Modal analysis is the study of the dynamic properties of linear structures, based on structural testing or finite element analysis-based simulation. These dynamic properties include resonance frequencies (also called “natural frequencies” or “eigenfrequencies”) and structural modes (or “eigenmodes”). Dynamic properties depend on the structure's mass, stiffness and damping distribution, and determine structural vibration behavior when exposed to operational loads. Every deformation of a linear structural system can be expressed as a linear combination of the structural modes, which form an orthonormal vector base.
Modal testing combines data acquisition with further analysis. In an industrial application, the complete process is often called modal testing and analysis or experimental modal analysis (EMA).
Results of modal testing and analysis are used in various simulation and testing applications, including vibration response calculations, root cause analysis of vibration problems and damage detection. These results also add flexibility to multibody analysis and speeding up durability and vibro-acoustic simulations. Modal-based calculations are very effective and allow efficient evaluation of structural changes to responses of any kind.
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