PyOMA and PyOMA_GUI: A Python module and software for Operational Modal Analysis

Abstract

In structural health monitoring (SHM) paradigm, operational modal analysis (OMA) comprises several techniques and algorithms for estimating the dynamic characteristics of a structure in operational conditions from its vibration response. The OMA method has been spreading in the last years due to multiple advantages compared to input–output identification methods. In the current work the authors present the implementation of a Python module named PyOMA and its Graphical User Interface (GUI) PyOMA_GUI. This software provides a user-friendly framework for the first time in the Python environment for estimating the experimental modal parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios) of a structure from output-only vibration measurements in operational conditions.

Keywords

• Operational modal analysis
• Ambient vibration test
• Structural dynamics
• Python
• Output-only
• Modal testing