Module 7

Modal Analysis
7. Modal Analysis Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

• Modal analysis is used to determine a structure’s 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 Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

• 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 Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Geometry & Meshing
• 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 Young’s 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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Modal Analysis
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Analysis Type
• The analysis type is modal.
– Solution > -Analysis Type- New Analysis
– Or issue ANTYPE,MODAL

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Analysis Options
• 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 > Default settings are
Analysis Options... usually sufficient
– calculate mode shapes of a
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Modal Analysis
...Procedure Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

Loading & Solve
• 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 don’t 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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Review Results
• 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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• 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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• 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 Training Manual

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS 6.0 - Part 2

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

Please refer to your Workshop Supplement for instructions.

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