The application of reciprocal modal vectors to the analysis of structural response data is described. Reciprocal modal vectors are constructed using an existing experimental modal model and an existing frequency response matrix of a structure, and can be assembled into a matrix that effectively transforms the data from the physical space to a modal space within a particular frequency range. In other words, the weighting matrix necessary for modal vector orthogonality (typically the mass matrix) is contained within the reciprocal model matrix. The underlying goal of this work is mostly directed toward observing the modal state responses in the presence of unknown, possibly closed loop forcing functions, thus having an impact on both operating data analysis techniques and independent modal space control techniques. This study investigates the behavior of reciprocol modal vectors as modal filters with respect to certain calculation parameters and their performance with perturbed system frequency response data.
