Experimental modal analysis using blind source separation techniques

Recently, statistical and empirical signal processing techniques such as the proper orthogonal decomposition and the Hilbert-Huang transform have shown promise for structural system identification. In the present study, experimental modal analysis is carried out by employing blind source separation techniques and by interpreting the response of a mechanical system as a static mixture of sources. Specifically, it is shown under which circumstances the normal coordinates of the vibration modes may be interpreted as virtual sources. The advantages and limitations of the proposed method will be discussed, and the procedure will be demonstrated using numerical applications.