IMAC XXIX report
By Peter Sims and Niels-Jørgen Jacobsen
21 Feb 2011
Jacksonville, Florida, once again played host to IMAC – or to give it its full name, the International Modal Analysis Conference – the annual conference and exposition on structural dynamics.
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The theme for this, the 29th such event, held from 29th January to 3rd February, was ‘Advanced Aerospace Applications’, meaning that the focus was slightly more aerospace-minded than usual, with the keynote speech made by Charlie Pickrel of Boeing Test & Evaluation, Northwest.
Brüel & Kjær was highly visible throughout the different aspects of the conference, starting with a one-day pre-conference course ‘Operational Modal Analysis, Background, Theory and Practice’. The course was held together with the University of British Columbia and proved to be the most popular, drawing a record 20 participants – a significant number considering that attendance is paid for.
Very positive feedback was received and was bolstered by many requests for demonstration software licences, showing a healthy interest in Brüel & Kjær solutions.
On to the conference proper, seven Brüel & Kjær papers were presented, of which several were co-authored by customers. All were very well attended. The papers can be downloaded via the 'Conference papers' link on the right.
This year there were also two round-robins, entitled ‘Output-only Modal Parameter Estimation’ and ‘Modal Parameter Estimation’. The first concerned Operational Modal Analysis and the latter Classical Modal Analysis. Brüel & Kjær took part in both round-robins and also organised and chaired the first one. These round-robins were opportunities for the participants to compare modal analysis results from various commercial and custom modal parameter estimation algorithms, using the same test data. Brüel & Kjær’s results were obtained using PULSE Operational Modal Analysis and PULSE Reflex Modal Analysis products.
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This year, Brüel & Kjær had a large model aeroplane that measured over one metre long, to display selected structural analysis solutions like Classical Modal Analysis, Operational Modal Analysis and Operating Deflection Shapes Analysis. With seven PULSE LAN-XI modules distributed around the aeroplane, two shakers and about 30 accelerometers, there was plenty of hardware on display, providing real-time analysis that the attendees could easily relate to. Also on display was frame-mounted PULSE LAN-XI hardware including the new 12-channel module and the latest interchangeable front panels that allow the use of numerous transducers by simply swapping the front connector panels.
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On a separate display, the multi-field microphone on a demonstration wheel setup effectively contrasted with a standard high-quality, free-field microphone to show its considerably better performance when the sound field is unknown. In addition, LDS vibration controllers and shakers added to the variety of solutions on offer.
Brüel & Kjær’s stand thus showed a wide range of applications that were very popular with the crowds. Out of all the interest, the most popular products were the PULSE LAN-XI hardware and the PULSE Reflex Modal Analysis software.
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| Ampliar imagen | | Good food, good drink, games and a quiz ensured that nearly 200 guests had a memorable cruise on the Lady St John |
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As always at IMAC, Brüel & Kjær also held a Test for I-deas User Group Meeting. The latest news and future directions for PULSE Reflex were presented – which is due to replace Test for I-deas. Offering the chance to handle our equipment under expert guidance proved to be a popular attraction and provided useful feedback, in addition to giving a sneak preview of upcoming products.
As is traditional on Wednesday evening at IMAC, Brüel & Kjær treated its customers to an event that saw close to 200 people take advantage of the riverfront location and set sail on an evening boat cruise complete with food, cocktails and a quiz. The trip lasted over three hours, giving all of the guests plenty of time to mingle and enjoy themselves, and even win prizes in a competition about the solutions and history of Brüel & Kjær. It seems that the reputation of these events preceded this one, as people were enthusiastically asking after it from the word go!
- IMAC is an annual event organised by the Society for Experimental Mechanics. It is probably the largest and most significant event regarding structural analysis.
- IMAC XXX will be held once again in Jacksonville from 28th January to 2nd February, 2012. For further information on IMAC, follow the link on the right-hand side of the page.
- The closely-named IOMAC (International Operational Modal Analysis Conference) is to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from 9–11 May. Brüel & Kjær will be in attendance with a stand and various paper presentations.
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