Automated characterization of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) force-response problems employing subsequent single-input multiple-output (SIMO) or single-input single-output (SISO) tests with embedded instrumentation

A test system for automated MIMO force-response characterization of a structure-under-test, the test system comprising:

• a plurality of exciter devices couplable to the structure-under-test;
• a plurality of response sensors couplable to the structure-under-test;
• a single-input, single-output signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal that is selectively coupled to the plurality of exciter devices;
• a single-input, multiple-output exciter router configured to selectively couple the excitation signal from the single-input, single-output signal generator to each exciter device of the plurality of exciter devices, wherein coupling the excitation signal to an exciter device of the plurality of exciter devices causes the exciter device to impart an excitation force to the structure-under-test based on the excitation signal;
• a data acquisition system configured to collect sensor data from each of the plurality of response sensors indicative of a sensed response to the imparted excitation force;
• and
• an electronic controller configured to operate the single-input, multiple-output exciter router to
• apply the excitation signal to a first exciter device of the plurality of exciter devices until a first set of sensor data is collected by the data acquisition system from each response sensor of the plurality of response sensors while the excitation signal is applied to the first exciter device, and
• subsequently apply the excitation signal to each additional exciter device of the plurality of exciter devices until additional sets of sensor data are collected by the data acquisition system from every response sensor of the plurality of response sensors while the excitation signal is iteratively applied to each exciter device of the plurality of exciter devices.

A test system for automated MIMO force-response characterization of a structure-under-test, the test system comprising:

• a single-input, multiple-output exciter router including an input channel coupled to receive an excitation signal input and a plurality of excitation signal output channels each coupled to a different one of a plurality of exciter devices;
• a data acquisition system configured to collect sensor data from a plurality of response sensors indicative of a response sensed by the plurality of response sensors, the response associated with an excitation force imparted on the structure-under-test;
• and
• an electronic controller configured to controllably operate the single-input, multiple-output exciter router to cause the single-input, multiple-output exciter router to selectively apply the excitation signal input to an individual exciter device of the plurality of exciter devices while the sensor data is collected by the data acquisition system from each response sensor of the plurality of response sensors,
• wherein applying the excitation signal input to the individual exciter device causes the individual exciter device to impart the excitation force to the structure-under-test based on the excitation signal input,
• wherein the electronic controller is configured to controllably operate the single-input, multiple-output exciter router to selectively apply the excitation signal input to additional exciter devices of the plurality of exciter devices until the sensor data is collected for each of a plurality of different exciter-sensor combinations, wherein the sensor data for each of the plurality of different exciter-sensors combinations includes sensor data collected from a single response sensor while the excitation force is applied by a single exciter device.