EXPERIMENTAL MODAL ANALYSIS (EMA) STUDY ON MULTI-BENT COPPER PHOSPHOROUS SUCTION TUBES

Modal Analysis provides valuable information about a structure in terms of its dynamic properties. In this study, an Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) procedure was developed for the testing of two different suction tubes under “free-free” boundary conditions in order to determine its dynamic properties. The results obtained will then act as a benchmark for the dynamic properties obtained from the Finite Element (FE) Modal Analysis. Preliminary tests were conducted on a simple plate structure to validate the developed EMA procedure based on the comparison of the natural frequencies obtained via EMA against theoretical natural frequencies. An average percentage error of 5% was observed deeming the developed procedure reliable for testing on copper tubes. The integrated usage of modal parameter estimation algorithms along with Mode Indicator Functions (MIFs) are evaluated for dynamic properties extraction from raw Frequency Response Function (FRF) data and was found to be a reliable method for dynamic property extraction. The outcomes of this research will be able to assist air-conditioning manufactures in the design validation process of new copper tube designs in an efficient and cost effective manner without the need for prototype fabrication.