What is Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) Analysis?

Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) analysis is a method used for visualisation of the vibration patterns of a machine or structure caused by unknown operating forces. This is different from the study of the vibration patterns of a machine under known external forces, which is usually referred to as Modal Analysis.

The operating forces for machinery can typically be influenced by engine speed, load, pressure, temperature, flow, etc. For civil engineering structures the operating forces may be due to ambient forces from waves, wind or traffic.

Vibration measurements are performed at different points and directions on a structure and the resulting vibration patterns shown either as an animated geometry model or as a table of values.

There are four main types of ODS analysis:

Time domain ODS
Frequency domain ODS
Running modes ODS (run ups /run downs)
Running orders ODS (run ups /run downs)

Time ODS are used to investigate the vibration of a structure as a function of time. They useful in showing how the overall deflection shape changes step-by-step for both stationary and non-stationary (transient) signals.

Frequency or Spectral ODS are used to investigate the vibration patterns of a structure at specific frequencies under stationary conditions.

Running Modes ODS are used to investigate the vibration patterns of a structure at specific frequencies as a function of rotational speed.

Running Orders ODS are used to investigate the vibration patterns of a structure at specific orders as a function of rotational speed.

Frequency domain Operating Deflection Shape are usually computed as complex transmissibility functions or as phase-assigned spectra. Both analyses use cross spectral density methods spectra with respect to a single reference point. The resulting ODS amplitudes have both magnitudes and phases.

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Adrian Lincoln

Sound & Vibration Signal Processing Analyst at Prosig

Adrian Lincoln is an Applications Specialist at Prosig and works on signal processing applications, training and consultancy. He was formerly a Research Fellow at the Institute of Sound & Vibration Research (ISVR) at Southampton University. He is a Chartered Engineer and member of the British Computer Society and Institute of Mechanical Engineers.