Application of Time Synchronous Averaging in Mitigating UAV Noise and Signal Loss for Continuous Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry

Abstract

Abstract The laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) has been shown to be effective for a wide application of vibration assessments that are well accepted. One of the new avenues for exploring alternative measurement scenarios, mounting LDVs on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is emerging as a potential avenue for remote and harsh environment measurements. Such configurations grapple with the challenge of the LDV sensor head being sensitive to UAV vibration during flight and signal loss due to tracking error. This study investigates the effectiveness of several Time Synchronous Averaging (TSA) techniques to circumvent these obstacles. Through comprehensive evaluations, all three TSA techniques under investigation demonstrated significant potential in suppressing UAV-induced noise and minimising the effects of signal dropout. Traditional TSA showcased a remarkable sixfold enhancement in signal quality when analysed via the mean square error. However, the study also highlighted that while TSA and Multi-Cycle Time Synchronous Average (MCTSA) elevated signal clarity, there is a trade-off between noise suppression and signal duration. Additionally, the findings emphasise the importance of synchronisation between scanning and target vibration. To achieve optimal results in Continuous Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer measurements, there is a need for advanced algorithms capable of estimating target vibration and synchronising scanning in real-time. As the study was rooted in steady-state vibrations, future research should explore transient vibration scenarios, thereby broadening the application scope of TSA techniques in UAV-mounted LDV systems.