Ground Vibration and RAP Testing

Ground vibration testing (GVT) and Resonance Assessment Profile (RAP) testing are modal test techniques specifically focused on aircraft and spacecraft. The natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios obtained from these tests provide critical information for flight safety assessments including flutter and structural dynamics.

A ground vibration test measures the dynamic response characteristics of an airframe using multiple shakers and accelerometers with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) signal processing and analysis.

A resonance assessment profile test measures the dynamic response characteristics of a component, or system such as a control surface, sensor or external stores using a modal hammer to excite vibration of the test article.

Applications for GVT and RAP testing include new airframe designs and modifications to established designs of fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and spacecraft.