Vibration data analysis for a commercial aircraft: Multivariable vibration data from an aircraft is analyzed using modern system identification tools. The identified linear vibrational model accurately describes the measured motion.

Using data from extensive vibrational tests of the new Saab 2000 aircraft, a combined method for vibration analysis is studied. The method is based on a realization algorithm followed by standard prediction error methods (PEM). We find that the realization algorithm gives good initial model parameter estimates that can be further improved by the use of PEM. We use the method to get insights into the vibrational eigenmodes.