Module 7

Modal Analysis

7. Modal Analysis

Training Manual

Modal analysis is used to determine a structures vibration

characteristics natural frequencies and mode shapes.

It is the most fundamental of all dynamic analysis types and

is generally the starting point for other, more detailed
dynamic analyses.

In this chapter, we will describe how to do a basic modal

analysis via the following topics:
A. Procedure
B. Workshop

For details, refer to your Structural Analysis Guide or

Dynamics Training Manual.

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Modal Analysis

A. Procedure
The steps to do a modal analysis are as follows:
Preprocessing
Geometry
Meshing
Solution
Analysis Type and Options
Loading
Solve
Postprocessing
Review results

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure

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Same considerations as a static analysis:

Include as many details as necessary to sufficiently represent
model geometry.
A fine mesh will be needed to resolve complex mode shapes.

Both Youngs modulus and density are required.

Specify mass density instead of weight density when using
British units.
weight density (lb/in3) g (in/sec2) = mass density (lb-sec2/in4)
For example, density of steel = 0.283/386 = 7.3E-04 lb-sec2/in4

Linear elements and material properties only. Nonlinearities

are ignored.

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Geometry & Meshing

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure

The analysis type is modal.

Solution > -Analysis Type- New Analysis
Or issue ANTYPE,MODAL

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Analysis Type

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure

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Mode extraction options

MODOPT command or Solution >

Analysis Options...

Method: Block Lanczos is generally

recommended.

Number of modes: Specify the

number of modes you want to extract.

Mode expansion options

MXPAND command or Solution >

Analysis Options...

Expanding modes allows you to view

them in the postprocessor.

Number of modes is usually the same

as the number extracted.

Prestress effects

PSTRES command or Solution >

Analysis Options...

calculate mode shapes of a

prestressed structure, such as a
spinning turbine blade.

Default settings are

usually sufficient

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Analysis Options

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure

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The only loads valid in a modal analysis are

displacement constraints:
Solution > -Loads- Apply > Displacement >
Or use the D family of commands: D, DK, DL, DA,
etc.

If you dont specify constraints, ANSYS will

calculate rigid body modes (zero frequency).

After all constraints have been specified, obtain the solution:

First save the database (SAVE command or Toolbar > SAVE_DB).
Then issue SOLVE (or Solution > -Solve- Current LS).

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Loading & Solve

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure

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POST1 (the general postprocessor) is used to review modal analysis

results.

Typically, the first step is to list the natural frequencies:

General Postproc > Results Summary
Or issue SET,LIST
Note that each mode is stored in a separate substep.

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Review Results

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
To plot a mode shape:
First read results for that substep
General Postproc > Results Summary...
Or use the SET command
Then plot the deformed shape
General Postproc > Plot Results >
Deformed Shape
Or use the PLDISP command

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Modal Analysis

...Procedure
You can also animate mode shapes:
Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Animate > Mode Shape
Or use the ANMODE command

Another option is to plot contours stresses and strains. Note,

however, that displacement and stress values are simply relative
numbers and have no real meaning.

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Modal Analysis

B. Workshop
This workshop consists of the following problem:
W6. U-Bracket

Please refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

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