An experimental way to teach system modal description

The dynamics of a mechanical system is often described by using the equations of motion expressed in terms of modal coordinates. However, the approach in modal coordinates is not appreciated by students, mainly because of their difficulties in finding the physical meaning of this representation. During a Mechanical Engineering study course, a laboratory experience has thus been developed to view the modal shapes of a mechanical system experimentally and to understand their physical meaning. This approach allows students to better understand this topic and to increase their critical thinking.