AI-Revolution in Modal Analysis: easy reference point determination with HEAD acoustics' Reference+
All that users need to successfully conduct modal analyses is a hammer, a sensor, and Reference+!
The new powerful tool by HEAD acoustics provides for accurate and reliable modal analysis results and simplifies the process significantly, especially for non-experts. The AI-supported software can be set up quickly and efficiently, automatically finds the appropriate reference points, and delivers comprehensive and complete results. This groundbreaking tool has been successfully tested on complex structures and has proven to effectively identify the optimal reference points.
The new software module for ArtemiS SUITE uses AI technologies based on neural networks to automatically find the reference points for a test object.
The right reference point makes all the difference
If reference points are selected incorrectly, this has an impact on all further steps in the process: from poor curve fitting results to the case that some modes are not captured at all. Such errors affect all further process steps of structural optimization - but it is difficult to detect them analytically afterwards. Furthermore, it is usually impossible to correct them in later steps of the process, meaning that the time-consuming modal analysis process has to be started all over again.
Reference+ from HEAD acoustics guides users through a short workflow and finds the best reference point based on measured data thanks to its AI. The quality of the results is thus at a high level even for occasional users.
Studies prove: 100% hit rate with AI
In a first study, two groups of participants were asked to carry out a modal analysis. Both groups included people with only theoretical knowledge of modal analysis through to experts.
While group 1 relied on traditional methods and selected reference points and suitable model sizes based solely on knowledge and experience, group 2 received support from AI-supported technologies. This AI took over both the determination of optimal reference points and curve fitting.
The results were clear: all participants (100%) in the AI-supported group successfully created complete modal models - regardless of how experienced they were in the practice of modal analysis. In contrast, less than half (44%) of the participants who worked without AI support succeeded in generating a complete modal model.
Meanwhile, a second study from February 2025, which was presented at IMAC 2025 in Orlando, Florida, confirmed the results of the first study: the automatic sub-process without user interaction makes modal analysis with Ref+ significantly easier and more reliable.
What sets Reference+ apart from other solutions
A tool for modal analysis as helpful and efficient as Reference+ has not been available until now. Other tools for preliminary analysis require manual analysis steps that depend on the user's input or require simulation results. Reference+, on the other hand, can independently determine the optimal reference point thanks to the integrated neural networks and delivers consistent and high-quality results regardless of the user's experience.
Application scenarios
Experimental modal analysis
Troubleshooting
Validation of FE models
We offer Reference+ (APR 440) as part of our modal analysis campaign; customers can access a 30-day trial license and try out the functionality of the new ArtemiS SUITE module.
More information about modal analysis with HEAD acoustics
