Operational transfer path analysis with crosstalk cancellation using independent component analysis

To eliminate crosstalk effects between reference signals of operational transfer path analysis (OTPA), a novel crosstalk cancellation method based on independent component analysis (ICA) for OTPA is proposed. Firstly, ICA is used to separate the measured signals at reference points and crosstalk between sources is significantly eliminated. Then, separated signals are identified based on the prior knowledge of the sources. In the next phase, amplitudes and phases of the separated signals are corrected and finally, the transmissibility function matrix is obtained based on the corrected separated signals and the measured signals at the target point. The performance of the proposed method is comparatively studied with the conventional methods, according to numerical case studies for an acoustical radiation system and experimental case studies on a test bed with thin shell structures. Generally, the proposed method can increase the accuracy of transfer path identification and contribution evaluation, which can benefit vibration monitoring, reduction and control of mechanical systems.