Damping estimation by frequency domain decomposition

In this paper it is explained how the damping can be estimated using the Frequency Domain Decomposition technique for output-only modal identification, i.e. in the case where the modal parameters is to be estimated without knowing the forces exciting the system. Also it is explained how the natural frequencies can be accurately estimated without being limited by the frequency resolution of the discrete Fourier transform. It is explained how the spectral density matrix is decomposed into a set of single degree of freedom systems, and how the individual SDOF auto spectral density functions are transformed back to time domain to identify damping and frequency. The technique is illustrated on a simple simulation case with 2 closely spaced modes. On this example it is illustrated how the identification is influenced by very closely spacing, by non-orthogonal modes, and by correlated input. The technique is further illustrated on the output-only identification of the Great Belt Bridge. On this example it is shown how the damping is identified on a weakly exited mode and a closely spaced mode.