VIBRATION VISUALIZATION WITH REAL-TIME AND INTERPOLATION FEATURES

A vibration testing system for structures visually displays vibration analysis information in the form of a graphic animation using a 3D model of the object. While only a subset of the surface points of the object model correspond to sensors on the structure, an interpolation feature of the system allows deformation information for all points of the model to be estimated. Interpolation weights can be calculated in advance to allow for real-time display of a test. Color can be used to enhance visualization of vibration amplitudes. The visualization can be performed offline after a vibration test has been completed to show modal analysis results or can be done in real-time using either blocks or RMS data obtained while the vibration testing is still on-going. This is especially useful for adjusting test parameters, such as the excitation location, amplitude or both, for more effective testing.