Electrodynamic shakers or exciters are commonly used in
experimental modal analysis. The practical aspects regarding
the setup of the shakers, stingers and transducers are often the
source of test difficulties and avoidable measurement errors.
This article reviews the basics of shakers as beneficial to modal
testing and common problems associated with setup issues and
resulting measurement errors. These include shaker alignment,
sensor considerations, stinger selection, amplifiers, reciprocity
assumptions and other test-related circumstances.