Development and Validation of an AMH-ISMA System for High-efficiency Impact Synchronous Modal Analysis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-13-2026

Abstract

Purpose

Impact synchronous modal analysis (ISMA) for rotating machinery is hindered by variability in manual impact hammers, causing phase errors and harmonic interference. We aim to improve repeatability and suppression efficiency to enable industrial deployment.

Methods

We propose an ISMA approach driven by an automated modal hammer (AMH). A real-time, open-loop AMH-ISMA control system lets the workflow command on-demand impacts at a target force, while a refined phase-adaptive ISMA algorithm triggers impacts at the optimal rotor phase. The goal is to obtain high-quality frequency response functions (FRFs) with few impacts.

Results

Bench tests at 20 and 30 Hz achieved harmonic suppression rates exceeding 90%, peaking at 96.75% at 30 Hz. The method identified three target modes using eight impacts and delivered clean FRFs with reduced cyclic load.

Conclusion

Integrating AMH with ISMA improves phase accuracy, repeatability, and test efficiency, reducing required impacts while increasing suppression. The AMH–ISMA approach is a practical and reliable option for rotating machinery diagnostics and modal testing in industrial settings.

Keywords

ISMA, AMH, AMH-ISMA control system, Phase-adaptive algorithm, Automated impact device

Publication Title

Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies

ISSN

2523-3920

DOI

10.1007/s42417-025-02310-w

Volume

14

Issue

2

First Page

56

Publisher

Springer

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS