Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA)
Modal analysis is an important tool for identifying and solving structural vibration-related issues.
Experimental Modal Analysis
Why is experimental modal analysis important?
Experimental Modal Analysis, or EMA, describes a structure in terms of its natural characteristics: frequency, damping and mode shapes.
When operating frequencies from nearby machines are close to a structure’s natural frequencies, vibration can increase significantly. This can lead to resonance, fatigue, reliability problems and premature failure.
EMA helps you:
Identify resonance risks before they cause costly downtime.
Reduce structural fatigue and support longer equipment life.
Support design validation and retrofit decisions using measured data.
Experimental Modal Analysis
Why is experimental modal analysis important?
Experimental Modal Analysis, or EMA, describes a structure in terms of its natural characteristics: frequency, damping and mode shapes.
When operating frequencies from nearby machines are close to a structure’s natural frequencies, vibration can increase significantly. This can lead to resonance, fatigue, reliability problems and premature failure.
EMA helps you:
Identify resonance risks before they cause costly downtime.
Reduce structural fatigue and support longer equipment life.
Support design validation and retrofit decisions using measured data.
How AVT Can Help
EMA investigations supported by experienced reliability engineers
AVT Reliability engineers are experienced in Experimental Modal Analysis and have the analytical expertise to interpret results and recommend practical engineering solutions.
EMA can be delivered as a standalone investigation or as part of a wider structural integrity, vibration analysis or reliability improvement programme.
How AVT Can Help
EMA investigations supported by experienced reliability engineers
AVT Reliability engineers are experienced in Experimental Modal Analysis and have the analytical expertise to interpret results and recommend practical engineering solutions.
EMA can be delivered as a standalone investigation or as part of a wider structural integrity, vibration analysis or reliability improvement programme.
EMA Process
How experimental modal analysis works
EMA uses controlled excitation, measured structural response and specialist analysis to identify the natural dynamic behaviour of a structure.
Excite the structure
Apply excitation using an impact hammer or mechanical shaker at defined points on the structure.
Measure the response
Capture input and response using accelerometers at multiple locations across the structure.
Analyse mode shapes
Use specialist software to compute natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes for diagnosis and design decisions.
EMA Process
How experimental modal analysis works
EMA uses controlled excitation, measured structural response and specialist analysis to identify the natural dynamic behaviour of a structure.
Excite the structure
Apply excitation using an impact hammer or mechanical shaker at defined points on the structure.
Measure the response
Capture input and response using accelerometers at multiple locations across the structure.
Analyse mode shapes
Use specialist software to compute natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes for diagnosis and design decisions.
EMA and FEA
Using measured data to strengthen finite element analysis
EMA results can be used to validate and enhance finite element models. Dynamic stiffness and mode shape data from EMA can support deeper FE simulations to troubleshoot resonance, assess modifications and verify performance.
Stronger validation
Correlating EMA results with FEA helps move design decisions from assumptions to measured evidence.
EMA and FEA
Using measured data to strengthen finite element analysis
EMA results can be used to validate and enhance finite element models. Dynamic stiffness and mode shape data from EMA can support deeper FE simulations to troubleshoot resonance, assess modifications and verify performance.
Stronger validation
Correlating EMA results with FEA helps move design decisions from assumptions to measured evidence.
Key Applications
Where experimental modal analysis can support reliability
EMA is used where understanding dynamic behaviour is essential to solving vibration problems, validating models or confirming structural modifications.
Motor and pump mounts
Determine dynamic stiffness and potential resonance risks affecting motor, pump and machine mounting arrangements.
Compressor skids and assemblies
Carry out mode shape analysis for compressor skids and similar assemblies to understand structural response.
FE model validation
Verify baseline finite element analysis before designing or validating structural modifications.
EMA is one of AVT Reliability’s asset integrity services. Explore additional services here.
Key Applications
Where experimental modal analysis can support reliability
EMA is used where understanding dynamic behaviour is essential to solving vibration problems, validating models or confirming structural modifications.
Motor and pump mounts
Determine dynamic stiffness and potential resonance risks affecting motor, pump and machine mounting arrangements.
Compressor skids and assemblies
Carry out mode shape analysis for compressor skids and similar assemblies to understand structural response.
FE model validation
Verify baseline finite element analysis before designing or validating structural modifications.
EMA is one of AVT Reliability’s asset integrity services. Explore additional services here.
Talk to AVT Reliability
Ready to get started?
Use the form below to contact our team and find out more about Experimental Modal Analysis, resonance investigation and structural integrity support.
Need to understand a structural vibration issue?
Tell us about the structure, operating conditions or vibration concern and our team will help identify the right next step.
Talk to AVT Reliability
Ready to get started?
Use the form below to contact our team and find out more about Experimental Modal Analysis, resonance investigation and structural integrity support.
Need to understand a structural vibration issue?
Tell us about the structure, operating conditions or vibration concern and our team will help identify the right next step.
Contact our team
Complete the form below and a member of the AVT Reliability team will be in touch.
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