Modal filter design reducing the impact of sensors noise on the filter outputs

Abstract

Discrete modal filters can be obtained as a weighted sum of the output signals from an array of discrete sensors installed in a flexible structure. Although several researchers proposed different design methodologies and implementation strategies for modal filters based on a particular array of discrete sensors, the noise component of these sensors was not analyzed and included in the design process. Therefore, this work presents a methodology to identify the topology of sensors and filter gains that minimize the noise component in the filter output. The experimental implementation of this methodology shows that an adequate topology of sensors can maintain the same level of noise from the sensors in the filter output. Furthermore, the noise at the filter output can increase considerably if other not suitable topologies are selected.