Operational modal analysis of a catamaran using a limited set of accelerometers

Experimental modal analysis tests were performed during the catamaran's normal operation and using only 06 accelerometers on the main deck. This work focuses on estimating and comparing modal parameters using experimental (time and frequency domain techniques) and numerical analyses. Ten (10) experimental natural frequencies and (incomplete) mode shapes were estimated, in the range of 4-50 Hz, using Balance Realisation, Frequency-Spatial Domain Decomposition and Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition techniques. As only 06 accelerometers had been used for modal testing, a finite element (FE) model was used to augment the spatial resolution of the experimental mode shapes. Experimental and numerical natural frequencies showed good correlation with only the 3rd bending mode shape exhibiting 13.5% deviation. It was concluded that the experimental techniques can: (i) identify natural frequencies in the presence of harmonic components and, (ii) estimate mode shapes using a limited set of accelerometers, aided by a FE model.