Finding the natural frequency of a steel beam

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to calculate the natural frequency of a steel beam using various equations related to beam properties and dynamics. The problem involves understanding the relationships between dimensions, material properties, and frequency calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original poster's calculations and question the values used for material properties, particularly the modulus of elasticity. There is an inquiry about the definitions and units of certain variables, such as K and E.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the units of the modulus of elasticity and its correct value for steel. There is ongoing exploration of the calculations and potential errors, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculations yield a natural frequency significantly lower than expected based on experimental values, prompting questions about the accuracy of the input parameters and assumptions made in the calculations.

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Homework Statement


I am trying to calculate the natural frequency of a steel beam.


Homework Equations


I=1/12*W*T^3
Volume= T*W*L
M0=V*ρ
K=(3EI/L^3)
Meff=(33/140)*M0+Mend
ωn=√(k/Meff)

The Attempt at a Solution


This should be a simple plug and chug problem but I can't see what I'm doing wrong.

L=0.4572m
W=0.026035m
T=0.006223m
E= 3*10^6
ρ=7850kg/m^3

Mend=.025kg


I=5.22848E-10

V=7.41E-05 m^3

M0=5.81E-01

K=0.049237907

Meff=2.43E-01

ωn=0.450088787 Hz

But this is way off from my experimental value of around 20Hz. Everything is in kg and m.
 
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Sorry to ask this , what is K and what is E? and their units
 


Your modulus of elasticity appears to have units of psi. Change it to N/m^2 & you'll fix your problem.
 


natural frequency = (square root)k/m
 


E for steel is 3*10^7 psi (30,000,000 psi) not 3,000,000 psi
 

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