Vibration Visualization with Real-Time Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in visualizing and analyzing structural vibrations, particularly for complex structures, as they struggle to create accurate 3D geometry models and display vibration intensity and distribution effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating a geometric surface model of the structure using a geometry editor, attaching motion sensors, and using interpolation to calculate and display structural deformations on a 3D model, enabling real-time or offline visualization of vibrational modes and amplitudes, with options for real-time animation and post-processing analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a 3D geometry model is created to animate structural vibrations, then visualization of vibration intensity and distribution is improved, but the complexity of creating the model increases significantly for intricate geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the 3D geometry model into a mesh structure with defined nodes and elements before vibration analysis. This preprocessing step organizes the complex geometry into a standardized format that facilitates subsequent vibration visualization without requiring complex manual modeling during the analysis phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital 3D model representation (mesh) that replicates the physical structure's geometry. This digital copy can be manipulated and visualized independently from the physical object, allowing vibration patterns to be displayed on the model without affecting the actual structure.
2Measurement precision
If motion sensors are attached at multiple measurement locations to capture vibration data, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of sensors and measurement points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the structure into discrete mesh elements with nodes at strategic locations. Motion sensors are attached at these nodal points rather than continuously across the surface, capturing essential vibration data while reducing the total number of sensors needed compared to full-surface measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by measuring vibrations at a selected subset of measurement locations (nodes) rather than at every possible point on the structure. This selective measurement approach provides sufficient information for vibration visualization without the excessive complexity of comprehensive full-surface measurement.
3Loss of information
If interpolation is used to calculate structural deformations at locations between sensors, then visualization completeness is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses interpolation as an intermediary process to estimate vibration values at unmeasured locations based on data from nearby sensor locations. This intermediary calculation fills gaps in the measurement data, enabling complete surface visualization without requiring physical sensors at every point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a complete vibration field representation by copying and extrapolating measurement patterns from sensed locations to unsensed locations through interpolation. This generates a full-surface vibration map that replicates the physical vibration distribution across the entire structure.
4Productivity
If real-time vibration animation is displayed during the test, then productivity is improved by enabling immediate analysis, but data processing speed requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing the mesh structure, node locations, and interpolation functions before the vibration test. This preprocessing enables real-time visualization during testing because the computational framework is already established, requiring only efficient processing of incoming sensor data during the actual test.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic visualization by updating the vibration animation in real-time as new measurement data becomes available during the test. The system transitions from static pre-test modeling to dynamic real-time data processing and display, adapting the visualization to reflect current vibration states.
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration testing system for structures visually displays vibration analysis information in the form of a graphic animation using a 3D model of the object. While only a subset of the surface points of the object model correspond to sensors on the structure, an interpolation feature of the system allows deformation information for all points of the model to be estimated. Interpolation weights can be calculated in advance to allow for real-time display of a test. Color can be used to enhance visualization of vibration amplitudes. The visualization can be performed offline after a vibration test has been completed to show modal analysis results or can be done in real-time using either blocks or RMS data obtained while the vibration testing is still on-going. This is especially useful for adjusting test parameters, such as the excitation location, amplitude or both, for more effective testing.