STRUCTURAL - Chapter 3 - Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

9/9/2015
STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)
Chapter 3: Modal Analysis

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3.1 Definition of Modal Analysis

You use modal analysis to determine the vibration characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) of a
structure or a machine component while it is being designed. It also can be a starting point for another, more
detailed, dynamic analysis, such as a transient dynamic analysis, a harmonic response analysis, or a spectrum
analysis.
3.2 Uses for Modal Analysis

You use modal analysis to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a structure. The natural
frequencies and mode shapes are important parameters in the design of a structure for dynamic loading
conditions. They are also required if you want to do a spectrum analysis or a mode superposition harmonic or
transient analysis.
You can do modal analysis on a prestressed structure, such as a spinning turbine blade. Another useful feature is
modal cyclic symmetry, which allows you to review the mode shapes of a cyclically symmetric structure by
modeling just a sector of it.
Modal analysis in the ANSYS family of products is a linear analysis. Any nonlinearities, such as plasticity and
contact (gap) elements, are ignored even if they are defined. You can choose from several mode extraction
methods: subspace, Block Lanczos, PowerDynamics, reduced, unsymmetric, and damped. The damped method
allows you to include damping in the structure. Details about mode extraction methods are covered later in this
section.
3.3 Commands Used in a Modal Analysis

You use the same set of commands to build a model and perform a modal analysis that you use to do any other
type of finite element analysis. Likewise, you choose similar options from the graphical user interface (GUI) to
build and solve models, no matter what type of analysis you are doing.
http://mostreal.sk/html/guide_55/g-str/GSTR3.htm#S3.4.2.10
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Section 3.6, "Sample Modal Analysis (Command or Batch Method)," shows you the sequence of commands
you issue (either manually or while running ANSYS as a batch job) to perform an example modal analysis.
Section 3.5, "Sample Modal Analysis (GUI Method)," shows you how to execute the same sample analysis
using menu choices from the ANSYS GUI. (To learn how to use the commands and GUI selections for building
models, read the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.)
For detailed, alphabetized descriptions of the ANSYS commands, see the ANSYS Commands Reference.
3.4 Overview of Steps in a Modal Analysis

The procedure for a modal analysis consists of four main steps:
1. Build the model.
2. Apply loads and obtain the solution.
3. Expand the modes.
4. Review the results.
3.4.1 Build the Model

Specify the jobname and analysis title and then use PREP7 to define the element types, element real constants,
material properties, and the model geometry. These tasks are common to most analyses. The ANSYS Modeling
and Meshing Guide explains them in detail.
3.4.1.1 Points to Remember

Only linear behavior is valid in a modal analysis. If you specify nonlinear elements, they are treated as
linear. For example, if you include contact elements, their stiffnesses are calculated based on their initial
status and never change.
Material properties can be linear, isotropic or orthotropic, and constant or temperature-dependent. You
must define both Young's modulus (EX) (or stiffness in some form) and density (DENS) (or mass in some
form) for a modal analysis. Nonlinear properties are ignored.
3.4.2 Apply Loads and Obtain the Solution

Define the analysis type and options, apply loads, specify load step options, and begin the finite element solution
for the natural frequencies. After the initial solution, you expand the mode shapes for review. Expanding the
mode shapes is explained later in Section 3.4.3, "Expand the Modes."
1. Enter the ANSYS solution processor.
Command(s):
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/SOLU
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution
2. Define the analysis type and analysis options. ANSYS offers these options for a modal analysis. Each of these
options is explained in detail below:
Table 3-1 Analysis types and analysis options
Option
Command GUI Path
New Analysis
ANTYPE Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Type-New Analysis
Analysis Type: Modal
ANTYPE Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Type-New Analysis>Modal
Mode Extraction Method
MODOPT Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options
Number of Modes to Extract MODOPT Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options
No. of Modes to Expand*
MXPAND Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options
Mass Matrix Formulation
LUMPM Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options
Prestress Effects Calculation PSTRES
Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options
Note-In the single point response spectrum (SPOPT,SPRS) and Dynamic Design analysis method
(SPOPT,DDAM), the modal expansion can be performed after the spectrum analysis, based on the significance
factor SIGNIF on the MXPAND command. If you want to perform modal expansion after the spectrum
analysis, choose NO for mode expansion (MXPAND) on the dialog box for the modal analysis options
(MODOPT).
3.4.2.1 Option: New Analysis [ANTYPE]

Choose New Analysis.
Note-Restarts are not valid in a modal analysis. If you need to apply different sets of boundary conditions, do a
new analysis each time (or use the "partial solution" procedure described in Chapter 3 of the ANSYS Basic
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Analysis Procedures Guide).
3.4.2.2 Option: Analysis Type: Modal [ANTYPE]

Use this option to specify a modal analysis.
3.4.2.3 Option: Mode Extraction Method [MODOPT]

Choose one of the extraction methods listed below. (For more detailed information, see Section 3.11,"Mode
Extraction Methods," later in this chapter.)
Subspace method
The subspace method is used for large symmetric eigenvalue problems. Several solution controls are
available to control the subspace iteration process.
When doing a modal analysis with a large number of constraint equations, use the subspace iterations
method with the frontal solver instead of the JCG solver, or use the block Lanczos mode extraction
method.
Block Lanczos method
The Block Lanczos method is used for large symmetric eigenvalue problems. You can use this method for
the same types of problems for which you use the subspace method, but you achieve a faster convergence
rate. The Block Lanczos method uses the sparse matrix solver, overriding any solver specified via the
EQSLV command.
PowerDynamics method
The PowerDynamics method is used for very large models (100,000+ DOFs), and is especially useful to
obtain a solution for the first several modes to learn how the model will behave. You can then choose the
most appropriate extraction method (subspace or Block Lanczos) for running the final solution. This
method automatically uses the lumped mass approximation (LUMPM,ON)
To use the PowerDynamics method when running in batch or command mode, you first issue
MODOPT,SUBSPACE, followed by EQSLV,PCG. (The PCGOUT solver can also be used, but it is
very slow.)
Reduced (Householder) method
The reduced method is faster than the subspace method because it uses reduced (condensed) system
matrices to calculate the solution. However, it is less accurate because the reduced mass matrix is
approximate. (See Section 3.11, "Mode Extraction Methods.")
Unsymmetric method
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The unsymmetric method is used for problems with unsymmetric matrices, such as fluid-structure
interaction problems.
Damped method
The damped method is used for problems where damping cannot be ignored, such as bearing problems.
For most applications, you'll choose the subspace, reduced, Block Lanczos or the PowerDynamics method. The
unsymmetric and damped methods are meant for special applications.
When you specify a mode extraction method, ANSYS automatically chooses the appropriate equation solver.
Note-The damped and unsymmetric methods are not available in the ANSYS/LinearPlus program.
3.4.2.4 Option: Number of Modes to Extract [MODOPT]

This option is required for all mode extraction methods except the reduced method.
For the unsymmetric and damped methods, requesting a larger number of modes than necessary reduces the
possibility of missed modes, but results in more solution time.
3.4.2.5 Option: Number of Modes to Expand [MXPAND]

This option is required for the reduced, unsymmetric, and damped methods only. However, if you want element
results, you need to turn on the "Calculate elem results" option, regardless of the mode extraction method. In the
single point response spectrum (SPOPT,SPRS) and Dynamic Design analysis method (SPOPT,DDAM), the
modal expansion can be performed after the spectrum analysis, based on the significance factor SIGNIF on the
MXPAND command. If you want to perform modal expansion after the spectrum analysis, choose NO for
mode expansion (MXPAND) on the dialog box for the modal analysis options (MODOPT).
3.4.2.6 Option: Mass Matrix Formulation [LUMPM]

Use this option to specify the default formulation (which is element-dependent) or lumped mass approximation.
We recommend the default formulation for most applications. However, for some problems involving "skinny"
structures such as slender beams or very thin shells, the lumped mass approximation often yields better results.
Also, the lumped mass approximation can result in a shorter run time and lower memory requirements.
3.4.2.7 Option: Prestress Effects Calculation [PSTRES]

Use this option to calculate the modes of a prestressed structure. By default, no prestress effects are included;
that is, the structure is assumed to be stress-free. To include prestress effects, element files from a previous static
(or transient) analysis must be available; see Section 3.8, "Prestressed Modal Analysis." If prestress effects are
turned on, the lumped mass setting [LUMPM] in this and subsequent solutions must be the same as it was in the
prestress static analysis.
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Note-You can use only axisymmetric loads for prestressing harmonic elements such as PLANE25 and
SHELL61.
3.4.2.8 Additional Modal Analysis Options

After you complete the fields on the Modal Analysis Options dialog box, click OK. A dialog box specific to the
selected extraction method appears. You see some combination of the following fields.
Field: FREQB, FREQE
Specify a frequency range for mode extraction. The FREQB field specifies the first shift point-the point about
which eigenvalues converge the fastest. In most cases, you do not need to specify this field because it defaults to
-1. FREQE is valid only for the reduced method.
Field: PRMODE
Number of reduced modes to print. Use this option to get a listing of the reduced mode shapes on the printed
output file (Jobname.OUT). Valid only for the reduced method.
Field: Nrmkey
Mode shape normalization. Choose between normalization to the mass matrix [M] (default) and normalization to
unity [I]. If you plan to do a subsequent spectrum or mode superposition analysis, the mode shapes must be
normalized to [M]. To later obtain the maximum response of each mode (modal response), multiply the mode
shape by the mode coefficient. You can accomplish this by retrieving the mode coefficient with the *GET
command (after the spectrum analysis) and using it as a scale factor in the SET command.
Field: RIGID
Used to extract zero frequency modes for subspace iteration analyses with known rigid-body motions. Valid for
subspace and PowerDynamics methods only.
Field: SUBOPT
Used to specify various subspace iteration options. See the ANSYS Commands Reference for details. Valid for
subspace and PowerDynamics methods only.
Field: CEkey
Used to specify the method for processing constraint equations. Options are the direct elimination method, the
Lagrange multiplier (quick) method, or the Lagrange multiplier (accurate) method. Valid for Block Lanczos
method only. (Refer to Table 3-6, CE Methods in Section 3.10, "Modal Analysis of a Cyclically Symmetric
Structure.")
3. Define master degrees of freedom. These are required only for the reduced mode extraction method.
Master degrees of freedom (MDOF) are significant degrees of freedom that characterize the dynamic
behavior of the structure. A rule of thumb is to choose at least twice as many MDOF as the number of
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modes of interest. We recommend that you define as many MDOF as you can based on your knowledge
of the dynamic characteristics of the structure [M, MGEN], and also let the program choose a few
additional masters based on stiffness-to-mass ratios [TOTAL]. You can list the defined MDOF
[MLIST], and delete extraneous MDOF [MDELE]. For more details about master degrees of freedom,
see Section 3.12, "Matrix Reduction."
Command(s):
M
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Master DOFs>-User Selected-Define
4. Apply loads on the model. The only "loads" valid in a typical modal analysis are zero-value displacement
constraints. (If you input a non-zero displacement constraint, the program assigns a zero-value constraint to that
DOF instead.) Other loads can be specified, but are ignored (see Note below). For directions in which no
constraints are specified, the program calculates rigid-body (zero-frequency) as well as higher (non-zero
frequency) free body modes. Table 3-2 shows the commands to apply displacement constraints. Notice that you
can apply them either on the solid model (keypoints, lines, and areas) or on the finite element model (nodes and
elements). For a general discussion of solid-model loads versus finite-element loads, see Chapter 2 of the
ANSYS Basic Analysis Procedures Guide.
Note-Other loads-forces, pressures, temperatures, accelerations, etc.-can be specified in a modal analysis, but
they are ignored for the mode extraction. However, the program will calculate a load vector and write it to the
mode shape file (Jobname.MODE) so that it can be used in a subsequent mode-superposition harmonic or
transient analysis.
Table 3-2 Loads applicable in a modal analysis
Cmd
GUI Path
Family
Load Type
Category
Displacement (UX, UY, UZ, ROTX,

ROTY, ROTZ)
Constraints D
Main Menu>Solution>-Loads-Apply> Structural-Displacement
In an analysis, loads can be applied, removed, operated on, or listed.

Applying Loads Using Commands
Table 3-3 lists all the commands you can use to apply loads in a modal analysis.
Table 3-3 Load commands for a modal analysis
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Load Type Solid Model or FE Entity

Displacement Solid Model
Apply Delete
List
Operate Apply Settings
Keypoints DK
DKDELE DKLIST DTRAN -
Solid Model
Lines
DL
DLDELE DLLIST DTRAN -
Solid Model
Areas
DA
DADELE DALIST DTRAN -
Finite Elem
Nodes
DDELE
DLIST
DSCALE
DSYM
DCUM
Applying Loads Using the GUI

All loading operations (except List; see below) are accessed through a series of cascading menus. From the
Solution menu, you select the operation (apply, delete, etc.), then the load type (displacement, force, etc.), and
then the object to which you are applying the load (keypoint, line, node, etc.).
For example, to apply a displacement load to a line, follow this GUI path:
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Loads-Apply>-Structural-Displacement>On lines
3.4.2.9 Listing Loads

To list existing loads, follow this GUI path:
GUI:
Utility Menu>List>Loads>load type
5. Specify load step options. The following options are available for a modal analysis:
Table 3-4 Load step options
Option
Command GUI Path
Damping (Dynamics) Options
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Alpha (mass) Damping
ALPHAD
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>

Damping
Beta (stiffness) Damping BETAD

Damping
Constant Damping Ratio DMPRAT

Damping
Material-Dependent
Damping Ratio
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Other>Change Mat

Props>-Temp Dependent-Polynomial
MP,DAMP
3.4.2.10 Damping (Dynamics Options)

Damping is valid only for the damped mode extraction method (and ignored for the other mode extraction
methods; see Note below).
If you include damping, and specify the damped mode extraction method, the eigenvalues calculated are
complex; see "Mode Extraction Methods" for details. See the section "Damping" in Chapter 5 for more
information on damping.
Note-Damping can be specified in a non-damped modal analysis if a single-point response spectrum analysis is
to follow the modal analysis. Although the damping does not affect the eigenvalue solution, it is used to calculate
an effective damping ratio for each mode, which is then used to calculate the response to the spectrum. Spectrum
analyses are discussed in Chapter 6.
Alpha (Mass) Damping [ALPHAD]
Beta (Stiffness) Damping [BETAD]
Constant Damping Ratio [DMPRAT]
Material-Dependent Damping Ratio [MP,DAMP]
3.4.2.11 Participation Factor Table Output

The participation factor table lists participation factors, mode coefficients, and mass distribution
percentages for each mode extracted. The participation factors and mode coefficients are calculated
based on an assumed unit displacement spectrum in each of the global Cartesian directions. The reduced
mass distribution is also listed.
Note-You can retrieve a participation factor or mode coefficient by issuing a *GET command. The factor or
coefficient is valid for the excitation (assumed unit displacement spectrum) directed along the last of the
applicable coordinates (z direction for a 3-D analysis). To retrieve a participation factor or mode coefficient for
another direction, perform a spectrum analysis with the excitation set (SED) to the desired direction. Follow with
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another *GET command.

6. Save a back-up copy of the database to a named file. You can then retrieve your model by re-entering the
ANSYS program and issuing RESUME.
Command(s):
SAVE
GUI:
Utility Menu>File>Save as
7. Start solution calculations.
Command(s):
SOLVE
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Solve-Current LS
The output from the solution consists mainly of the natural frequencies, which are printed as part of the
printed output (Jobname.OUT) and also written to the mode shape file (Jobname.MODE). The printed
output may include reduced mode shapes and the participation factor table, depending on your analysis
options and output controls. No mode shapes are written to the database or to the results file, so you
cannot postprocess the results yet. To do this, you need to expand the modes (explained next).
Output From Subspace Mode Extraction Method
If you use the subspace mode extraction method, you might see the following warning in the solution printout:
"STURM number = n should be m," where n and m are integer numbers. This indicates that a mode has been
missed, or that the mth and nth mode gave the same frequencies and only m modes were requested.
You can take two steps to investigate the missed mode. See Section 15.10 of the ANSYS Theory Reference
(Subspace Method/Sturm Sequence Check and Shifting subsections) for more information.
1. Use more iteration vectors.
Command(s):
SUBOPT,NPAD
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options>Subspace
2. Click on OK to display the Subspace Modal Analysis dialog box.
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3. Change the shift point used in eigenvalue extraction.

Command(s):
MODOPT,FREQB
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options>Subspace
4. Click on OK to display the Subspace Modal Analysis dialog box.
If you use the damped mode extraction method, the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are complex. The
imaginary part of the eigenvalue represents the natural frequency, and the real part is a measure of the
stability of the system.
5. Leave SOLUTION.
Command(s):
FINISH
GUI:
Main Menu>Finish
3.4.3 Expand the Modes

In its strictest sense, the term "expansion" means expanding the reduced solution to the full DOF set. The
"reduced solution" is usually in terms of master DOF. In a modal analysis, however, we use the term "expansion"
to mean writing mode shapes to the results file. That is, "expanding the modes" applies not just to reduced
mode shapes from the reduced mode extraction method, but to full mode shapes from the other mode extraction
methods as well. Thus, if you want to review mode shapes in the postprocessor, you must expand them (that is,
write them to the results file). Expanded modes are also required for subsequent spectrum analyses. In the single
point response spectrum (SPOPT,SPRS) and Dynamic Design analysis method (SPOPT,DDAM), the modal
expansion can be performed after the spectrum analysis, based on the significance factor SIGNIF on the
MXPAND command. If you want to perform modal expansion after the spectrum analysis, choose NO for
mode expansion (MXPAND) on the dialog box for the modal analysis options (MODOPT). No expansion is
necessary for subsequent mode superposition analyses.

The mode shape file (Jobname.MODE), Jobname.EMAT, Jobname.ESAV, and Jobname.TRI (if
reduced method) must be available.
The database must contain the same model for which the modal solution was calculated.
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3.4.3.2 Expanding the Modes

1. Re-enter the ANSYS solution processor.
Command(s):
/SOLU
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution
Note-You must explicitly leave SOLUTION (using the FINISH command) and re-enter (/SOLUTION) before
performing the expansion pass.
2. Activate the expansion pass and its options. ANSYS offers these options for the expansion pass:
Table 3-5 Expansion pass options
Option
Command GUI Path
Expansion Pass On/Off EXPASS
Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Type-ExpansionPass
No. of Modes to
Expand
MXPAND
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-ExpansionPass>Expand

Modes
Freq. Range for

Expansion
MXPAND

Modes
Stress Calc. On/Off
MXPAND

Modes
Each of these options is explained in detail below.
3.4.3.3 Option: Expansion Pass On/Off [EXPASS]

Choose ON.
3.4.3.4 Option: Number of Modes to Expand [MXPAND, NMODE]

Specify the number. Remember that only expanded modes can be reviewed in the postprocessor. Default is no
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modes expanded.
3.4.3.5 Option: Frequency Range for Expansion [MXPAND, FREQB, FREQE]

This is another way to control the number of modes expanded. If you specify a frequency range, only modes
within that range are expanded.
3.4.3.6 Option: Stress Calculations On/Off [MXPAND, Elcalc]

Choose ON only if you plan to do a subsequent spectrum analysis and are interested in stresses or forces to do
the spectrum. "Stresses" from a modal analysis do not represent actual stresses in the structure, but give you an
idea of the relative stress distributions for each mode. Default is no stresses calculated.
3. Specify load step options. The only options valid in a modal expansion pass are output controls:
Printed output
Use this option to include any results data (expanded mode shapes, stresses, and forces) on the printed
output file (Jobname.OUT).
Command(s):
OUTPR
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Output Ctrls>Solu Printout
Database and results file output
Use this option to control the data on the results file (Jobname.RST). The FREQ field on OUTRES can
be only ALL or NONE; that is, the data are written for all modes or no modes. For example, you cannot
write information for every other mode.
Command(s):
OUTRES
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Output Ctrls>DB/Results File
4. Start expansion pass calculations.
The output consists of expanded mode shapes and, if requested, relative stress distributions for each
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mode.
Command(s):
SOLVE
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Current LS
5. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for additional modes to be expanded (in different frequency ranges, for example).
Each expansion pass is stored as a separate load step on the results file.
Caution: Spectrum analyses expect all expanded modes to be in one load step. In the single point response
spectrum (SPOPT,SPRS) and Dynamic Design analysis method (SPOPT,DDAM), the modal expansion can be
performed after the spectrum analysis, based on the significance factor SIGNIF on the MXPAND command. If
you want to perform modal expansion after the spectrum analysis, choose NO for mode expansion (MXPAND)
on the dialog box for the modal analysis options (MODOPT).
6. Leave SOLUTION. You can now review results in the postprocessor.
Command(s):
FINISH
GUI:
Close the Solution menu.
Note-The expansion pass has been presented here as a separate step. However, if you include the MXPAND
command in the modal solution step, the program not only extracts the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, but also
expands the specified mode shapes.
3.4.4 Review the Results

Results from a modal analysis (that is, the modal expansion pass) are written to the structural results file,
Jobname.RST. Results consist of:
Natural frequencies
Expanded mode shapes
Relative stress and force distributions (if requested).
You can review these results in POST1 [/POST1], the general postprocessor. Some typical postprocessing
operations for a modal analysis are described below. For a complete description of all postprocessing functions,
see Chapter 4 in the ANSYS Basic Analysis Procedures Guide.
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If you want to review results in POST1, the database must contain the same model for which the solution
was calculated.
The results file (Jobname.RST) must be available.
3.4.4.2 Reviewing Results Data

1. Read in results data from the appropriate substep. Each mode is stored on the results file as a separate
substep. If you expand six modes, for instance, your results file will have one load step consisting of six substeps.
Command(s):
SET,SBSTEP
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>-Read Results-substep
2. Perform any desired POST1 operations. Typical modal analysis POST1 operations are explained below:
3.4.4.3 Option: Listing All Frequencies

You may want to list the frequencies of all modes expanded. A sample output from this command is shown
below.
***** INDEX OF DATA SETS ON RESULTS FILE *****
SET
1
2
3
4
TIME/FREQ
22.973
40.476
78.082
188.34
LOAD STEP
1
1
1
1
SUBSTEP CUMULATIVE
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Command(s):
SET,LIST
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Results Summary
3.4.4.4 Option: Display Deformed Shape

Command(s):
PLDISP
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GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>Plot Results>Deformed Shape
Use the KUND field on PLDISP to overlay the undeformed shape on the display.
3.4.4.5 Option: List Master DOF

Command(s):
MLIST,ALL
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Master DOFs>List All
Note-To display the master DOFs graphically, plot the nodes (Utility Menu> Plot>Nodes or command
NLIST).
3.4.4.6 Option: Line Element Results

Command(s):
ETABLE
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>Element Table>Define Table
For line elements, such as beams, spars, and pipes, use the ETABLE command to access derived data
(stresses, strains, etc.). Results data are identified by a combination of a label and a sequence number or
component name on the ETABLE command. See the ETABLE discussion in Chapter 5 of the ANSYS
Basic Analysis Procedures Guide for details.
3.4.4.7 Option: Contour Displays

Command(s):
PLNSOL or PLESOL
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>Plot Results>-Contour Plot-Nodal Solu or Element Solu
Use these options to contour almost any result item, such as stresses (SX, SY, SZ...), strains (EPELX,
EPELY, EPELZ...), and displacements (UX, UY, UZ...).
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The KUND field on PLNSOL and PLESOL gives you the option of overlaying the undeformed shape on
the display.
You can also contour element table data and line element data:
Command(s):
PLETAB, PLLS
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>Element Table>Plot Element Table
Main Menu>General Postproc>Plot Results>-Contour Plot-Line Elem Res
Caution: Derived data, such as stresses and strains, are averaged at the nodes by the PLNSOL command. This
averaging results in "smeared" values at nodes where elements of different materials, different shell thicknesses, or
other discontinuities meet. To avoid the smearing effect, use selecting (described in Chapter 7 of the ANSYS
Basic Analysis Procedures Guide) to select elements of the same material, same shell thickness, etc. before
issuing PLNSOL.
3.4.4.8 Option: Tabular Listings

Command(s):
PRNSOL (nodal results)
PRESOL (element-by-element results)
PRRSOL (reaction data), etc.
NSORT, ESORT
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>solution option
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>-Sorted Listing-Sort Nodes or Sort Elems
Use the NSORT and ESORT commands to sort the data before listing them.
3.4.4.9 Other Capabilities

Many other postprocessing functions-mapping results onto a path, load case combinations, etc.-are available in
POST1. See Chapter 5 of the ANSYS Basic Analysis Procedures Guide for details.
See the ANSYS Commands Reference for a discussion of the ANTYPE, MODOPT, M, TOTAL, EXPASS,
MXPAND, SET, and PLDISP commands.
3.5 A Sample Modal Analysis (GUI Method)

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In this example, you perform a modal analysis on the wing of a model plane to demonstrate the wing's modal
degrees of freedom.
3.5.1 Problem Description

This is a modal analysis of a wing of a model plane. The wing is of uniform configuration along its length, and its
cross-sectional area is defined to be a straight line and a spline, as shown. It is held fixed to the body on one end
and hangs freely at the other. The objective of the problem is to demonstrate the wing's modal degrees of
freedom.
3.5.2 Problem Specifications

The dimensions of the wing are shown in the problem sketch. The wing is made of low density polyethylene with
the following values:
Young's modulus = 38x103 psi
Poisson's ratio = .3
Density = 1.033e-3 slugs/in3
3.5.3 Problem Sketch

Figure 3-1 Diagram of a Model Airplane Wing
3.5.3.1 Specify the Title and Set Preferences

1. Choose menu path Utility Menu>File>Change Title.
2. Enter the text "Modal analysis of a model airplane wing" and click on OK.
3. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preferences.
4. Click the Structural option on. Click OK.
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3.5.3.2 Define Element Types

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>Element Type>Add/Edit/Delete. The Element Types
dialog box appears.
2. Click on Add. The Library of Element Types dialog box appears.
3. In the left scroll box, click once on "Structural Solid."
4. In the right scroll box, click once on "Quad 4node 42."
5. Click on Apply.
6. In the right scroll box, click once on "Brick 8node 45."
7. Click on OK.
8. Click on Close in the Element Types dialog box.
3.5.3.3 Define Material Properties

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>Material Props> -Constant-Isotropic. The Isotropic
Material Properties dialog box appears.
2. Click on OK to specify material number 1. A second dialog box appears.
3. Enter 3800 for EX.
4. Enter 1.033e-3 for DENS.
5. Enter .3 for NUYX.
6. Click on OK.
3.5.3.4 Create Keypoints at Given Locations

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Modeling-Create> Keypoints>In Active CS. The
Create Keypoints in Active Coordinate System dialog box appears.
2. Enter 1 for keypoint number, and 0,0,0 for the X, Y, and Z locations. Use the TAB key to move between
fields.
3. Click on Apply.
4. Repeat this procedure for the following keypoints and X, Y, and Z locations:
Keypoint 2: 2,0,0
Keypoint 3: 2.3,0.2,0
Keypoint 4: 1.9,.45,0
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Keypoint 5: 1,.25,0
5. After you have entered the last keypoint, click on OK.
6. Choose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Window Controls>Window Options.
7. In the scroll box for Location of triad, scroll to "Not shown" and select it.
8. Click on OK.
9. Choose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Numbering.
10. Click Keypoint numbering on and click on OK. The numbered keypoints appear in the ANSYS Graphics
window.
3.5.3.5 Create Lines and Splines between Keypoints

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Modeling-Create> -Lines-Lines>Straight Line. The
Create Straight Lines picking menu appears.
2. Click once on keypoints 1 and 2, in that order. A line appears between the keypoints.
3. Click once on keypoints 5 and 1, in that order. A line appears between the keypoints.
4. Click on OK in the picking menu.
5. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Modeling-Create> -Lines-Splines> With
options>Spline thru kps. The B-Spline picking menu appears.
6. Pick keypoints 2, 3, 4, 5 in that order and click on OK. The B-Spline dialog box appears.
7. Enter -1,0,0 for XV1, YV1, ZV1, and enter -1,-.25,0 for XV6, YV6, ZV6.
8. Click on OK. The curved part of the wing appears on the drawing.
3.5.3.6 Create Cross-Sectional Area

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Modeling-Create> -Areas-Arbitrary>By lines. The
Create Area by Lines picking menu appears.
2. Click once on all three lines.
3. Click on OK. The area in the lines is highlighted.
4. Click on SAVE_DB on the ANSYS Toolbar.
3.5.3.7 Define the Mesh Density and Mesh the Area

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1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Meshing-Size Cntrls> -ManualSize--Global-Size. The

Global Element Sizes dialog box appears.
2. Enter 0.25 for the element edge length.
3. Click on OK.
4. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Meshing-Mesh> -Areas-Free. The Mesh Areas picking
menu appears.
5. Click on Pick All. (If a warning box appears, click on Close. See Note below.)
Note-The PLANE42 element is used in this example to accommodate ANSYS/ED users. Using this element
results in the following warning: "The mesh of area 1 contains PLANE42 triangles, which are much too stiff in
bending. Use quadratic (6 or 8 -noded) elements if possible." You can perform this same analysis using the
PLANE82 element, if you are not using ANSYS/ED.
3.5.3.8 Set the Number of Line Divisions

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Meshing-Size Cntrls>-Manual Size--Global-Size. The
Global Element Sizes dialog box appears.
2. Delete the element edge length.
3. Enter 10 for number of element divisions.
4. Click on OK.
3.5.3.9 Extrude the Meshed Area into a Meshed Volume

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Attributes-Define> Default Attribs. The Meshing
Attributes dialog box appears.
2. Enter 2 for element type number.
3. Click on OK.
4. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preprocessor>-Modeling-Operate> Extrude/Sweep>-Areas-By XYZ
Offset. The Extrude Area by Offset picking menu appears.
5. Click on Pick All. The Extrude Areas by XYZ Offset dialog box appears.
6. Enter 0,0,10 for offsets for extrusion.
7. Click on OK. (If a warning box appears, click on Close. See Note below.)
Note-The SOLID45 element is used in this example to accommodate ANSYS/ED users. Using this
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element results in the following warning: "The mesh of volume 1 contains SOLID45 degenerate elements,
which are much too stiff in bending. Use quadratic elements if possible." You can perform this same
analysis using the SOLID95 element, if you are not using ANSYS/ED.
8. Choose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Pan,Zoom,Rotate.
9. Click on "Iso," then on Close.
3.5.3.10 Enter Solution and Specify Analysis Type and Options

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Type-New Analysis. The New Analysis dialog box
appears.
2. Click the modal analysis option on and click on OK.
3. Choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Options. The Modal Analysis dialog box appears.
4. Click the subspace option on.
5. Enter 5 for number of modes to extract.
Note-If you want to perform spectrum analysis afterwards (ANTYPE,SPECTR and SPOPT,SPRS or
DDAM), choose NO for mode expansion (MXPAND) and skip step 13.
6. Click on OK. The Subspace Modal Analysis dialog box appears.
7. Click OK to accept the default values.
3.5.3.11 Deselect PLANE42 Elements

Unselect the PLANE42 elements used for the 2-D area mesh because they will not be used for the analysis.
1. Choose menu path Utility Menu>Select>Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
2. In the top two scroll boxes, select "Elements" and "By Attributes."
3. Click the Elem type num option on.
4. Enter 1 in the Min,Max,Inc. area for the element type number.
5. Click the Unselect option on.
6. Click on Apply.
3.5.3.12 Apply Constraints to the Model

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1. Choose menu path Utility Menu>Select>Entities. The Select Entities dialog box appears.
2. In the top two scroll boxes, select "Nodes" and "By Location."
3. Click the Z coordinates option on.
4. Enter 0 in the Min,Max area for the Z coordinate location.
5. Click the From Full option on.
6. Click on Apply.
7. Choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>-Loads-Apply>-Structural- Displacement>On Nodes. The
Apply U,ROT on Nodes picking menu appears.
8. Click on Pick All. The Apply U,ROT on Nodes dialog box appears.
9. Click on "All DOF."
10. Click on OK.
11. In the Select Entities dialog box, select "By Num/Pick" in the second scroll box.
12. Click on Sele All.
13. Click on Cancel.
3.5.3.13 Specify the Number of Modes to be Expanded and Solve

1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts- ExpansionPass>Expand Modes. The
Expand Modes dialog box appears.
2. Enter 5 for number of modes to expand.
3. Click on OK.
4. Choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>-Solve-Current LS. Review the information in the /STAT
Command dialog box, and then close the dialog box using File>Close.
5. Click on OK. Click on Yes to accept the warning: "A check of your model data produced 21 warnings.
Should the SOLV command be executed?"
6. Click on Yes to accept the warning: "A check of your load data produced 1 warning. Should the SOLV
command be executed?"
7. Click on Close when the solution is done.
3.5.3.14 List the Natural Frequencies

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1. Choose menu path Main Menu>General Postproc>Results Summary. Review the information in the
dialog box, and then close the dialog box using File>Close.
3.5.3.15 View the Five Modes

X11 Motif Systems Only
1. Choose menu path Main Menu>General Postproc>-Read Results-First Set.
2. Choose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Animate>Mode Shape. The Animate Mode Shape dialog
box appears.
3. Enter .05 for the time delay in seconds.
4. Click on OK. The Animation Controller dialog box appears, and the animation begins.
5. Click on Stop to stop the animation.
6. Choose menu path Main Menu>General Postproc>-Read Results-Next Set.
7. Chose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Animate>Mode Shape. The Animate Mode Shape dialog box
appears.
8. Click on OK to accept the previous settings. The animation begins.
9. Click on Stop to stop the animation.
10. Repeat steps 6-9 for the remaining three modes.
Windows NT or Windows 95 Systems Only
1. Choose menu path Main Menu>General Postproc>-Read Results-First Set.
2. Choose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Animate>Mode Shape. The Animate Mode Shape dialog
box appears. Click on OK to display the Media Player - file.avi dialog box.
3. Choose Edit>Options on the dialog box. The Options dialog box appears.
4. Click on "Auto Repeat" and click on OK.
5. Click on the Play toolbar button (>) and observe the animation.
6. Click on the Stop toolbar button ([]).
7. Choose menu path Main Menu>General Postproc>-Read Results-Next Set.
8. Chose menu path Utility Menu>PlotCtrls>Animate>Mode Shape.
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9. Click on the Play toolbar button and observe the animation.

10. Click on the Stop toolbar button.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 for the remaining three modes.
3.5.3.16 Exit ANSYS

1. Choose QUIT from the ANSYS Toolbar.
2. Choose Quit-No Save!
3. Click on OK.
3.6 A Sample Modal Analysis (Command or

Batch Method)
You can perform the example modal analysis of a model airplane wing using the ANSYS commands shown
below instead of GUI choices. Items prefaced with an exclamation point (!) are comments.
/FILNAM,MODAL
/TITLE,Modal Analysis of a Model Airplane Wing
/PREP7
ET,1,PLANE42
! Define PLANE42 as element type 1
ET,2,SOLID45
! Define SOLID45 as element type 2
MP,EX,1,38000
MP,DENS,1,1.033E-3
MP,NUXY,1,.3
K,1
! Define keypoint 1 at 0,0,0
K,2,2 ! Define keypoint 2 at 2,0,0
K,3,2.3,.2
! Define keypoint 3 at 2.3,.2,0
K,4,1.9,.45
! Define keypoint 4 at 1.9,.45,0
K,5,1,.25
! Define keypoint 5 at 1,.25,0
LSTR,1,2
! Create a straight line between keypoints 1 and 2
LSTR,5,1
! Create a straight line between keypoints 5 and 1
BSPLIN,2,3,4,5,,,-1,,,-1,-.25 ! Create a B-spline
AL,1,3,2
ESIZE,.25
AMESH,1
ESIZE,,10
TYPE,2
VEXT,ALL,,,,,10
/VIEW,,1,1,1
/ANG,1
/REP
EPLOT
FINISH
/SOLU
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ANTYPE,MODAL
! Choose modal analysis type
MODOPT,SUBSP,5 ! Choose the subspace mode extraction method, extracting 5 modes
ESEL,U,TYPE,,1 ! Unselect element type 1
NSEL,S,LOC,Z,0
D,ALL,ALL
NSEL,ALL
MXPAND,5
SOLVE
FINISH
/POST1
SET,LIST,2
SET,FIRST
PLDISP,0
ANMODE,10,.5E-1
SET,NEXT
PLDISP,0
ANMODE,10,.5E-1
SET,NEXT
PLDISP,0
ANMODE,10,.5E-1
SET,NEXT
PLDISP,0
ANMODE,10,.5E-1
SET,NEXT
PLDISP,0
ANMODE,10,.5E-1
FINISH
/EXIT
3.7 Where to Find Other Examples

Several ANSYS publications, particularly the ANSYS Verification Manual, describe additional modal analyses.
The ANSYS Verification Manual consists of test case analyses demonstrating the analysis capabilities of the
ANSYS family of products. While these test cases demonstrate solutions to realistic analysis problems, the
ANSYS Verification Manual does not present them as step-by-step examples with lengthy data input
instructions and printouts. However, most ANSYS users who have at least limited finite element experience
should be able to fill in the missing details by reviewing each test case's finite element model and input data with
accompanying comments.
The following list shows you the variety of modal analysis test cases that the ANSYS Verification Manual
includes:
VM45 Natural Frequency of a Spring-mass System
VM47 Torsional Frequency of a Suspended Disk
VM48 Natural Frequency of a Motor-generator
VM50 Fundamental Frequency of a Simply Supported Beam
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VM52 Automobile Suspension System Vibrations

VM53 Vibration of a String Under Tension
VM54 Vibration of a Rotating Cantilever Blade
VM55 Vibration of a Stretched Circular Membrane
VM57 Torsional Frequencies of a Drill Pipe
VM59 Lateral Vibration of an Axially Loaded Bar
VM60 Natural Frequency of a Cross-ply Laminated Spherical Shell
VM61 Longitudinal Vibration of a Free-free Rod
VM62 Vibration of a Wedge
VM66 Vibration of a Flat Plate
VM67 Radial Vibrations of a Circular Ring from an Axisymmetric Model
VM68 PSD Response of a Two DOF Spring-mass System
VM69 Seismic Response
VM70 Seismic Response of a Beam Structure
VM76 Harmonic Response of a Guitar String
VM89 Natural Frequencies of a Two-Mass-Spring System
VM151 Nonaxisymmetric Vibration of a Circular Plate
VM152 Nonaxisym. Vibr. of a Stretched Circular Membrane (Harmonic Els)
VM153 Nonaxisym. Vibr. of a Stretched Circular Membrane (Modal)
VM154 Vibration of a Fluid Coupling
VM175 Natural Frequency of a Piezoelectric Transducer
VM181 Natural Frequency of a Flat Circular Plate with a Clamped Edge
VM182 Transient Response of a Spring-Mass System
VM183 Harmonic Response of a Spring-Mass System
VM202 Transverse Vibrations of a Shear Beam
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VM203 Dynamic Load Effect on Simply-Supported Thick Square Plate
3.8 Prestressed Modal Analysis

Use a prestressed modal analysis to calculate the frequencies and mode shapes of a prestressed structure, such
as a spinning turbine blade. The procedure to do a prestressed modal analysis is essentially the same as a regular
modal analysis, except that you first need to prestress the structure by doing a static analysis:
1. Build the model and obtain a static solution with prestress effects turned on [PSTRES,ON]. The same
lumped mass setting [LUMPM] used here must also be used in the later prestress modal analysis. Chapter 2
describes the procedure to obtain a static solution.
2. Re-enter SOLUTION and obtain the modal solution, also with prestress effects turned on (reissue
PSTRES,ON). Files Jobname.EMAT and Jobname.ESAV from the static analysis must be available.
3. Expand the modes and review them in the postprocessor.
Step 1 above can also be a transient analysis, but you should remember to save the EMAT and ESAV files at
the desired time point.
3.9 Prestressed Modal Analysis of a Large

Deflection Solution
You can also perform a prestressed modal analysis following a large deflection static analysis in order to
calculate the frequencies and mode shapes of a highly deformed structure. Use the prestressed modal analysis
procedure, except you use the PSOLVE command to obtain the modal solution instead of the SOLVE
command, as shown in the sample input listing below. Also, you must use the UPCOORD command to update
the coordinates to obtain the correct stresses.
! Initial, large deflection static analysis
!
/PREP7
...
FINISH
/SOLU
ANTYPE,STATIC ! Static analysis
NLGEOM,ON
! Large deflection analysis
PSTRES,ON
! Flag to calculate the prestress matrix
...
SOLVE
FINISH
!
! Prestressed modal analysis
!
/SOLU
ANTYPE,MODAL
! Modal analysis
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UPCOORD,1.0,ON
displacements
PSTRES,ON
MODOPT,...
MXPAND,...
PSOLVE,TRIANG
! Add previous displ. to coordinates and then zero the
! Prestress effects on
! Select eigensolver
! Specify number of modes to be expanded, if desired
! Triangularizes the matrices. Creates .REDM or
! .FULL file depending on solver selected on MODOPT
! command.
PSOLVE,EIGxxxx ! Calculates the eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
! Use EIGREDUC, EIGFULL, EIGUNSYM, or EIGDAMP to
! match MODOPT command.
FINISH
/SOLU !Additional solution step for expansion.
EXPASS,ON
PSOLVE,EIGEXP ! Expands the eigenvector solution. Required if you
! want to review mode shapes in the postprocessor.
FINISH
3.10 Modal Analysis of a Cyclically Symmetric

Structure
If a structure exhibits cyclic symmetry (for example, a fan wheel or a spur gear), you can calculate its frequencies
and mode shapes by modeling just one sector of it. This feature, known as modal cyclic symmetry, can save a
significant amount of your time as well as computer time. An added benefit to modeling just one sector is that you
can view the mode shapes of the entire structure. Modal cyclic symmetry is available in the
ANSYS/Multiphysics, ANSYS/Mechanical, and ANSYS/Structural products only.
3.10.1 The Basic Sector

The sector that is modeled is known as the basic sector. A proper basic sector represents a pattern that, if
repeated n times in global cylindrical coordinate space, (CSYS=1), would yield the complete model (see Figure
3-2).
Figure 3-2 An example of a cyclically symmetric structure
3.10.2 Nodal Diameters

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To understand the procedure for modal cyclic symmetry, you need to understand the concept of nodal
diameters. (The word nodal here is used in the vibrational sense, not in the finite element sense.) The term
"nodal diameter" is derived from the appearance of a simple geometry, like a disk, vibrating in a certain mode.
Most mode shapes contain lines of zero out-of-plane displacement which cross the entire disk as shown below.
These are commonly called nodal diameters.
Figure 3-3 Some examples of nodal diameters, i
For complicated structures with cyclic symmetry (such as a turbine wheel), lines of zero displacement might not
be observable in a mode shape. The mathematical definition of nodal diameter in ANSYS is, therefore, more
general and does not necessarily correspond to the number of lines of zero displacement through the structure.
The number of nodal diameters is an integer that determines the variation in the value of a single DOF at points
spaced at a circumferential angle equal to the sector angle. For a number of nodal diameters equal to ND, this
variation is described by the function cos(ND*THETA).
The above definition allows a varying number of waves to exist around the circumference for a given nodal
diameter, as long as the DOF at points separated by the sector angle vary by cos(ND*THETA). For example,
nodal diameter = 0 and a 60 degree sector will produce modes with 0, 6, 12, ..., 6n waves around the
circumference. (In some references, the term "mode" is used instead of nodal diameter as defined above, and the
term nodal diameter is used to describe the actual number of observable waves around the structure.)
3.10.3 Standard (Stress-free) Modal Cyclic Symmetry

The procedures for standard (stress-free) modal cyclic symmetry and prestressed modal cyclic symmetry are
described next. Modal cyclic symmetry is available for structures with or without prestress.
Note-The procedure for modal cyclic symmetry uses two predefined ANSYS macros: CYCGEN and
CYCSOL. Both assume a model with structural solid or shell elements.
3.10.3.1 Overview
The procedure for stress-free modal cyclic symmetry is outlined in the flow chart below, followed by a step-bystep description.
Figure 3-4 Procedure for modal cyclic symmetry (stress-free)
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1. Define a basic sector model that is cyclically symmetric in the global cylindrical coordinate system (CSYS =
1). (See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for information on creating a model.) The angle ( ) spanned
by the basic sector should be such that n = 360, where n is an integer. The basic sector must consist only of
finite elements; no superelements are allowed. Internal coupling and constraint equations are allowed. Boundary
conditions, if any, are applied later (step 5).
The basic sector must have matching lower and higher angle edges as shown in Figure 3-5. Matching
means that there are corresponding nodes on each edge, offset geometrically by the sector angle . The
edges may be of any shape and need not be "flat" in cylindrical coordinate space.
Figure 3-5 Basic sector definition
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2. Select the nodes on the edge with the lowest angle and define a component. Making a component of the other
edge is optional.
Command(s):
CM, LOW, NODE
CM, HIGH, NODE (optional)
GUI:
Utility Menu>Select>Comp/Assembly>Create Component
3. Reactivate all entities.
Command(s):
ALLSEL
GUI:
Utility Menu>Select>Everything
4. Run the CYCGEN macro. This macro creates a second sector that is overlaid on the basic sector. There is a
constant nodal offset (parameter NTOT) between the sectors. The modal analysis is conducted with this twosector model. The macro copies internal couplings and constraint equations from the basic sector to the second
sector.
Command(s):
CYCGEN
EPLOT
GUI:
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Main Menu>Preprocessor>Cyclic Sector

Utility Menu>Plot>Elements
5. While still in PREP7, define all applicable boundary conditions. They must be defined on both sectors. We
recommend selecting nodes by location rather than by node numbers. Symmetry boundary conditions are not
necessary if there is no prestress.
6. Go into SOLUTION. Define modal analysis and its options. Use only the Block Lanczos (recommended) or
subspace method for modal cyclic symmetry. (See the MODOPT command in the ANSYS Commands
Reference for information about the options for using the Block Lanczos method.) Also specify the number of
modes to be expanded at this time.
Command(s):
ANTYPE, MODOPT
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution >Analysis Type>Modal
Main Menu>Solution >Analysis Options>Block Lanczos
See Table 3-6 for a list of the CE methods that are available for the Block Lanczos eigensolver:
Table 3-6 CE methods
CEs
Cekey Processed When Applicable:
By:
When only a few constraint equations (CEs) are present in the model. For example, in a
Direct
100,000-DOF problem, only about 1,000 or so CEs are present.
Elimination
Method
When a large number of CEs are present, the memory requirements of this method very
often become too high. In such cases, the Lagrange Multiplier Method (Cekey=1 or 2) is
recommended.
A large number of constraint equations are present in the model. For example, in a
100,000-DOF problem, more than 1,000 or so CEs are present.
1, 2
Lagrange
Multiplier
Method
Typically, when CEINTF, CERIG, or CYCSOL is used, several CEs are generated with
a single command. In these cases, the Lagrange Multiplier Method is recommended.
Cekey = 1: "Quick Solution" is a fast approach, similar in CPU time to the Direct
Elimination Method. However, the higher frequencies extracted tend to be approximate by
about 1 - 2%. This error occurs when the higher frequencies are two or more orders of
magnitude larger than the lowest frequencies extracted.
Cekey = 2: "Accurate Solution" is an exact approach. However, the CPU time taken is
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roughly twice as much as that taken by the "Quick Solution."

7. Run the CYCSOL macro and define your nodal diameter range and the sector angle as follows:
Command(s):
CYCSOL,NDMIN,NDMAX,NSECTOR,`LOW'
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Modal Cyclic Sym
NDMIN and NDMAX are the lowest and highest nodal diameters in your range of interest. (The
acceptable range is 0 through
for an even value of NSECTOR, and 0 through
for
an odd value of NSECTOR.) This command performs a separate eigenvalue extraction for each nodal
diameter, i.
This command (CYCSOL) performs the analysis (no SOLVE required), and computes frequencies and
mode shapes (if requested). The results file (Jobname.RST) will have multiple load steps. Each load step
corresponds to a nodal diameter, with the first load step corresponding to NDMIN; the second, to
NDMIN+1, and so on, up to the last load step corresponding to NDMAX.
Within each load step, the substeps are the modes belonging to that nodal diameter. For example, if
NDMIN = 0, NDMAX = 1, and 2 modes are expanded, then the results file will have:
Load Step Substep Comment
1st mode of nodal diameter 0
2nd mode of nodal diameter 0
1st mode of nodal diameter 1
2nd mode of nodal diameter 1
8. Enter POSTPROCESSING and expand the model for display. Indicate the number of sectors that you want
to expand.
Command(s):
EXPAND
GUI:
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Main Menu>General Postprocessing>Expand sector

Note-The /EXPAND command can also be used to show full model results. See the ANSYS Commands
Reference for more information about the /EXPAND command (Utility Menu>Plot
Cntrls>Style>Symmetry Expansion).
3.10.4 Prestressed Modal Cyclic Symmetry

The procedure for prestressed modal cyclic symmetry is outlined in the flow chart in Figure 3-6.
The steps involved are essentially the same as for the stress-free case, except that a static solution is required to
calculate the prestress in the basic sector. Thus, steps 1-4 and 7 and 8 are the same as for the stress-free case.
Steps 5 and 6 are described below.
5. Enter SOLUTION and define static loads and boundary conditions that induce the prestress. Use the
PSTRES command to achieve prestress calculation, and obtain the static solution [SOLVE].
6. Re-enter PREP7 and define modal analysis and its options, as explained for the stress-free case. Be sure to
include prestress effects with the PSTRES command.
Note-Symmetry boundary conditions must be removed after the static solution is obtained.
Figure 3-6 Procedure for modal cyclic symmetry (prestressed)
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3.11 Mode Extraction Methods

The basic equation solved in a typical undamped modal analysis is the classical eigenvalue problem:
where = stiffness matrix

= mode shape vector (eigenvector) of mode i
= natural circular frequency of mode i ( is the eigenvalue)
= mass matrix
Many numerical methods are available to solve the above equation. ANSYS offers six methods:
Subspace method
Block Lanczos
PowerDynamics
Reduced (Householder) method
Unsymmetric method
Damped method (The damped method solves a different equation; see the ANSYS Theory Reference for
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more information.)
Note-The damped and unsymmetric methods are not available in the ANSYS/LinearPlus program.
The first four, the subspace, the Block Lanczos, the PowerDynamics, and the reduced methods are the most
commonly used. Table 3-7 compares these four mode extraction methods. Following the table is a brief
description of each of the six types of mode extraction methods.
Table 3-7 Table of symmetric system eigensolver choices
Eigensolver Application
Disk
Memory
Required
Required(High (High
Medium Low) Medium
Low)
Subspace
To find few modes (up to about 40) of large models.

Recommended when the model consists of well-shaped solid and
shell elements.
Works well if memory availability is limited.
Block
Lanczos
To find many modes (about 40+) of large models. Recommended

when the model consists of poorly shaped solid and shell elements.
This solver performs well when the model consists of shells or a
M
combination of shells and solids.
Works faster but requires about 50% more memory than subspace.
Power
Dynamics
To find few modes (up to about 20) of large models.

Recommended for fast computation of eigenvalues of over 100K
DOF models.
H
On coarse mesh models, the frequencies are approximate.
Missed modes are possible when repeated frequencies are present.
Reduced
To find all modes of small to medium models (less than 10K DOF).
Can be used to find few modes (up to about 40) of large models
L
with proper selection of master DOF, but accuracy of frequencies
depends on the master DOF selected.
3.11.1 Subspace Method

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The subspace method uses the subspace iteration technique, which internally uses the generalized Jacobi iteration
algorithm. It is highly accurate because it uses the full [K] and [M] matrices. For the same reason, however, the
subspace method is slower than the reduced method. This method is typically used in cases where high accuracy
is required or where selecting master DOF is not practical.
When doing a modal analysis with a large number of constraint equations, use the subspace iterations method
with the frontal solver instead of the JCG solver, or use the block Lanczos mode extraction method. Using the
JCG solver when your analysis has many constraint equations could result in an internal element stiffness
assembly that requires large amounts of memory.
3.11.2 Block Lanczos Method

The Block Lanczos eigenvalue solver uses the Lanczos algorithm where the Lanczos recursion is performed with
a block of vectors. This method is as accurate as the subspace method, but faster. The Block Lanczos method
uses the sparse matrix solver, overriding any solver specified via the EQSLV command.
The Block Lanczos method is especially powerful when searching for eigenfrequencies in a given part of the
eigenvalue spectrum of a given system. The convergence rate of the eigenfrequencies will be about the same
when extracting modes in the midrange and higher end of the spectrum as when extracting the lowest modes.
Therefore, when you use a shift frequency (FREQB) to extract n modes beyond the starting value of FREQB,
the algorithm extracts the n modes beyond FREQB at about the same speed as it extracts the lowest n modes.
3.11.3 PowerDynamics Method

The PowerDynamics method internally uses the subspace iterations, but uses the PCG iterative solver. This
method may be significantly faster than either the subspace or the Block Lanczos methods, but may not converge
if the model contains poorly-shaped elements, or if the matrix is ill-conditioned. This method is especially useful in
very large models (100,000+ DOFs) to obtain a solution for the first few modes.
The PowerDynamics method does not perform a Sturm sequence check (that is, does not check for missing
modes), which might affect problems with multiple repeated frequencies. This method always uses lumped mass
approximation.
Note-If you use PowerDynamics to solve a model that includes rigid body modes, be sure to issue the RIGID
command or choose one of its GUI equivalents (Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options or Main
Menu>Preprocessor> -Loads->Analysis Options).
3.11.4 Reduced Method

The reduced method uses the HBI algorithm (Householder-Bisection-Inverse iteration) to calculate the
eigenvalues and eigenvectors. It is relatively fast because it works with a small subset of degrees of freedom
called master DOF. Using master DOF leads to an exact [K] matrix but an approximate [M] matrix (usually with
some loss in mass). The accuracy of the results, therefore, depends on how well [M] is approximated, which in
turn depends on the number and location of masters. Section 3.12,"Matrix Reduction," presents guidelines to
select master DOFs.
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3.11.5 Unsymmetric Method

The unsymmetric method, which also uses the full [K] and [M] matrices, is meant for problems where the
stiffness and mass matrices are unsymmetric (for example, acoustic fluid-structure interaction problems). It uses
the Lanczos algorithm which calculates complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors if the system is non-conservative
(for example, a shaft mounted on bearings). The real part of the eigenvalue represents the natural frequency and
the imaginary part is a measure of the stability of the system-a negative value means the system is stable, whereas
a positive value means the system is unstable. Sturm sequence checking is not available for this method.
Therefore, missed modes are a possibility at the higher end of the frequencies extracted.
3.11.6 Damped Method

The damped method is meant for problems where damping cannot be ignored, such as rotor dynamics
applications. It uses full matrices ([K], [M], and the damping matrix [C]). It uses the Lanczos algorithm and
calculates complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors (as described below). Sturm sequence checking is not available
for this method. Therefore, missed modes are a possibility at the higher end of the frequencies extracted.
3.11.6.1 Damped Method-Real and Imaginary Parts of the Eigenvalue

The imaginary part of the eigenvalue, , represents the steady-state circular frequency of the system. The real
part of the eigenvalue, , represents the stability of the system. If is less than zero, then the displacement
amplitude will decay exponentially, in accordance with EXP( ). If is greater than zero, then the amplitude will
increase exponentially. (Or, in other words, negative gives an exponentially decreasing, or stable, response;
and positive gives an exponentially increasing, or unstable, response.) If there is no damping, the real
component of the eigenvalue will be zero.
Note-The eigenvalue results reported by ANSYS are actually divided by 2* . This gives the frequency in Hz
(cycles/second). In other words:
Imaginary part of eigenvalue, as reported = /(2* )
Real part of eigenvalue, as reported = /(2* )
3.11.6.2 Damped Method-Real and Imaginary Parts of the Eigenvector

In a damped system, the response at different nodes can be out of phase. At any given node, the amplitude will
be the vector sum of the real and imaginary components of the eigenvector.
3.12 Matrix Reduction

Matrix reduction is a way to reduce the size of the matrices of a model and perform a quicker and cheaper
analysis. It is mainly used in dynamic analyses such as modal, harmonic, and transient analyses. Matrix reduction
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is also used in substructure analyses to generate a superelement.

Matrix reduction allows you to build a detailed model, as you would for a static stress analysis, and use only a
"dynamic" portion of it for a dynamic analysis. You choose the "dynamic" portion by identifying key degrees of
freedom, called master degrees of freedom, that characterize the dynamic behavior of the model. The ANSYS
program then calculates reduced matrices and the reduced DOF solution in terms of the master DOF. You can
then expand the solution to the full DOF set by performing an expansion pass. The main advantage of this
procedure is the savings in CPU time to obtain the reduced solution, especially for dynamic analyses of large
problems.
3.12.1 Theoretical Basis of Matrix Reduction

The ANSYS program uses the Guyan Reduction procedure to calculate the reduced matrices. The key
assumption in this procedure is that for the lower frequencies, inertia forces on the slave DOF (those DOF being
reduced out) are negligible compared to elastic forces transmitted by the master DOF. Therefore, the total mass
of the structure is apportioned among only the master DOF. The net result is that the reduced stiffness matrix is
exact, whereas the reduced mass and damping matrices are approximate. For details about how the reduced
matrices are calculated, refer to the ANSYS Theory Reference.
3.12.1.1 Guidelines for Selecting Master DOF

Choosing master DOF is an important step in a reduced analysis. The accuracy of the reduced mass matrix (and
hence the accuracy of the solution) depends on the number and location of masters. For a given problem, you
can choose many different sets of master DOF and will probably obtain acceptable results in all cases.
You can choose masters using M and MGEN commands, or you can have the program choose masters during
solution using the TOTAL command. We recommend that you do both: choose a few masters yourself, and also
have the ANSYS program choose masters. This way, the program can pick up any modes that you may have
missed. The following list summarizes the guidelines for selecting master DOF:
The total number of master DOF should be at least twice the number of modes of interest.
Choose master DOF in directions in which you expect the structure or component to vibrate. For a flat
plate, for example, you should choose at least a few masters in the out-of-plane direction (see Figure 37a). In cases where motion in one direction induces a significant motion in another direction, choose
master DOF in both directions (see Figure 3-7b).
Figure 3-7 (a) Possible out-of-plane masters for a flat plate
(b) Motion in X induces motion in Y
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Choose masters at locations having relatively large mass or rotary inertia and relatively low stiffness (see
Figure 3-8). Examples of such locations are overhangs and "loosely" connected structures. Conversely, do
not choose masters at locations with relatively small mass, or at locations with high stiffness (such as DOF
close to constraints).
Figure 3-8 Choosing masters at locations with (a) large rotary inertia, (b) large mass
If your primary interest is in bending modes, you can neglect rotational and "stretching" DOF.
If the degree of freedom to be chosen belongs to a coupled set, choose only the first (primary) DOF of
the coupled set.
Choose master DOF at locations where forces or nonzero displacements are to be applied.
For axisymmetric shell models (SHELL51 or SHELL61), choose as masters the global UX degree of
freedom at all nodes on those sections of the model that are parallel to or nearly parallel to the center line,
so oscillatory motions between master DOF can be avoided (see Figure 3-9). This recommendation can
be relaxed if the motion is primarily parallel to the centerline. For axisymmetric harmonic elements with
MODE=2 or greater, choose as masters both UX and UZ degrees of freedom.
Figure 3-9 Choosing masters in an axisymmetric shell model
The best way to check the validity of the master DOF set is to rerun the analysis with twice (or half) the number
of masters and to compare the results. Another way is to review the reduced mass distribution printed during a
modal solution. The reduced mass should be, at least in the dominant direction of motion, within 10-15 percent
of the total mass of the structure.
3.12.1.2 A Note About Program-Selected Masters

If you let the ANSYS program select masters [TOTAL], the distribution of masters selected will depend on the
order in which elements are processed during the solution. For example, different master DOF sets may be
selected depending on whether the elements are processed from left to right or from right to left. However, this
difference usually yields insignificant differences in the results.
For meshes with uniform element sizes and properties (for example, a flat plate), the distribution of masters will,
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in general, not be uniform. In such cases, you should specify some master DOF of your own [M, MGEN]. The
same recommendation applies to structures with an irregular mass distribution, where the program-selected
master DOF may be concentrated in the higher-mass regions.
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STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

Chapter 3: Modal Analysis

3.1 Definition of Modal Analysis

3.2 Uses for Modal Analysis

3.3 Commands Used in a Modal Analysis

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

3.4 Overview of Steps in a Modal Analysis

3.4.1 Build the Model

3.4.1.1 Points to Remember

3.4.2 Apply Loads and Obtain the Solution

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

Command GUI Path

ANTYPE Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Type-New Analysis

Analysis Type: Modal

ANTYPE Main Menu>Solution>-Analysis Type-New Analysis>Modal

Mode Extraction Method

MODOPT Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options

Number of Modes to Extract MODOPT Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options

No. of Modes to Expand*

MXPAND Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options

Mass Matrix Formulation

LUMPM Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options

Prestress Effects Calculation PSTRES

Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options

3.4.2.1 Option: New Analysis [ANTYPE]

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

Analysis Procedures Guide).

3.4.2.2 Option: Analysis Type: Modal [ANTYPE]

3.4.2.3 Option: Mode Extraction Method [MODOPT]

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

3.4.2.4 Option: Number of Modes to Extract [MODOPT]

3.4.2.5 Option: Number of Modes to Expand [MXPAND]

3.4.2.6 Option: Mass Matrix Formulation [LUMPM]

3.4.2.7 Option: Prestress Effects Calculation [PSTRES]

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

3.4.2.8 Additional Modal Analysis Options

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

Displacement (UX, UY, UZ, ROTX,

Main Menu>Solution>-Loads-Apply> Structural-Displacement

In an analysis, loads can be applied, removed, operated on, or listed.

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

Load Type Solid Model or FE Entity

Operate Apply Settings

DKDELE DKLIST DTRAN -

DLDELE DLLIST DTRAN -

DADELE DALIST DTRAN -

Applying Loads Using the GUI

3.4.2.9 Listing Loads

Command GUI Path

Damping (Dynamics) Options

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

Alpha (mass) Damping

Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>

Beta (stiffness) Damping BETAD

Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>

Constant Damping Ratio DMPRAT

Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>

Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Other>Change Mat

3.4.2.10 Damping (Dynamics Options)

3.4.2.11 Participation Factor Table Output

STRUCTURAL: Chapter 3: Modal Analysis (UP19980818)

another *GET command.