What is the Eigenfrequency mean in vibration?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of eigenfrequency in the context of vibrations, particularly as it relates to the analysis of a plate mounted on camshafts using COMSOL software. Participants seek clarification on the definition of eigenfrequency, its implications in vibration analysis, and practical guidance on using COMSOL for modal analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on the meaning of eigenfrequency in vibration, particularly in relation to their use of COMSOL for analyzing a vibrating plate.
  • Another participant explains the mathematical formulation involving the stiffness and mass matrices, indicating that eigenvalues correspond to modes and eigenvectors represent mode shapes.
  • Some participants suggest that eigenfrequency refers to the characteristic frequency of a system, with implications for design to avoid resonant frequencies during operation.
  • There are discussions about the challenges of modeling the interaction between rotating camshafts and the plate, with suggestions to use periodic boundary conditions and eigenvalue problems in COMSOL.
  • Several participants recommend conducting a modal analysis to determine natural frequencies and suggest methods for calculating these frequencies, such as the Rayleigh method.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in applying rotational forces in COMSOL and seeks advice on simulating rotation and visualizing animations.
  • A different participant raises questions about simulating an RF filter in COMSOL, specifically regarding eigenfrequency analysis and obtaining resonant frequencies and admittance matrices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definition of eigenfrequency as a characteristic frequency but express differing views on the practical aspects of modeling and analysis in COMSOL. The discussion includes multiple competing views on how to approach the simulation of vibrations and the challenges involved, indicating that the topic remains unresolved in terms of specific methodologies.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various methods and approaches for analyzing eigenfrequencies, but there are limitations regarding the assumptions made in modeling, the complexity of interactions between components, and the specific capabilities of COMSOL software that may affect results.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in vibration analysis, modal analysis, and the practical application of COMSOL software in engineering contexts, particularly those dealing with mechanical systems and structural dynamics.

HunterYeoh
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Hi,

I have a simple question to ask: What is the Eigenfrequency mean in vibration? I am confused and can anyone here explain to me or provide me some useful link?

I am trying to use comsol to analyse the vibration frequency from a plate, which was mount on top of 4 camshafts. These camshafts will rotate and hence the plate sitting on top will vibrate. If anyone is familiar with comsol, Pls help me by teaching me which mode i should use.

Many Thanks.
 
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In a modal and buckling analysis, you have a problem that looks something like:

[K]\left\lbrace\phi_i\right\rbrace = \lambda_i [M]\left\lbrace\phi_i\right\rbrace

Where [M] is the structural mass matrix, [K] is the stiffness matrix. For i modes, the eigenvalues represent the the ith mode, and the eigenvector represents the "shape" of that mode.

The eigenfrequency that you're referring to is probably the ith mode.
 


Eigenfrequency basically means the "characteristic" frequency. "Eigen" comes from German and means "own", so i guess "own-frequency" is more literal but sounds dumb. As for the Eigenfrequency of a camshaft in the context of vibration, i think this would refer to the rotational frequency at which you would have the largest amount of vibration, which could also be called the resonant frequency. In the design of the camshaft, this is something you want to avoid during operation. So you design it to make this frequency higher than the max speed required.
I have used comsol quite a bit, but not so much for structural mechanics. However, i do know there is a model in the library which simulates the vibrational modes of a crankshaft. This would be a good place to start. As for making a model of four rotating camshafts with a plate on top, i think this will be very challenging, if not impossible. The biggest problem is modeling the contact between the cams and the plate, which you haven't really explained in your post. As a start, i would try and make up functions to describe the forces imposed on the plate by the camshaft and then impose them as periodic boundary conditions onto the plate. Then you should be able to solve it as an eigenvalue problem. This is one of the solver options that you can select.

Good luck!
 


As coryeh says, the eigenfrequency is the "characteristic" frequency in the sense of the frequency that characterizes the system, the frequency that is natural or characteristic of the system.
 


You dont' really need to do a full transient test with contact elements. Basically, just do a modal analysis of the plate. That gives you the numbers. Then multiply that by how many times the cam lobes "hit" the plate per revolution. For example, if the four lobes are all 90° out of phase, then multiply by four. This gives you essentialyl "exitations per revolution". From here you can convert to frequency to make it easier to compare to the results.

Anyways, the modal analysis will give you the natural frequencies, neglecting any type of damping. You then just dont' want to be there, you don't need any other type of analysis unless your design forces you to run close.
 


coreyh said:
Eigenfrequency basically means the "characteristic" frequency. "Eigen" comes from German and means "own", so i guess "own-frequency" is more literal but sounds dumb. As for the Eigenfrequency of a camshaft in the context of vibration, i think this would refer to the rotational frequency at which you would have the largest amount of vibration, which could also be called the resonant frequency. In the design of the camshaft, this is something you want to avoid during operation. So you design it to make this frequency higher than the max speed required.
I have used comsol quite a bit, but not so much for structural mechanics. However, i do know there is a model in the library which simulates the vibrational modes of a crankshaft. This would be a good place to start. As for making a model of four rotating camshafts with a plate on top, i think this will be very challenging, if not impossible. The biggest problem is modeling the contact between the cams and the plate, which you haven't really explained in your post. As a start, i would try and make up functions to describe the forces imposed on the plate by the camshaft and then impose them as periodic boundary conditions onto the plate. Then you should be able to solve it as an eigenvalue problem. This is one of the solver options that you can select.

Good luck!

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Can I ask you how can I do the rotation? I am new to comsol. I try to apply the rotational force on the shaft so it can turn and i will analyses the frequency. But fail to do it. and Is there possible to see the rotation animation just like in Cosmos or Ansys? Thank you
 


minger said:
You dont' really need to do a full transient test with contact elements. Basically, just do a modal analysis of the plate. That gives you the numbers. Then multiply that by how many times the cam lobes "hit" the plate per revolution. For example, if the four lobes are all 90° out of phase, then multiply by four. This gives you essentialyl "exitations per revolution". From here you can convert to frequency to make it easier to compare to the results.

Anyways, the modal analysis will give you the natural frequencies, neglecting any type of damping. You then just dont' want to be there, you don't need any other type of analysis unless your design forces you to run close.

Thanks for the reply. I have difficulty in applying the rotational force to the shaft. Can you tell me how to do it? thank you.
 


FredGarvin said:
You essentially have a rectangular plate that is clamped on all sides. There are methods for calculating the natural frequencies of this scenario, like the Rayleigh method. I would start there. Check out this link. It is to a book that lists a sample calculation including some varying boundary conditions.

http://books.google.com/books?id=xl...X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result#PPA553,M1

Thank you for your reply. It is very helpful
 
  • #10


please helpe me!I'm new in comsol I want to simulate a RF filter that includes 2 IDT and some electrodes in comsol but I can't get accurate response:(i want to analyse at frequency domain with some condition boundaries but osculate with a error but at eigenfrequency analyse not be problem so I have some question:1)at eigenfrequency analyse at comsol how many responses can we get?and about frequncy domain?2)we want to get resonant frequncies of my model can I get the curve of it or admittance matrix at comsol?
 

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