Linear modal dynamics

There are several other linear, dynamic procedures in Abaqus/Standard that employ the modal superposition technique. Unlike the modal dynamics procedure, which calculates the response in the time domain, these procedures provide results in the frequency domain, which can give additional insight into the behavior of the structure.

A complete description of these procedures is given in Dynamic Stress/Displacement Analysis.

Steady-state dynamics

This procedure calculates the amplitude and phase of the structure's response caused by harmonic excitation over a user-specified range of frequencies. Typical examples include the following:

  • The response of car engine mounts over a range of engine operating speeds.

  • Rotating machinery in buildings.

  • Components on aircraft engines.

Response spectrum

This procedure provides an estimate of the peak response (displacement, stress, etc.) when a structure is subjected to dynamic motion of its fixed points. The motion of the fixed points is known as “base motion”; an example is a seismic event causing ground motion. Typically the method is used when an estimate of the peak response is required for design purposes.

Random response

This procedure predicts the response of a system subjected to random continuous excitation. The excitation is expressed in a statistical sense using a power spectral density function. Examples of random response analysis include the following:

  • The response of an airplane to turbulence.

  • The response of a structure to noise, such as that emitted by a jet engine.