What is Frequency Analysis?
Understating the structural behavior of your design is crucial to check if the designed parts will work as per the intended application when subjected to real-world conditions. However, structures do more than deform, buckle, or yield. They also vibrate in different ways, and this behavior is unpredictable.
The first step in understanding the system’s dynamic behavior is to identify the design’s natural frequencies. The natural frequency of a part is the frequency at which the part keeps on vibrating when it is excited to this frequency called natural frequency; in this case, there may not be any additional or external forces acting on the part, but still, the body keeps on vibrating.
If the exciting frequency from the external source matches the natural frequency of the part, then the part will behave erratically, and severe deformations will be observed. This phenomenon is called resonance. Our aim of frequency analysis is to identify these natural frequencies, and if they are close to the external exciting frequency, design changes could be made so that resonance is avoided.
The natural frequency of the part depends on its mass, shape, and material properties. The design/shape or material can alter the natural frequency of the part.
Typically, the part has an infinite number of natural frequencies. During Finite Analysis, the number of natural frequencies is equal to the total DOF. These frequencies are visualized with Mode shapes plots in FE analysis. Generally, the higher natural frequencies are not important, but the lower frequencies are the ones we should address and study the behavior of the design when it is excited to these frequencies.
SOLIDWORKS Frequency Analysis
Frequency analysis in SOLIDWORKS is a dynamic solution where you can identify the Natural Frequencies and Mode shapes of Structures quickly. With the help of SOLIDWORKS Frequency Analysis, you can list out Resonance frequencies of all geometries, which helps us to find stability of the System. Most mechanical companies require this SOLIDWORKS Frequency Analysis to design a product that is resistant to vibration and avoids resonance phenomena.
Benefits of using SOLIDWORKS Simulation for Frequency Analysis
Mechanical frequency analysis plays a vital role in the design, analysis, optimization, and maintenance of mechanical systems by providing insights into their dynamic behavior and helping engineers make informed decisions to improve performance and reliability.
- Early Identification of Problems:
SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps catch vibration issues early in the design phase itself.
This analysis saves time and resources compared to making physical prototypes.
- Improved Design Decisions:
Analyzing different design variations during the design stage helps optimize for better vibration performance.
- Reduced Risk of Failure:
Identifying loose parts in a system or assembly, deciding what rotational speeds are unsafe, and determining where to constrain or load the system or component are all important aspects of this work.
You can identify critical frequencies that allow for design modifications to avoid resonance and potential product failures.
- Enhanced Product Quality:
Frequency analysis with SOLIDWORKS Simulation contributes to creating quieter, more durable, and reliable products.
Frequency analysis can help you prevent resonance by calculating the resonant frequencies. This study provides information to solve dynamic response problems quickly. In frequency analysis, by simulating real-world conditions, you can identify potential flaws and weaknesses before you prepare physical prototypes or finished products. Frequency analysis is essential in creating quieter, more durable, and reliable products. In this blog, we discussed what frequency analysis is, SOLIDWORKS Frequency Analysis and its Benefits. In my upcoming blog, I will explain the step-by-step process of Frequency Analysis.
