Test planning techniques for improved vibration measurements and model correlation

This paper proposes a procedure for optimising sensors placement during experimental testing. The selection of those degrees of freedom (DOF) aim at improving measurements quality and delivering the best possible data set for further correlation analysis between experimental and numerical models of the structure under in- vestigation. The procedure is based on two selection algorithms: one direct, based on the manipulation of the numerical mode shapes of the structure, the second, iterative, based on the optimisation of the experimental auto-MAC matrix. The paper will present both the theory and some examples.