An electrodynamic shaker with an integral force gauge for high-frequency measurements on lightweight structures

The design, construction and calibration of a purpose-built electrodynamic shaker for making frequency response function measurements on lightweight structures at high frequencies (i.e. many kHz) are described. The shaker uses a conventional wire-wound coil onto which is assembled a force gauge. The force gauge is constructed using little more than just a miniature piece of piezoelectric material. The dimensions of the components used to manufacture the shaker are determined by comparing their estimated dynamic behaviour with the estimated mobility of a lightweight perspex test structure. Although such an electrodynamic shaker is not entirely novel, it demonstrates how careful use of basic materials can produce a device that overcomes some limitations of commercial devices at very little cost.