Natural and Fundamental Frequencies

In summary, natural frequencies and fundamental frequency are distinct concepts in linear systems. While natural frequencies are related to the transient behavior, fundamental and harmonic frequencies are associated with the steady state.
  • #1
duoheer
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How could you tell if you had missed one of the natural frequencies when you were finding natural frequencies above the fundamental? thnx a lot
 
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  • #2
duoheer said:
How could you tell if you had missed one of the natural frequencies when you were finding natural frequencies above the fundamental? thnx a lot
Natural frequencies and fundamental frequency are different concepts. Natural frequencies are characteristics of linear systems and are associated with the transient behaviour of the system.
Fundamental and harmonic frequencies appear in the steady state of a linear system excited by a non sinusoidal periodic waveform (like a square wave) or a nonlinear system excited by a sinusoid.
 
  • #3


Natural and fundamental frequencies are important concepts in the field of physics and engineering. Natural frequencies refer to the specific frequencies at which an object or system naturally vibrates or oscillates. These frequencies are determined by the physical properties and geometry of the object or system.

The fundamental frequency, also known as the first harmonic, is the lowest natural frequency of an object or system. It is the frequency at which the object or system vibrates with the highest amplitude.

When finding natural frequencies above the fundamental, it is important to make sure that all the natural frequencies have been identified. One way to check for missed frequencies is to compare the calculated frequencies with the expected range of frequencies based on the physical properties of the object or system.

Another way to check for missed frequencies is to perform a modal analysis, which involves exciting the object or system at different frequencies and observing its response. This can help identify any missing frequencies that were not captured in the initial calculations.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the calculations and measurements are accurate and precise. Any errors in the measurements or calculations can lead to missed frequencies.

In conclusion, to determine if a natural frequency has been missed when finding frequencies above the fundamental, one should compare the calculated frequencies with the expected range and perform a modal analysis to confirm the results. It is also crucial to ensure the accuracy and precision of the measurements and calculations.
 

1. What are natural and fundamental frequencies?

Natural and fundamental frequencies refer to the frequencies at which an object or system naturally vibrates or oscillates without any external force. These frequencies are determined by the physical characteristics of the object or system, such as its mass, stiffness, and geometry.

2. How are natural and fundamental frequencies different?

The natural frequency is the frequency at which an object or system vibrates when it is disturbed from its equilibrium position. It is also known as the resonant frequency. On the other hand, the fundamental frequency is the lowest natural frequency of an object or system, which is typically the first harmonic of the natural frequency.

3. Why are natural and fundamental frequencies important?

Understanding the natural and fundamental frequencies of an object or system is crucial in many fields, such as engineering, physics, and music. It helps in predicting the behavior and stability of structures, designing efficient and safe structures, and creating musical instruments with desirable sounds.

4. How can natural and fundamental frequencies be calculated?

The natural frequency can be calculated using the equation fn = 1/(2π)√(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass of the object or system. The fundamental frequency can be calculated by multiplying the natural frequency by the number of harmonics, which is typically 1 for the first harmonic.

5. Can natural and fundamental frequencies be changed?

Yes, natural and fundamental frequencies can be changed by altering the physical characteristics of the object or system. For example, the natural frequency of a guitar string can be changed by tightening or loosening the string, which changes its tension and mass. In engineering, structures can be designed to have specific natural and fundamental frequencies for desired performance and safety.

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