Digital signal processing systems using the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) have increased the efficiency and power of modal analysis in solving dynamics problems. One function of these systems, the generation of animated deformation plots, provides a very useful tool for studying complex structures vibrating at resonant frequencies. The digital processing systems have automated the procedure for developing these plots and have allowed the extraction of multiple plots from a single set of data. This paper outlines the development of animated deformation plots from experimental frequency response information. Emphasis is placed on the use of a local and timeshared analysis system (the DMS/TSA) for cost effective analysis procedures.
