Use of the Hilbert transform in modal analysis of linear and non-linear structures

Abstract An initial study into the application of the Hilbert transform in modal analysis procedures is presented. It is shown that typical structural non-linearities such as non-linear damping and stiffness can be detected and identified directly without the need to generate explicit models. No assumptions regarding the degree of non-linearity are made, which is a restriction in the classical methods for dealing with non-linearities. The properties of the Hilbert transform are discussed with respect to linear and non-linear dynamical systems, and a discrete transform, developed from the continuous functions, is derived in the frequency domain and adapted to modal analysis data in the form of mobility transfer functions. Truncation effects arising from limited frequency ranges of the mobility transfer functions are accounted for by employing correction terms in the frequency domain. Several examples are studied of single and multi-mode systems with non-linearities such as friction, clearance and non-linear stiffness. These examples indicate that the Hilbert transform offers a new method for extending modal analysis to the domains of non-linear systems.