X-Modal II (Experimental Modal Analysis Software)

Contents of This Document

• Overview
• Hardware Requirements (Minimum)
• Software Requirements
• License Requirements
• Distribution Fee:
• Distribution Deliverables::
• Distribution Media:
• Documentation:
• Training:
• Future Developments:
• Availability:
• For More Information:

Overview

X-Modal II is an experimental modal analysis software package developed at the University of Cincinnati, Structural Dynamics Research Lab (UC-SDRL) in conjunction with The Boeing Company. The primary function of this software package is to provide a flexible environment for analyzing data acquired for the purpose of experimentally determining the modal parameters of a structure. The flexible environment involves a unique data management structure as well as a user programming capability based upon MATLAB®. X-Modal II does not acquire frequency response function (FRF) data (see a related software project, X-ACQuisition, under the UC-SDRL Consortium) but utilizes FRF data acquired from any data acquisition system as long as the data can be provided in Universal File format (UFF). X-Modal II provides a graphical user interface (GUI) in parallel with a command driven interface to provide users with any type of programmatic interaction desired. X-Modal utilizes MATLAB\(rg to provide user programmability as well as to implement all the major modal parameter estimation algorithms documented in the literature.

Hardware Requirements (Minimum)

Currently, X-Modal II requires a personal computer (WIN-XP Service Pack 2, Windows VISTA, LINUX) with the following hardware specifications:

• 1 Gb RAM (1 Gb RAM or more is recommended)
• 1 Gb Disc Memory (room for software and demo data, more is always better)

Software Requirements

The X-Modal II software package is written in the MATLAB programming language compatible with the graphical windows
computing environment with the following  minimum software specifications:

• MATLAB, Version 2006a or later

License Requirements

The UC-SDRL will grant a license to use X-Modal II based upon a signed license agreement.  The license to use X-Modal II is a license in perpetuity but does not include any warranty of the software, does not give permission to further distribute X-Modal II, and does not allow any commercialization of X-Modal II. A signed license agreement from the University of Cincinnati is required prior to distribution of any software. This is not a legal statement of the provisions of the license; please consult the license agreement elsewhere on this site for further information.  Single User, Corporate, Site and Educational licenses are available.

Distribution Fee:

While the license to use X-Modal II is free, there is an annual Distribution/Maintenance Fee to cover costs of media and personnel and upgrades to the software when the operating system and/or Matlab is upgraded. This fee covers an initial distribution and any major revisions for a period of one year. Only one copy and form of media will be provided per license to the contact person identified in the license. Further updates/revisions will be made available, after the one year period, based upon a yearly Distribution/Maintenance Fee. Subsequent distribution fees are subject to change.

Distribution Deliverables:

The deliverables include binary form of all specialized  X-Modal II "dll" code, ASCII form of all MATLAB\(rg scripts, and Encapsulated Post Script (EPS) form of all documentation.

Distribution Media:

Software can be provided over the Internet (FTP download preferred) or via CD/DVD upon request.

Documentation:

Documentation and on-line help is provided electronically from within X-Modal II via the Adobe Reader (PDF Format) and HTML web page information. Paper copies can be processed by the user by copying the PDF documents to any printer.

Training:

Installation assistance and/or minor questions can be answered via telephone, E-Mail, or FAX. If more detailed installation or training is required, research assistants from the UC-SDRL can be hired as consultants (approximately $400 per day plus expenses) to provide on-site assistance.

Future Developments:

Future X-Modal developments are not guaranteed but are being considered as follows:

• Support other data structures (HP Standard Data Format (SDF), SDRC Associated Data Format (ADF), etc.).
• Add real time animation, modal and/or impedance modeling, sensitivity analysis, vibration/acoustic design optimization, etc.

Availability:

X-Modal II software is currently available for delivery pending signed license agreements and prepayment of distribution fees.

Sample X-Modal II Help