Improving the accuracy of the n-dB method for determining damping of non-lightly damped systems

Damping measurements using the spectral magnitude remain popular and are studied here for non-lightly damped systems using the variable bandwidth n-dB method, which is advantageous for non-lightly damped systems. The most commonly used estimator (based on normalised bandwidth) provides significant errors for non-lightly damped systems. An existing more accurate method (using the squares of the frequencies used in the former method) is exact for hysteretic damping, but still provides significant error for viscous damping. Improved estimators are developed in order to correct either exactly, or to insignificant errors, measurements taken with existing estimators. Neither further data nor the individual frequencies are required; the previously calculated damping values are corrected. The application of the improved estimators is dependent upon the existing estimator used and the damping type; however a strategy is suggested to reduce errors if the latter is unknown.