Phase correction for frequency response function measurements

In modal testing, an impulse is often used to excite the structure and a linear transducer is used to measure the response. For these impact tests, two signals are measured: the impulsive force and the vibration response. Any lack of synchronization in the time domain acquisition of the two signals results in a frequency-dependent phase error in the frequency response function, or FRF. However, knowledge of the time delay may be used to correct the corresponding phase error. In this research, tests were conducted to measure the frequency-dependent phase error for a capacitive sensor and a frequency domain technique is proposed to correct the FRF. The method was validated using an FRF measurement of a cylindrical artifact mounted in a milling machine spindle.