Experimental Modal Analysis of a Fixed-Fixed Beam Under Axial Force
In this paper, an experimental procedure is proposed for determining the resonance frequencies and mode shapes of vibration of a fixed-fixed beam. Since it is fixed at both ends, the beam may sustain an axial force due to several factors including the fasteners and/or change of temperature. The analytical governing equations of motion, frequency equation, and mode shapes of vibration are presented. The analytical model is used to justify the experimental approach as well as interpretation of the experiment data. In this study, a hammer is used to excite the beam, and then the vibration of the beam is observed and recorded at two different points on the beam using two laser Doppler vibrometers. The data from the vibrometers are used to extract the resonance frequencies and mode shapes of vibrations. Using the analytical model, the axial force in the beam is estimated.