Natural Frequency & Resonance:

Every system/structure has the tendency to vibrate at certain frequencies (without the
application of External Force), called natural or resonant frequencies. Each natural frequency is
associated with a certain shape, called mode shape.

A real model has an infinite number of natural frequencies. However, a finite element model has
a finite number of natural frequencies that is equal to the number of degrees of freedom
considered in the model. Only the first few modes are needed for most purposes.
The natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes depend on the geometry, material
properties, and support conditions.
When a system/structure is excited by a dynamic/external load with a frequency that coincides
with one of its natural frequencies, the structure undergoes large displacements and stresses.
This phenomenon is known as resonance.

Mode Shapes of a Simply Supported Beam:

Natural frequency of a single DOF Simple harmonic oscillator (f):

f = √ (k / m) ÷ 2π Hertz

Where, k is the spring constant, which is determined by the stiffness of the spring and m is the
mass of the Object.
Let’s take a simple example to understand the physics of Natural Frequency in
SOLIDWORKS Simulation.

Step-1 Create the following 3D Model. (Take any of steel material) (Image-1)

Mass (m) – 11 Kg

Spring Stiffness (k) – 440 N/mm

Base

Image -1

Step-2 Create a Frequency Study, called “Natural Frequency Analysis”.

Step-2 Apply a Spring Connector (k – 440000 N/mm) as shown in following figure between
the two vertices. (Image-2)
 Image -2

Step-3 Apply a restraint on the cylindrical surface of the Block so that it could move only in
vertical direction.

Also apply a fixed restraint on the bottom face of the Base. (Image-3)
 Image -3 Fixed Restraint

Step-4 Set the number of frequency 5 and Mesh the model. (Image -4)

Mesh Details –

 Mesh Type – Standard

 Mesh Quality – High
 Jocobian Points – 4
 Max Element Size – 11..2mm
 Total Nodes – 13526
 Total Elements – 8653
Image -4
Step-5 Run the analysis and verify the first natural frequency is 33.067 Hz. (Image-5)

Image -5

As we Know, Natural frequency of a single DOF Simple harmonic oscillator (f):

f = √ (k / m) ÷ 2π Hertz

Here k = 440000 N/mm, m = 11 Kg

Putting all the values in above equation:

f=
f =31.8
31.8Hz
Hz

Hence we can say, SOLIDWORKS Simulation Results Closely matches with the
analytical Results.