Using Matlab For Advanced Noise and Vibration Analysis

Commercial tools for measurement and analysis of noise and vibration signals have traditionally been very expensive. In the last decade, however, multi-channel measurement systems have become relatively inexpensive. The analysis functionality in most inexpensive instruments is limited. Therefore, many companies are using alternatives for post processing of measurement results. Matlab is a platform that is popular for this purpose and which offers many advantages over dedicated, menu driven systems. The open functions in Matlab assure flexibility and the possibility to modify functions for specific needs. In addition, a command based programming environment provides for traceability and quality assurance, including qualification of used algorithms, important aspects particularly in the aerospace industry. In the past, basic functions for signal analysis and vibration analysis have had to be developed before taking full advantage of the Matlab platform. In this paper we present a new suite of toolboxes that turn Matlab into state-of-the-art software for noise and vibration analysis. The toolboxes presented here have been well proven in applications in aerospace industry. Parts of the toolboxes are provided as freeware, and everyone is encouraged to download this from Internet.