效地协调各种激振器协同工作以实现所需的回复。这里，使用模拟和实际测试数据开发和演示了一种新的输入估计算法。这种被称为形状约束输入估计的算法被证明可以使用一组基于测试结构偏转形状的约束向量来有效地协调多个激振器。这是通过使用系统频率响应矩阵的奇异向量形状来实现的，它允许约束向量作为频率的函数自动改变。仿真和测试结果表明，实现所需响应所需的输入力显着降低。结果表明，形状约束输入估计是一种有效的方法，可以从有限的激振器力中获得更高的响应水平，从而能够执行更高级别的多激振器振动测试。