Frequency Analysis

Agenda
Theory
Interface
Review of available options

Application & Strategy

Real life scenario: Centrifugal stiffening
Hands-on

Frequency Analysis
Why is it important?
Many engineering designs are subjected to service
conditions that are not static in nature.

Off-shore structures
Aerospace, automobile components
Machine components
Military structures

Frequency Analysis
Why is it important?
Structures which are designed for use
in a static environment may still experience
severe dynamic loading
High rises in a wind load
Buildings in an earthquake

Dynamic Response of a Structure

In a dynamic environment, a structure can have greater
deflection and stresses than what would be predicted
under purely static conditions
In order to understand how dynamic loading can increase
the structural response, we must first understand the
notions of frequencies and mode shapes

Frequencies and Mode Shapes

An undamped linear elastic structure will oscillate about its
rest state indefinitely after it is given an initial disturbance
The pattern of deflection is called the mode shape
The frequency at which the structure repeats a
deformation is called the natural frequency of vibration

First, second, and fourth mode of a simply supported plate

Mode Shapes and FEA

A physical (continuous)
structure has an infinite number
of mode shapes
We discretize the structure into a
FEM with a finite number of
independent DOFs
By extracting the mode shapes {},
we can tie the nodal DOFs into a
single MODAL DOF for each
frequency, z

{u} {1}z1 (t)

Resonance
When the frequency of the exciting force is near a
natural frequency of a structure, resonance occurs

Why Resonance is bad?

Structures designed to withstand a high static load, can still
fail under dynamic loading of a fairly benign magnitude
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge in
1940 in a 30 mph wind

Vortex shedding sets up a resonant

mode in the road surface leading to a
catastrophic collapse
From H. Petroski,
To Engineer is Human, The Role
of Failure in Successful Design
Vintage Books, 1992

Frequency Analysis in Design

If we understand the dynamic nature of the service
environment, we can design a structure such that its
natural frequencies do not coincide with the frequency
of the loading environment
To push the natural frequency of a structure out of the
critical range:

Change geometry
Change materials
Change the characteristics of the shock isolators
Strategic placement of mass elements

Different types of Dynamic environments

Periodic

Simple Harmonic

Complex
4

0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

-1

-2

-3

-4

From R.W. Glough,

Dynamics of Structures
McGraw-Hill, 1975

Different types of Dynamic

environments
Impulsive

Non-periodic
4.5

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0

Long Duration

10

12

0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

-1

-2

-3

From R.W. Glough,

-4

-5

Dynamics of Structures
McGraw-Hill, 1975

Equilibrium Equations
The static equilibrium equation: [ K ]{u} {R}
Is valid if {R} is independent of time (static) or the frequency of {R} is
sufficiently low that inertial effects are secondary (quasi-static)

If the above conditions are not satisfied, inertia (or mass) term
needs to be included
For an undamped linear elastic structure:
Where [M] is the mass matrix and
accelerations, must be solved

[ M ]{u} [ K ]{u} {R}

{} is the vector of nodal

The extraction (determination) of natural mode shapes of structures

consists in solving an eigenvalue problem

Eigenvalue Problem
With no externally applied load, ie {R} =0 (free vibration), we must solve the equation:

[ M ]{u} [ K ]{u} {0}

Where u(t) is assumed to have the harmonic form

{u} { } sin(t )

Substituting, we get

[ K 2 M ]{ } {0}

The Eigenvalue problem is the solution of this equation for nonzero values of the Eigenvector) and (the Eigenvalue)

The solution of the forced vibration problems, {R}

involves Advanced Dynamics (Geostar)

0,

Extraction of in COSMOSWorks
The method of extraction is chosen by the user in the PROPERTIES of
the study
FFE: Default option
FFEPlus: Iterative solver
Direct Sparse:
Direct solver (slower), must
be used in order to select inplane load effects (and spin
softening effects) or soft
spring option

In-Plane Effects

The frequency characteristics of a slender structure will vary as a

function of the in-plane stresses
Tensile forces will tend to increase the frequency
Compressive forces will tend to decrease the frequency

The pitch of a string on an

instrument is a function of its
cross sectional area, length,
material stiffness and the
TENSION applied to it

Frequency Analysis Assumptions

The frequency extraction technique studied in this
chapter is for a linear elastic undamped structure
under free vibration conditions
No sense of stress, strain or absolute displacement
values exit
All displacement values are mass normalized
Infinitesimal displacements and linear elastic material
behavior is assumed

Tips & Tricks on Frequency Analysis

Natural frequencies depend on the geometry
and mass distribution of the model, therefore
symmetry cannot be used.
Mode Shape 2

Mode Shape 1

FULL MODEL
Mode Shape 2
(Asymmetric- Will
be missed)

Mode Shape 1
(Symmetric - Will
be reported)

Symmetry Plane

Roller Support to
simulate Symmetry
condition

HALF MODEL

Tips & Tricks on Frequency Analysis

If not fully restrained, the model will
show up to 6 Rigid Body modes in
addition to the number of frequency
you want to calculate.

No contact allowed (only bonded)

because each part has its own
resonance frequencies.
Use High-quality elements for
accurate results

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

Free Free system No Restraints

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

First 6 modes are all zero Hz because the

structure is completely unrestrained!

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

Mode shape # 7

Mode shape # 8

The frequencies are also repetitive. For

example 7 & 8 mode shape frequencies are
the same. Why?

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

Restrained System: Fixed boundary condition

Fixed at this
end

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

No rigid body frequencies since the model is well restrained. The

first natural frequency is now reduced to 12.4 Hz versus 77 Hz
for a Free Free system.

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

Restrained System: Fixed boundary condition & External loading

When you have an in-plane load, then you will have to use the Direct Sparse
solver and check the option Use in-plane effect. Otherwise the program will
simply ignore this load!

Example Frequency Analysis of a bar

With an in-plane load ( tensile load) the natural frequencies of the structure has
increased since this leads to stiffening of the structure. A compressive load
would soften the structure and the natural frequencies would become lower!