This paper studies an algorithm to estimate an impulse disturbance force and its impact position using local measurement data of flexible space structures in free-free boundary condition. The measurement data are supposed to be obtained at any single sensing point. A time domain analysis scheme using modal decomposition technique along with a finite element model for the impulse response is considered for estimating external disturbance force magnitude and its applying position. The proposed technique is formulated for two representative space structures. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the validity of the new proposed method.
