Dynamic characterization of an olive tree by vibration testing

The mechanical harvesting of olives is an established technique to obtain an optimal balance between harvesting efficiency, fruit quality and costs. The investigation of the dynamic behaviour of the olive tree is a fundamental analysis to be exploited for the improvement of available harvesting systems. In this work, a vibration testing campaign is carried out on an olive tree (cv. Leccino) measuring the response of the structure along a chosen path starting from the trunk and ending on its thinner branch to improve the mechanical harvest also for table olives. Moreover, Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) is carried out obtaining resonance frequencies and mode shapes to be used for further understanding of the tree dynamic behaviour and vibration transmission through the different branches.