Dynamic Testing

Aerodyn offers a wide range of dynamic test and analysis capabilities. Testing can be conducted either in-house or on-site using a variety of sensors to identify and characterize natural or forced frequency responses of systems or components.

Structural and Mechanical Analysis

Aerodyn understands that a structural failure of instrumentation installed in a critical location can lead to a catastrophic failure of machinery. We can perform a structural, thermal, and mechanical analysis of the instrumentation hardware utilizing our in-house Ansys® and Modal Analysis capabilities, reducing the risk to expensive equipment and increasing the safety of on-site personnel.

Data Analysis

Aerodyn understands that data is only useful after it is presented as information. We offer a wide range of dynamic test and analysis capabilities. Data can be processed into industry standard formats or customized to specific requirements. Results are delivered to the customer in levels of effort that range from reduced data files to full formal test reports with data interpretation.

Modal Analysis

Aerodyn performs Modal Analysis using ME'scope™ software to determine a component's structural resonances. Forces are applied to test articles with a variety of excitation methods, including Impact hammers and portable shakers. Measurements of Operating Deflection Shapes (ODS) can be animated, and extremely valuable tool in understanding a component's vibratory responses to input forces.

  • Data acquired from hardware of all sizes and complexity
  • Animated and graphical representation of frequency mode shapes
  • Verification of a component's structural response to design modifications, such as bracket redesign
  • Correlation of analytical models to experimental results
  • Portable systems for on-site testing

Airfoil Characterization

Aerodyn conducts airfoil analysis by means of Stress Ratio testing. Accurate determination of stress levels and locations are made by analyzing signals from an array of strain gages placed at critical locations. Vibratory modes are excited using electro-dynamic, piezoelectric, acoustical, and air siren equipment.

  • Dynamic strain measurements at numerous locations over a frequency range of 10 Hz to 25 kHz
  • Correlation of predicted stress locations for individual modes
  • Strain amplitude ratios relative to reference gages provided for all frequency modes of interest
  • Correlation of tip deflection to maximum strain for response modes
  • High Cycle Fatigue Testing (HCF) providing stain levels and tip deflections of airfoils to failure

Advanced Signal Processing

AEI acquires data from measurement hardware with National Instruments™ LabVIEW™ data acquisition software. LabVIEW™ provides tools for data visualization, user interface design, Web publishing, report generation, data management, and software connectivity. As a National Instruments™ Alliance Member, we have created an extensive library of advanced signal processing and custom data reduction algorithms.

Signal Processing Routines

  • Frequency Spectrums
  • Cross Power Spectrums
  • Waterfall Plots
  • Color Spectrograms
  • Transfer Functions
  • Harmonic Analysis
  • Acoustic Analysis
  • Statistical Averaging
  • Bode Plots
  • Frequency Response Function
  • Campbell Diagrams
  • Balancing
  • PID Control
  • Octave Analysis

The Complete Solution

Aerodyn understands that accurate data analysis depends on accurate data. Our instrumentation and data acquisition services compliment our analysis capabilities. Installing the instrumentation and acquiring the data allows us to have a full understanding of the signals being analyzed. The end result is reliable analysis of accurate data, giving our customers confidence in their test results.