Noisy Vibrational Response of a Cylindrical Object: Identification and Tracking

In this paper we discuss the signal processing of a cylindrical object, a pipe (in air), subjected to random excitations by a hammer-like surface from a cam-driven motor. The overall objective of this effort is to develop real-time hardware capable of monitoring mechanical systems (structures) for potential anomalies. We briefly discuss the development process: (1) theoretical modeling; (2) sophisticated simulations; (3) analysis; (4) controlled experiments; (5) signal processing; (6) modal frequency estimation; and (7) modal tracking. The primary emphasis is on the signal processing, modal extraction and tracking for single and multi-channel data.