Frequency / Vibration Analysis
File: File:PVE-4492, Last Updated: Sept 2, 2010, By: BV
Frequency and Vibration Analysis
FEA is used for frequency and vibration analysis to determine the natural frequency of objects which cannot be obtained from classical calculations. The natural frequency can then be compared to the system resonance to ensure large amplitude oscillations will not occur. The natural frequency may also be used with building codes to determine a base shear force which can then be input to a stress analysis to validate designs subject to seismic or other oscillating conditions. A complete engineering report is available below representing a typical seismic analysis and report completed by Pressure Vessel Engineering.
Seismic Analysis of Pressure Equipment
To find the natural frequency, two inputs are required, mass and stiffness. The object to be analyzed is modeled and its density (mass) and modulus of elasticity (stiffness) defined. The FEA solver then determines several displacement modes and their corresponding natural frequencies.
Pressure Vessel Engineering then uses the natural frequency provided by the FEA to determine a base shear force in accordance with building codes such as NBC, IBC, and UBC.
The base shear force is then converted to an acceleration (F = ma, both force and mass are known) and input into a stress analysis to investigate seismic loadings on the object. These stress results then either validate the design or provide insight as to how it should be revised.