Detection and description of non-linear phenomena in experimental modal analysis via linearity plots

Ground vibration tests (GVTs) on aircraft prototypes are mainly performed to experimentally identify the structural dynamic behaviour in terms of a modal model. This assumes a linear dynamic behaviour of the structure. However, in the practice of ground vibration testing it is often observed that structures do not behave in a perfectly linear manner. Non-linearities can be determined, for example, by free play in junctions, hydraulic systems in control surfaces, or friction. This paper compiles measured, typical, non-linear phenomena from various GVTs on large aircraft. The standard procedure in GVTs nowadays is the application of the Harmonic Balance method which linearizes the dynamic behaviour on the level of excitation. The procedure requires a harmonic excitation of the structure which is usually performed during phase resonance testing. The non-linear behaviour is investigated in terms of linearity plots in which the resonance frequency of a mode is plotted as a function of the excitation level. The experimental data is then compatible with all post-processing procedures for the measured results, e.g. updating of the finite element model or flutter calculations. This paper shows measured linearity plots for some typical non-linear phenomena. In the second part of the paper analytical linearity plots for different non-linear stiffness and damping models are considered in order to investigate whether the type of non-linearity can be identified from measured linearity plots. The analytical linearity plots are discussed with respect to their application limits. The analytical linearity plots are used to interpret the experimental linearity plots stemming from various GVTs on different aircraft prototypes. Finally, the observability of non-linear stiffness and non-linear damping characteristics via linearity plots is assessed.