The Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) software tool from M+P International is said to help test engineers make best use of shaker test data.
ODS allows the engineer to show the structure's overall motion.
Animating the response from a shaker is referred to as an ODS, not to be confused with a modal test, which produces animations and generates a mathematical test model by least-squares curve fitting of the inertance (acceleration/force) data.
The ODS is the modern equivalent of testing with a strobe light but without the limitations.
Animations help the engineer to understand the structural dynamics that give rise to a vibration problem and guide the development of efficient engineering solutions.
Data can also be used for qualification and correlation of finite-element models.
Only a few steps are necessary from data collection during a controlled vibration test to animation generation using the ODS software.
