In the analysis of plates and beams, in-plane velocities have been assumed to be small and
negligible. This was nearly an unavoidable assumption due to the fact that the in-plane
velocity was near impossible to determine accurately with conventional techniques. This
assumption needs to be checked experimentally. In addition, general engineering
structures, such as machines, TV towers, buildings, etc., have major in-plane motions that
are actually out-of-plane motions as viewed from another vantage point. These also need
to be measured. Now with the use of a Laser Doppler Vibrometer the development of a
method to measure three-dimensional velocities has provided the ability to measure inplane
velocities accurately. This thesis outlines the methods used for such threedimensional
extraction and gives an example of its use.
Not only is the final three-dimensional method described, but the whole process of
developing the method is outlined. This will hopefully provide insight into the difficulties
associated with this method as well as prevent other researchers from following similar
fruitless approaches.
next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
![[VT]](http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/images/ETD-db/restricted.gif)
