WaveHit^MAX® – Automated impulse hammer for modal analysis and vibration excitation

The WaveHitMAX® is an intelligent impulse hammer for automated, reproducible vibration excitation in experimental modal analysis. The system was developed at GFaI for structural mechanical investigations and is suitable for use in research, development, quality assurance, and series testing.

Unlike conventional impulse hammers, the WaveHitMAX® generates defined single impacts with high reproducibility. Thanks to its internal sensor-actuator control, the system automatically adapts to the test environment. This enables the generation of precise impacts without double hits – regardless of the component geometry or position.
The desired impulse parameters, such as impact force, interval, and number of impacts, can be set precisely. An automatic calibration process (MK2 only) determines the zero point and force range.

The new WaveHit 2.0.0 software expands the system with a user-friendly graphical interface offering the following functions:

• Automatic connection via Ethernet (“plug-and-hit”)
• Fully automatic calibration of zero point and force range (MK2 only)
• Real-time classification of impacts (e.g., single-hit detection)
• LDV mode for integrating laser vibrometers – automatically detects invalid impacts and interrupts the test series
• CSV export for further processing of measurement data
• Manual mode for experts

The software was designed in collaboration with the engineering firm Andreas Lemke.

• Experimental modal analysis
• Structural mechanical material testing
• Acoustic resonance testing
• Series testing of components
• Condition monitoring
• Research and development

Advantages of WaveHit^MAX®

• Automatic and reproducible single-pulse excitation
• No double pulses, high measurement accuracy
• Integrated sensor technology and signal processing
• Quick configuration and commissioning
• Expandable with WaveHit 2.0.0 software
• Suitable for manual and automated test sequences