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RADIOSS for Linear Dynamics

Modal, FRF and Transient Analysis

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 Table of Contents
RADIOSS for Linear Dynamics
Modal, FRF and Transient Analysis

Table of Contents.................................................................................................................... i

Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction........................................................................ 1

1 - Dynamic Systems ...................................................................................................... 1

1.1 - Linear Dynamics ..................................................................................................... 2

1.2 - Nonlinear Dynamic.................................................................................................. 3

2 - Static versus Dynamic Simulation .............................................................................. 4

3 - Structural Dynamics Analysis ..................................................................................... 5

3.1 - Damping ................................................................................................................. 6

3.1.1 - Damper effects on system behavior ..................................................................... 8

3.1.2 - Damper alternative models................................................................................... 8

Chapter 2: Modal Analysis .................................................................................... 11

1 - Definitions ................................................................................................................ 11

1.1 - Natural Frequency (Eigenvalue) ............................................................................ 12

1.2 - Mode Shape (Eigenvector).................................................................................... 12

2 - Why Modal Analysis is important?............................................................................ 13

3 – Eigenvalue Solution Methods .................................................................................. 14

4 - Modal Analysis using FEM ....................................................................................... 15

4.1 - FEA Eigensystems................................................................................................ 15

5 - How to set a Modal Analysis on RADIOSS............................................................... 16

Exercise 2.1: Shell Clamped BEAM Model.................................................................... 17

Exercise 2.2: Compressor Bracket Modal Analysis ....................................................... 20

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function (FRF) ................................................ 27
1 - What is Frequency Response Function (FRF).......................................................... 27

1.1 – Direct Frequency Response Analysis ................................................................... 28

1.1.1 – How to Define a Direct FRF Analysis on RADIOSS ........................................... 29

1.2 – Modal Frequency Response Analysis................................................................... 37

1.2.1 – Modal Frequency Response Analysis Remarks................................................. 38

1.2.2 – How to Define a Modal FRF Analysis on RADIOSS........................................... 38

Exercise 3.1: FRF Spring-Mass System Direct vs. Modal (1 DOF) ................................ 43

Exercise 3.2: FRF Clamped Beam coupled with a Spring-Mass ................................... 46

Chapter 4: Transient .............................................................................................. 53

1 - What is a Transient analysis?................................................................................... 53

2 - Transient Response Analysis using RADIOSS......................................................... 54

2.1 – Direct Transient Response ................................................................................... 54

2.1.1 – How to do a Direct Transient Analysis ............................................................... 57

2.2 – Modal Transient Response................................................................................... 62

2.2.1 – How to do a Modal Transient Analysis............................................................... 63

2.3 – Transient Response Loads and Boundary Conditions .......................................... 65

Exercise 4.1: Transient Spring-Mass System (1 DOF) .................................................. 67

Exercise 4.2: Transient Clamped Beam coupled with a Spring-Mass .......................... 70

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 Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

Chapter 1

Theoretical Introduction

1- Dynamic System
A dynamical system concept can be described like mathematical representation of a point
that has time dependent position on the space, this dependence can be described per a
system of differential equations. These systems can be classified in four big categories
based on the speed average and the size of the model that we are interested in study like
showed on the following image.
L >> 10-9 m

Classical Relativistic
Mechanics Mechanics
Size
L ~ 10-9 m or Lower

Quantum Quantum
Mechanics Field Theory

V << 3x 108 m/s V ~ 3x 108 m/s or Higher

Speed
Type dynamic system

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Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

On this training we will focus only on problems that are solved using the Classical
mechanics approach.
Classical mechanics (commonly confused with Newtonian mechanics, which is a subfield
thereof) is used for describing the motion of macroscopic objects, from projectiles to parts of
machinery, as well as astronomical objects, such as spacecraft, planets, stars, and galaxies.
It produces very accurate results within these domains, and is one of the oldest and largest
subjects in science and technology.
In physics, classical mechanics is one of the two major sub-fields of study in the science of
mechanics, which is concerned with the set of physical laws governing and mathematically
describing the motions of bodies and aggregates of bodies.
The initial stage in the development of classical mechanics is often referred to as Newtonian
mechanics, and is associated with the physical concepts employed by and the mathematical
methods invented by Newton himself, in parallel with Leibniz, and others. More abstract and
general methods include Lagrangian mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics that can be
used to describe the dynamic system behavior.
For simplicity, when the engineers are modeling real-world objects they assume they are like
point particles, objects with negligible size. The motion of a point particle is characterized
by a small number of parameters: its position, mass, and the forces applied to it.

In reality, the kind of objects which classical mechanics can describe always has a non-zero
size. However, the results for point particles can be used to study such objects by treating
them as composite objects, made up of a large number of interacting point particles.

These systems that the classical mechanics studies can be classified in 2 different classes:

Linear Dynamics

Nonlinear Dynamics

1.1 - Linear Dynamics

Describes those systems in which forces increase linearly with parameters such as position
and velocity.
Perhaps the best known linear system is a mass oscillating on a spring, or the "simple
harmonic oscillator." In this situation, force on the mass increases linearly with
displacement by a factor of "k," the spring constant. A graph of the potential energy of this
system is parabolic, since F(x) = - dU / dx. A particle of mass m oscillating in the potential
well of this system will have an angular frequency of w = (k/m)1/2.
The system becomes more complex when damping or a driving force is added. Damping
alone will cause the particle to sit down in the potential well or "attractor." When the system
is forced, the system will oscillate at one frequency determined by the relative strengths of
the forcing and damping. If the forcing is too weak or too strong, the system may oscillate at
the forcing frequency. In this case, the free movement of the system is essentially drowned
by the forcing and damping and the amplitude of oscillation is weak. At some frequency,
however, the system will resonate where maximum oscillating amplitude occurs. Again, in
the linear system, this resonant frequency is unique and is determined by the forcing,
damping, and natural frequencies of the system. In this driven and damped linear system,

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 Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

periodic inputs result in periodic outputs. If there is error in a measurement, this error will
increase linearly as the system progresses.

1.2 - Nonlinear Dynamics

Describes those non-linear systems where one or more "forcing elements" does not vary
linearly with space parameters. For example, if the spring coefficient in the spring system
described before varied with displacement, then the spring force would vary with the square
of displacement.
Although linear systems make for pretty equations and an efficient summary of behavior,
non-linear systems seem to pervade real natural systems. Friction forces, damping
elements, resistive elements in circuits -- these and many other factors often vary in a non-
linear fashion. As a result, the differential equations describing these systems involve very
messy solutions that can only be solved numerically. Even if there were analytic solutions to
these systems the behavior in some cases would be difficult or impossible to predict due to
the exponential increase in error.
On this training we will learn how to solve the problems that are in the first category called
Linear Dynamic System.

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Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

2 - Static versus Dynamic System

To help on understand what a dynamic system is it is interesting to compare it with a static
system. There are two basic aspects that make the dynamic systems differ from static
system:
• The loads are applied as a function of time. F(t)
• The responses are time dependent. X(t)
Example Dynamic System:
m = 1 kg
k=4π
2
k ωn 1
ωn = fn = =
m 2π T

X0=0.3 mm
V0=5.97 mm/s X(t)

V0
2π
T=
ωn

X0

tmax = φ/wn

These time dependence characteristics make the dynamic analysis more complex than static
analysis.

Dynamic analysis for simple structures like the one described above can be carried out
manually, in general it is possible to find analytical response for it or using analytical tools is
possible to determine the mathematical functions that can represent the system responses.
But for complex structures Finite Element Analysis (FEA) should be used to calculate the
dynamic responses. This kind of analysis is well known as STRUCTURAL DYNAMIC
ANALYSIS.

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 Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

3 - Structural Dynamics Analysis

It is a subset of structural analysis which covers the behavior of structures subjected to
dynamic loading. Dynamic loads include people, wind, waves, traffic, earthquakes, and
blasts. Any structure can be subject to dynamic loading.

A static load is one which does not vary. A dynamic load is one which changes with time. If it
changes slowly, the structure's response may be determined with static analysis, but if it
varies quickly (relative to the structure's ability to respond), the response must be
determined with a dynamic analysis.

A full time history will give the response of a structure over time during and after the
application of a load. To find the full time history of a structure's response you must solve
the structure's equation of motion (1).

M&x& + Cx& + Kx = f (t ) (1)

Example:

One degree of freedom Spring-Mass system

A simple single degree of freedom system (a Spring-Mass system for example) has the
following equation of motion:

M&x& + Cx& + Kx = f (t )

M&x& + Kx = f (t )

Where x&& is the acceleration and x is the displacement, and on this case they are scalar
values, then our system is reduced to only one equation:

m&x& + kx = f (t ) (2)

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Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

A general solution for this equation is

x (t ) = A Sin (ω t ) + B Cos (ω t ) + C (3)

Where A, B and C are determined by the initial boundary conditions and the circular natural
k ω
frequency ω = or the natural frequency f = of this system are defined in terms of
m 2π
the k and m.
The static deflection for this single degree of freedom system is:

Fmax
xmax = (4)
k
Equation 2 gives the (theoretical) time history of the structure due to a load f(t), where the
assumption is made that there is no damping.

3.1 - Damping
Any real structure will dissipate energy (in general from friction) and this can be modeled
mathematically as a force synchronous with the velocity of the object but opposite in
direction to it. Thus, for a simple mechanical damper, the force F may be related to the
velocity v by

F = − vc (5)

Ns
where c is the viscous damping coefficient, given in units of .
m

This relationship is perfectly analogous to electrical resistance.

This force is an (raw) approximation to the friction caused by drag.

FBD – Free Body

Diagram

fc fk
c k fi

f(t)
m
One degree of freedom Spring-Mass-Damper system

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 Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

Now including the damping effect on our spring-mass system, as showed on the figure
above, we have a new term on our motion equation that includes this effect:

m&x& + cx& + kx = f (t ) (6)

The homogeneous form for this equation is:

m&x& + cx& + kx = 0 (7)

If we divide all terms per m:

c k
&x& + x& + x = 0
m m
This is made to simplify the equation in terms of 2 new important terms:

k
ω0 = (8)
m
and

c
ζ = (9)
2 km
Where:
ω0 → Undamped natural frequency

ζ → Damping ratio

Now the homogeneous equation can be rewrite in terms of these coefficients:

&x& + 2ζω0 x& + ω02 x = 0

We can solve this equation if we proposal a general solution for with this form:

x = eγt (10)

where in general γ is a complex number, this transform the differential equation in a second
order polynomial equation:

γ 2 + 2ζω0γ + ω02 = 0 (11)

Then solving it we have:

(
γ = ω0 − ζ ± ζ 2 − 1 ) (12)

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Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

3.1.1 - Damper effects on system behavior

The behavior of the system depends on the relative values of the two fundamental
parameters, the natural frequency ω0 and the damping ratio ζ . In particular, the qualitative
behavior of the system depends crucially on whether the equation 10 has:

One real solution (Critical damping) ζ = 1

Two real solutions (Over-damping) ζ > 1

Two complex conjugate solutions. (Under-damping) ζ < 1

The Under-damped system group is most important to our course, this is where almost all
structural dynamic problems we have to solve belongs, and we will develop many
procedures to determine the solution for it.

For an under-damped system, the value of ζ can be found by examining the logarithm of the
ratio of succeeding amplitudes of a system, This is a method kwon as Logarithmic
Decrement.

On RADIOSS it is possible to enter directly with the damping ration using the following
syntax: Param, G, 0.06 where 0.06 is equal to 2ζ. It is easy to find some damper values in
terms of the damping ration on the literature, this is the reason RADIOSS give to user this
possibility, but is very high recommended that the user get this values right for his models,
and test it before use on virtual models, a wrong damper value can underestimate the
dynamic responses. For some guidance on this we list typical values below:

The structural damping in general is typically 2%-10% depending on the type of

construction:
• Bolted steel ~6%
• Reinforced concrete ~ 4%
• Welded steel ~ 2%
These values should be used only for reference.

3.1.2 - Damper Alternative models

Viscous damping models, although widely used, are not the only damping models. A wide
range of models can be found in specialized literature, we will show more one model called
hysteretic damping model or structural damping model.

When a metal beam is vibrating, the internal damping can be better described by a force
proportional to the displacement but in phase with the velocity. In such case, the differential
equation that describes the free movement of a single-degree-of-freedom system (7)
becomes:

m&x& + hxi + kx = 0 (13)

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 Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

where h is the hysteretic damping coefficient and i denotes the imaginary unit; the
presence of i is required to synchronize the damping force to the velocity (xi being in phase
with the velocity). This equation is more often written as:

m&x& + k (1 + iη )x = 0 (14)
where η is the hysteretic damping ratio, that is, the fraction of energy lost in each cycle of
the vibration.

Although it requires complex analysis to solve this equation, this model reproduces the real
behavior of many vibrating structures more closely than the viscous model.

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Chapter 1: Theoretical Introduction

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Chapter 2

MODAL ANALYSIS

1 – Definitions
A modal analysis calculates the frequency modes or natural frequencies of a given system,
but not necessarily its full time history response to a given input. The natural frequency of a
system is dependent only on the stiffness of the structure, and the mass which participates
with the structure (including self-weight) and the boundary conditions.

Consider the motion equation (1) defined on the chapter 1, where the Damp and external
forces are null, this leave the equation on the reduced form kwon as Free vibration equation:

M&x& + Kx = 0 (1)
The solution for this equation can be evaluated if we proposal a general harmonic solution
with the form:

x = Φ sin (ωt ) (2)

Where:

Φ → Mode shape or Eigenvector

ω → Circular natural frequency

The harmonic hypothesis helps on find the equation solution, but it has a physical importance
that we will discuss further, this solution shows that all DOFs of the structure when submitted to
a free vibration will move synchrony with each other.
If we substitute the equation 2 into 1 performing the differentiation on the first term:

− ω 2 MΦ sin (ωt ) + KΦ sin (ωt ) = 0

(K − ω M )Φ = 0
2
(3)
This is the equilibrium equation for a structure performing free vibration, which can be
rewrite in terms of the eigenvalues λ =ω2:

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

[K − λM] Φ = 0
Where:

• K is the stiffness matrix of the structure

• M is the mass matrix.
• The solution of the eigenvalue problem yields n eigenvalues λ, where n is the
number of degrees of freedom.
• The vector Φ is the eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue λ.

The eigenvalue problem on RADIOSS is solved using a matrix method called the
Lanczos Method. This method is very efficient when not all eigenvalues are required
that is the case for structural problems where only a small number of the lowest
eigenvalues are normally important.

* It requires that the mass matrix be positive semidefinite and the stiffness be symmetric.

1.1 - Natural Frequency (Eigenvalue)

The natural frequency of a structure is the frequency value at the structure naturally tends to
vibrate if it is subjected to pulse. For example, the strings of a guitar are made to vibrate at a
specific frequency. A system with N DOFs will have N natural frequencies.
The natural frequencies can be evaluated from solution of the Eigenvalues as showed
below:
ωi
fi =
2π
(4)
Where:
f i → i-th natural frequency
ωi → i-th natural frequency in radians

1.2 - Mode Shape (Eigenvector)

It is the deformed shape that the structure will vibrate when excited at a specific natural
frequency, this is called too normal mode or Eigen vector. Each mode shape is associated
with a specific natural frequency or Eigen value.

The natural frequencies and normal modes of a structure can be function of the load and the
damping present on the system, this kind of analysis is defined as Pre-stressed and damped
modal analysis respectively, these analyses will not be covered here.

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

2 - Why Modal Analysis is important?

On any kind of structural simulation a modal analysis will help the Engineer to understand
the global behavior of the system, doing a modal analysis first it is possible to:
• Identify the natural frequencies and modal shapes of the system.
• Verify if there are rigid modes on the system, and the link between components.
• Understand if the BCs applied to the system are correct.
• With the strain energy density for example, the Engineer can determine where the
part should be reworked to improve the performance.
• It helps on predict the dynamic responses that this system will have, then all the
other dynamic simulations should be done only after a MODAL Analysis.
It is useful to know the modal frequencies of a structure as it allows you to ensure that the
frequency of any applied periodic loading will not coincide with a modal frequency and
hence cause resonance, which could leads to large responses and consequently fails.
To define the subsequent dynamic analyses (i.e., transient, frequency response, PSD, etc.)
should be based on Modal results. With a previous knowledge about the important modes
the analyst can chose the appropriate time or frequency step to solve the problem. If the
analyst needs to work with a big model then the modal analysis results can be used to solve
the FRF or Transient simulation, this is called a modal FRF or Modal Transient, where the
equations are solved using a method called Modal superposition, this make the dynamic
solution much less expansive then the direct integration.

A modal analysis plays a key role when the analyst needs to compare the dynamic analyses
with physical test, it helps to define the right equipment that have to be used and the right
location for accelerometers and strain gages. It helps during the test too to understand the
test results and correlate the virtual model with the prototype.

It is possible sometimes only with a modal analysis find out if a design change will improve
the dynamic performance of the system. In summary the modal analysis is used to
determine the normal modes and normal shapes, but it helps on understand the whole
system and helps on understand all other dynamic analysis.

All output quantities for a modal analysis are based on the relative displacements of a mode
shape, and then the output quantities can be compared for a certain mode, but not
necessarily between different modes.

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

3 – Eigenvalue Solution Methods

1. Vector Iteration Methods
o Inverse Iteration
o Forward Iteration
o Shifting in Vector Iteration
o Rayleigh Quotient Iteration
o Matrix Deflation and Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization
2. Transformation Methods
o Jacobi Method
o Generalized Jacobi Method
o Householder-QR-Inverse Iteration Solution
3. Polynomial Iterations Methods
o Explicit polynomial Iteration
o Implicit Polynomial Iteration
o Iteration Based on the Sturm Sequence Property
4. Lanczos Iteration Method
5. Subspace Iteration Method
For linear elastic problems that are properly set up(no rigid body rotation or translation), the
stiffness and mass matrices and the system in general are positive definite. These are the
easiest matrices to deal with because the numerical methods commonly applied are
guaranteed to converge to a solution. When all the qualities of the system are considered:

1) Only the smallest eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the lowest modes are desired

2) The mass and stiffness matrices are sparse and highly banded

3) The system is positive definite

The Lanczos algorithm is an iterative algorithm invented by Cornelius Lanczos that is an
adaptation of power methods to find eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a square matrix or the
singular value decomposition of a rectangular matrix. It is particularly useful for finding
decompositions of very large sparse matrices as the FEA ones. A typical solution is first to
tridiagonalize the system using the Lanczos algorithm. Next, use the QR algorithm to
find the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of this tridiagonal system.

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

4 - Modal Analysis using FEM

The goal of modal analysis in structural mechanics is to determine the natural mode
shapes and frequencies of an object or structure during free vibration. It is common to use
the finite element method (FEM) to perform this analysis because, like other calculations
using the FEM, the object being analyzed can have arbitrary shape. Sometimes, the only
desired modes are the lowest frequencies because they can be the most prominent modes
at which the object will vibrate, dominating all the higher frequency modes.

It is also possible to test a physical object to determine it's natural frequencies and mode
shapes. This is called an Experimental Modal Analysis. The results of the physical test
can be used to calibrate a finite element model to determine if the underlying assumptions
made were correct (for example, material properties, boundary conditions, etc.).

4.1 - FEA Eigensystems

For the most basic problem involving a linear elastic material which obeys Hooke's Law, the
matrix equations take the form of a dynamic three dimensional spring mass system. The
generalized equation of motion is given as:

&& + Cu& + Ku = F
Mu
Where M is the mass matrix, ü is the 2nd time derivative of the displacement u (i.e. the
acceleration), u& is the velocity, C is a damping matrix, K is the stiffness matrix, and F is the
force vector. The only terms kept are the 1st and 3rd terms on the left hand side which give
the following system:

&& + Ku = 0
Mu
This is the general form of the eigensystem encountered in structural engineering using the
FEA. Further, harmonic motion is typically assumed for the structure so that ü is taken to
equal -λu, where λ is an eigenvalue, and the equation reduces to:

(K − λM )u = 0
where the solution of the eigenvalue problem yields n eigenvalues λ, where n is the number
of degrees of freedom. The vector u is the eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue.

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

5 - How to set a Modal Analysis

In order to run a normal modes analysis, an EIGRL bulk data entry needs to be given
because it defines the number of modes to be extracted. The EIGRL card needs to be
referenced by a METHOD statement in a SUBCASE in the subcase information section.

The Lanczos eigensolver implemented on RADIOSS and OptiStruct provides two different
ways of solving the problems. If the eigenvalue range is defined on EIGRL has no upper
bound and less than 50 modes the faster method is automatic applied. It is not
necessary to define boundary conditions using an SPC statement. If no boundary
conditions are applied, a zero eigenvalue is computed for each rigid body degree of freedom
of the model.

It is possible to request the computation of residual vectors in conjunction with a normal

modes analysis. Residual vectors are static displacements ortho-normalized with the
eigenvectors to be used in an external FRF - Frequency Response Analysis. In order to
get this output, users have to define degrees of freedom using USET, USET1. The degrees
of freedom are then used to define loads in the unit load method to compute the residual
vectors. RESVEC = YES needs to be defined in the normal modes subcase. Boundary
conditions can be defined using SPC or inertia relief and need to be applied.

A Modal loadstep definition for RADIOSS looks like the following lines:
SUBCASE 1
SPC=1
METHOD(STRUCTURE)=2

This defines:
1. The Normal modes subcase 1
2. The Constrain are defined on the LoadCollector 1
3. The number of modes and other parameters are defined on the LoadCollector 2
that have to be an Eigrl type.

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Exercise 2.1: Shell Clamped BEAM Model

This exercise runs a modal analysis on a very simple problem where the Eigen values and
eigenvectors are well known and can be found using analytical formulas. The problem
intends to describe all the cards involved in a modal analysis.
In this exercise, you will learn how to:
• Define a modal analysis on RADIOSS
• Pos-process and understand the modal results

h
L b

Problem description

Problem Statement
• Geometry:
o (L = 1000, h = 10, b = 10 mm)
• One load case: Normal Modes
o 3 First modes
• Material STEEL:
o ρ = 7.8e-9 T/mm3 [RHO] Density
o E = 210000 MPa [E] Young’s modulus
o ν = 0.3 - [nu] Poisson’s ratio

Problem Setup
You should copy these Files: BEAM_SHELL_MODAL.hm;

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Step 1: Open the Start model on HyperMesh 10.0.

1. Launch HyperMesh 10.0. with User Profile > RADIOSS > BulkData.
2. Open the HyperMesh database BEAM_SHELL_MODAL.hm.

Step 2: Model Setup

1. Mesh the surface with element size = 500 mm.
2. Create the beam material (Mat1 [E = 210000, nu = 0.3 and rho = 7.9e-9])
3. Create a pshell property T=10 mm, assign the material created above.
4. Assign the property created above to the comp beam.

Step 3: Create modal subcase

1. Create a LoadCollector and call it SPC.
2. Apply the constrain as follow:
• Surface Uz = 0
• Clamped line All dof = 0 (Our first model has only one element, then we need to fix
the points to enforce HM to apply this BC to the corner nodes, this is a bug on
HM10.0, that when a line has only 2 nodes the BCs are not transferred to them)

3. Create/Edit a LoadCollector with card image EIGRL and call it EIGRL.

4. Create a loadstep and call it Normal Modes as follow.

Step 4: Run and study the results

1. Save this model BEAM_SHELL_BASELINE_MODAL.HM.
2. Run this model and call it BEAM_ELEM500.FEM
3. Run the same model with different mesh size, see the table below for reference and fill
the values you get for all models.
• Do it until you think the model can represent well the 3 first modes of the Beam.

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

• Remember you can take advantage of the BCs on the geometry on your Baseline
model. Just redo the mesh and run with another name…
Result Table

SIZE DOF 1ST MODE 2ND MODE 3RD MODE

500

250

100

50

20

10

0.5

MODES CONVERGENCY

10000.00

1000.00
Freq (Hz)

100.00

10.00

1.00
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10
1 / elem size

1ST MODE 2ND MODE 3RD MODE

Analytical Solution:

EI EI EI
f 1 = 0.748 2 = 8 .3 f 2 = 1.8732 = 52.2 f 3 = 3.134 2 = 146.2
mL4 mL4 mL4

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Exercise 2.2: Compressor Bracket Modal Analysis

This exercise runs a modal analysis on a compressor system. This is very common problem
for an engine designer, who needs to find the best way to link the compressor with the
engine. To make this system viable the vibration produced by the engine can’t have
resonance with the compressor system, and then the key to the project is to develop a
bracket that makes the frequencies higher than excitations. Suppose that our 4-cycle engine
can work up to 8000 RPM, and then the excitations from the second order (2 explosions per
cycle) are up to ~266 Hz.
Then the objective of this project is to have a Bracket with the first frequency higher than
350 Hz.
In this exercise, you will learn how to:
• Determine if a FEA model is well defined
• Understand how good are the modal results

5 Bolt link

Problem description

Problem Information
• Determine if the Bracket Baseline geometry pass the Dynamic criteria:
o Natural frequencies > 350 Hz.
• Compressor: (Mass = 3 kg and CG = (-5.2, -14.5, 65.2)
• Material STEEL:
o ρ = 7.8e-9 T/mm3 [RHO] Density
o E = 210000 MPa [E] Young’s modulus
o ν = 0.3 - [nu] Poisson’s ratio

Problem Setup:
You should copy these Files: BRACKET_COMPRESSOR_FEA_2nd.hm;

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Step 1: Open the Start model on HyperMesh 9.0.

1. Launch HyperMesh 9.0. with User Profile > RADIOSS > BulkData.

2. Open the HyperMesh database BRACKET_COMPRESSOR_FEA_2nd.hm.

Step 2: Model Review

1. As the user can see this FEA model is already idealized.

FEA model with tetra10, RB2 and RB3.

a) The model is made with tetra10 ~5mm.

Is it ok? What would you change on this model?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
b) It is used RB3 to link the mass element.
Why we don’t use RB2 (rigid) for it?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
c) There is no representation for the Bolts and the compressor.
How much it can change? What is needed to make this hypothesis?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

d) The engine wall is considered rigid.

When this is important?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Step 3: Create MAT with these properties

Step 4: Create a PSOLID property and associate the Bracket component with
it.

Step 5: Create a Mass element at the dependent node of the RB3.

Step 6: Create modal subcase

1. Create a LoadCollector and call it SPC.
2. Add a displacement constrain to all RB2 independent nodes (All DOFs = 0).
3. Create/Edit a LoadCollector with card image EIGRL and call it EIGRL.

4. Create a loadstep and call it Normal Modes as follow.

Step 7: Run and study the results

1. Save this model BRACKET_COMPRESSOR_FEA_2nd_FINAL.hm.
2. Include strain energy results by adding the card ESE.
3. Run the model.

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

Q1: How much you trust on the first mode you have got on this analysis?
______________________________________________________________________

Q2: Is there any result that you can look to identify if your model is good?
______________________________________________________________________

Q3: Should you improve the model?

______________________________________________________________________

Q4: How can you determine where the mesh needs to be refined?

______________________________________________________________________
Expected result:

1st mode (Hz) Time (s) N. DOFS *FEA ERROR

475 35 134769 ~2.2%

* Based on a very refined model (~2M DOFs)

Eigen Vector Contour (First Mode)

Strain Energy Contour (First Mode)

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

e) The model is made with tetra10 ~5mm.

Is it ok? What would you change on this model?

It is not a easy determine if a model is good enough, to do it the analyst needs

to start with a simple model and refine it until achieve a converged result, and
in general the analyst needs to do trade off (time vs. accuracy).
On a modal analysis the user should see which part of the model has the
highest STRAIN ENERGY to refine it up to achieve the convergence on the
frequency value.
ERROR FIRST MODE

100.0%

10.0%
ERROR

1st
2nd
1.0%

0.1%
0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000
TIME

f) It is used RB3 to link the mass element.

Why we don’t use RB2 (rigid) for it?
An RB2 would include a rigid condition between the compressors links that doesn’t
exist. For this model for example it would show that the first mode would be higher
than 700 Hz.

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 Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

g) There is no representation for the Bolts and the compressor.

How much it can change? What is needed to make this hypothesis?

To do this kind of simplification the analyst needs to have know-how about the
system behavior, in general we can assume that the bolt is strong enough
(SIZE/MAT) to not change the modal result. But the compressor geometry needs to
be studied before any simplification.

h) The engine wall is considered rigid.

When this is important?
This is very important, some times the engine wall is thin on the region where
the bracket is fixed, and it can be very important on the modal behavior. Again here
the analyst needs to study the region to make the right assumption.

Answer 1: How much you trust on the first mode you have got on this analysis?
To answer this question the analyst should verify:

• The first mode is like was expected. (shape and value)

• The mesh is refined enough (Mode shape, strain energy convergence).

• Are there any tests, analytical or past results to calibrate the model.

Answer 2: Is there any result that you can look to identify if your model is good?

Strain energy can give to the analyst a very good indication if the mode is well
refined. It works like the stress for a static analysis.

Answer 3: Should you improve the model?

Based on the error plotting the answer should be no.

But in general the analyst doesn’t know the FEA error, then the measure needs to
be made based on the response variance, if it is less than a certain amount
considered admissible the model is ok.

Answer 4: How can you determine where the mesh needs to be refined?
Again the highest strain energy shows the places where the mesh needs to be
refined.

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Chapter 2: Modal Analysis

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Chapter 3

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

1- What is Frequency Response Function (FRF)

Frequency response analysis is used to calculate the response of a structure under a
harmonic excitation. Typical applications are noise, vibration and harshness analysis of
vehicles, rotating machinery, and transmissions.

The analysis is to compute the response of the structure, which is actually transient, in a
static frequency domain. The loading is sinusoidal. A simple case is a load that has
amplitude at a specified frequency. The response occurs at the same frequency, and
damping would lead to a phase shift, see the following image.

Excitation and response of a frequency response analysis.

The loads can be applied as forces or enforced motions (displacements, velocities, and
accelerations). They are dependent on the excitation frequency (ω). All the loads are
applied on the frequency where the response is evaluated. (Harmonic loads)

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

The results/responses from a FRF analysis are displacements, velocities, accelerations,

forces, stresses, and strains. The responses are usually complex numbers that are either
given as magnitude and phase angle or as real and imaginary part.

On RADIOSS the direct and modal frequency (Modal Superposition) solutions are
implemented:

o The direct method solves the coupled equation of motion in terms of the excitation
frequency.

o The modal method uses the mode shape of the structure to uncouple the equations
of motion and the solution for a particular excitation frequency is obtained by
summation of individual modal responses or modal superposition.

1.1 - Direct Frequency Response Analysis

The direct frequency response analysis computes the structural responses directly at
discrete excitation frequencies ω by solving a set of complex matrix equations.

&& + Bu& + Ku = f (ω ) eiωt

Mu
Where:

• ω : Load angular frequency

• f (ω ) e iωt : Harmonic Load

• M : Global mass matrix

• B : Global damper matrix

• K : Global stiffness matrix.

• u, u& , u
&& : Complex Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration

The harmonic motion assumes a harmonic response, which it and their derivatives can be
written as:

u = u(ω )eiωt ⇒ u(ω )(cos(ωt ) + i sin (ωt ))

u& = iωu(ω )eiωt

&& = −ω 2 u(ω )eiωt

u
We can introduce these harmonic functions in our motion equation:

[ ] [ ]
− M uω 2 eiωt + B uiωe iωt + Kueiωt = feiωt
We can isolate the real and the imaginary part on the left side:

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

([K − ω M] + iωB)ue
2 iωt
= feiωt
There are many ways to introduce the damping effect on a dynamic system, on RADIOSS
the damper is implemented like described below:

1. B1 : Viscous damper matrix from damping elements (cvisc, cdamp) and B2GG

2. iGK : Global uniform damper associated with stiffness matrix. PARAM, G.

3. iK E : Structural element damping using the damping coefficients GE on the

materials as well as GE on bushing and spring element property definitions.

Now our Motion equation can be rewrite with the damper terms expanded:

([K − ω M] + iGK + iK
2
E − iωB1 ) ue iωt = feiωt
Rearranging the terms we can show the real and imaginary parts:

([K − ω M] + [GK + K
2
E − ωB1 ]i ) ueiωt = feiωt
When the users choose the direct option for a FRF, RADIOSS will solve the equation of
motion directly using complex algebra algorithm for every frequency defined on the range of
frequencies using on one of these cards: FREQ, FREQ1 or FREQ2.

1.1.1 – How to Define a Direct FRF Analysis on RADIOSS

To define a RADIOSS Direct Frequency Response loadstep the user should follow these
steps:

1. Define the SPC load collector and apply constrains.

2. Define the Unit load :
a. DAREA for Load (Force)

b. SPCD for Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration.

3. Define the dynamic load vs. Frequency table F(f):

a. TABLED1 → y = yT (x )

b. TABLED2 → y = yT (x − X 1)

→  x − X1
c. TABLED3 y = yT  
 X2 

 x − X1
N i
d. TABLED4 → y = ∑ Ai  
i =1  X2 

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

4. Define the frequency list or set of frequencies to be used in the solution:

a. FREQ → [f1; f2; f3; f4; f5]

SID F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7

FREQ 3 7.0 12.56 13.99 23.4 23.34 f6 f7

f8 … … … … … … …

[7; 12.56; 13.99; 23.5; 23.34]

o F1, F2, F3…,FN : Frequencies where the solution will be evaluated.

o Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. and are considered duplicated

if f N − f N −1 < DFREQ * f MAX − f MIN where DFREQ is a user parameter,
-5
with a default of 10 .

b. FREQ1 → f i = F1 + DF * (i − 1) i = 1 … NDF+1

SID F1 DF NDF

FREQ1 6 2.9 0.5 13

[2.9; 3.4; 3.9; 4.4; 4.9; 5.4; 5.9; 6.4; 6.9; 7.4; 7.9; 8.4; 8.9]

o F1 : First frequency where the response will be evaluated (Hz)

o DF : Increment on the frequency list (Hz)

o NDF: Number of Frequencies.

o Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. and are considered duplicated

if f N − f N −1 < DFREQ * f MAX − f MIN where DFREQ is a user parameter,
-5
with a default of 10 .

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

1 F
c. FREQ2 → f i = F1 * e (i −1)d where d = ln 2 i = 1,2,…,(NF+1)
NF F1

SID F1 F2 NF

FREQ2 6 1.0 8.0 6

8 8

6
5.656854249
5
F(Hz)

FREQ2
4 4

3 2.828427125
2 2
1.414213562
1 1

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
i

[1; 1.41; 2; 2.83; 4; 5.66; 8 ]

o F1 : First frequency where the response will be evaluated (Hz)

o F2 : Last frequency where the response will be evaluated (Hz)

o NF : Number of frequencies intervals.

o Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. and are considered duplicated

if f N − f N −1 < DFREQ * f MAX − f MIN where DFREQ is a user parameter,
-5
with a default of 10 .

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

5. Define the Harmonic load:

a. RLOAD1 → f ( f ) = A[C ( f ) + iD ( f )]e i (θ − 2πfτ )

i. f : Force, Displacement, Velocity or Acceleration. (load units)

ii. f : Frequency (Hz)

iii. A : Fixed amplitude. (Scale, Unit load)

iv. C( f ) : Real parte of the load in function of the frequency f.

(load units)

v. D( f ) : Imaginary parte of the load in function of the frequency f.

(load units)

vi. θ : Phase angle of the load. (radians)

vii. τ : Delay to apply the load. (time units)

Example:

SID A τ θ C( f ) D( f ) Type

RLOAD1 5 3 1 DISP
* See the table Type of Loads

o RLOAD ID : 5

o Unit load : Load collector 3 (DAREA or SPCD)

o No delay

o Phase angle = 0.

o Real Part C( f ): Load collector 1 (TABLED)

o Imaginary part D( f ): = 0
o Load type: Imposed displacement (DISP).

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

b. RLOAD2 → f ( f ) = A * B ( f )e i (ϕ ( f )+θ − 2πfτ )

viii. f : Force, Displacement, Velocity or Acceleration. (load units)

ix. f : Frequency (Hz)

x. A : Fixed amplitude. (Scale, Unit load)

xi. B( f ) : Amplitude of load in function of the frequency f. (load units)

xii. ϕ( f ) : Phase angle in function of the frequency f. (radians)

xiii. θ : Fixed Phase angle of the load. (radians)

xiv. τ : Delay to apply the load. (time units)

Example:

SID A τ θ B( f ) ϕ( f ) Type

RLOAD2 5 3 7 DISP
* See the table Type of Loads

o RLOAD ID : 5

o Unit load : Load collector 3 (DAREA or SPCD)

o No delay

o Phase angle = 0.

o Amplitude B( f ): Load collector 1 (TABLED)

o Phase Angle ϕ( f ): = 0
o Load type: Imposed displacement (DISP).

TYPE Description

0, L, LO, LOA, LOAD Applied load; EXCITEID references DAREA data.

1, D, DI, DIS, DISP Enforced displacement; EXCITEID references SPCD data.

2, V, VE, VEL, VELO Enforced velocity; EXCITEID references SPCD data.

3, A, AC, ACC, ACCE Enforced acceleration; EXCITEID references SPCD data.

o The enforced loads (SPCD) should be applied to a node where there the DOF where
the direction of the load is constrained. (BASE excitation)

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

6. Define the FRF load step:

The frequency response loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk
data section of the input deck. They need to be referenced in the subcase
information section using an SPC and DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

a. HyperMesh

SPC → Load collector with displacement constrains.

DLOAD → Load definition on the frequency range. (RLOAD1 or

RLOAD2)

FREQ → Frequency table where the response will be evaluated.

(FREQ, FREQ1 or FREQ2)

b. Direct on the Input Deck:

Subcase Information Section

SUBCASE 1

SPC=1 Load collector with displacement constrains.

FREQUENCY=4 Frequency table where the response will be

evaluated. (FREQ, FREQ1 or FREQ2)

DLOAD=5 Load definition on the frequency range.

(RLOAD1 or RLOAD2)

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

7. Define the responses from the FRF iterations:

a. HyperMesh

o SORTING
o SORT1 : Default, used to group all elems/nodes per
frequency.
o SORT2 : Used to group all frequency per entity.
o Format
o HM : HyperMesh result (.res)
o H3D : HyperView result (.h3d)
o OPTI : OptiStruct result (.disp)
o PUNCH : Nastran punch result (.pch)
o OUTPUT2 : Nastran results file (.op2)
o PATRAN : Patran result (multiples files)
o HG : HyperGraph files (.mvw)
o APATRAN : Alternative Patran result (mult. files)
o BLANK : Default, Output to all files that the
result is available.
o DISP_FORM:
o REAL or IMAG: real/ imaginary
o PHASE: magnitude/phase
o BOTH: real/imaginary and magnitude/Phase.
o COMPLEX: Default, magnitude/Phase if (.res), the
real/imaginary form is used if not specified
for other output formats. (Phase in degrees)
o ROTATIONS:
o ROTA : The rotational displacements are output.
o NOROTA: Default, no rotational displacements are
output.
o DISP_OPT:
o YES, ALL or Blank : Default, Displacement is output for
all nodes.
o NO or NONE : Displacement are not output
o SID : if a set ID is given, displacement is
output only for the nodes listed in
that set.

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

b. Direct on the Deck

I/O Options Section

DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

xv. Tools > Control cards > …

Result Type List of Examples of I/O Options Section

DISPLACEMENT DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

VELOCITY VELOCITY(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

ACCELERATION ACCELERATION(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

ELFORCE ELFORCE(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

GPFORCE GPFORCE(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

SPCFORCE
SPCFORCE(OUTPUT2,PHASE,ALL) = ALL

STRAIN
STRAIN(OUTPUT2,PHASE,ALL) = ALL

STRESS STRESS(OUTPUT2,PHASE,ALL,CUBIC) = YES

• Here is just a basic list about the output options, to learn more about the type of
output, go to our online documentation.

• Some types may be are not supported yet on the Control card panel on
HyperMesh, these you can enter directly on the Input deck or use the card:
CTRL_UNSUPPORTED_CARDS.

8. Run the analyses.

9. Pos-processes the results
a. Start with an overview of the Magnitude (Frequency).

b. The frequencies with maximum displacement, velocity or acceleration are

where you will find the maximum stress or higher deformations.
* Remember that before do a FRF you should run a modal analysis that can give a very good
understanding about your system and help on validate the results.

* Inertia relief is not implemented for direct frequency response. The solver will error out if it is
attempted.

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

1.2 - Modal Frequency Response Analysis

The modal method first performs a normal modes analysis to obtain the eigenvalues
λi = ωi2 and the corresponding eigenvectors X = [x i ] of the system. The response can be
expressed as a scalar product of the eigenvectors X and the modal responses q.

u = Xq

The equation of motion without damping is then transformed into modal coordinates using
the eigenvectors.

[− ω X 2 T
]
MX + X T KX q = X T f

The modal mass matrix X T MX and the modal stiffness matrix X T KX are diagonal. If the
eigenvectors are normalized with respect to the mass matrix, the modal mass matrix is the
unity matrix and the modal stiffness matrix is a diagonal matrix holding the eigenvalues of
the system. This way, the system equation is reduced to a set of uncoupled equations for
the components of u that can be solved easily.

The inclusion of damping, as discussed in the direct method, yields:

([X T
] [
KX − ω 2 X T MX + GX T KX + X T K E X − ωX T B1X i ) q = X T f ]
Here, the matrices X T K E X and X T B1 X are generally non-diagonal. The then coupled
problem is similar to the system solved in the direct method, but of much lesser degree of
freedom. It is solved using the direct method.

The evaluation of the equation of motion is much faster if the equations can be kept
decoupled. This can be achieved if the damping is applied to each mode separately. This is
done through a damping table TABDMP1 that lists damping values g i versus natural
frequency fi. If this approach is used, no structural element or viscous damping should be
defined.

The decoupled equation is:

(− ω m − iωb + k ) q e
2
i i i i
iωt
= f i eiωt

Where bi = 2miωiζ i is the modal damping ratio, and ωi2 is the modal eigenvalue.

Three types of modal damping values g i ( f i ) can be defined:

bi g
• G – Structural damping: ζi = = i
bcr 2

• CRIT – Critical damping: bcr = 2miωi

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

1 1
• Q – Quality factor: Qi = =
2ζ i g i

Modal damping is entered in to the complex stiffness matrix as structural damping if

PARAM, KDAMP, -1 is used. The then uncoupled equation becomes:

(− ω m − (1 + ig (ω ))k ) q e
2
i i i
iωt
= f i eiωt

1.2.1 - Modal Frequency Response Analysis Remarks

The frequency response loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk data
section of the input deck. They need to be referenced in the subcase information section
using an SPC and DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

A frequency set must be referenced using a FREQUENCY statement. A METHOD

statement is required for the modal method to control the normal modes analysis. In order
to save computational effort, previously saved eigenvectors can be retrieved using the
EIGVRETRIEVE subcase statement.

In addition to the various damping elements and material damping, uniform structural
damping G can be applied using PARAM, G, 0.6.

Modal damping is being applied using the SDAMPING reference of a damping table
TABDMP1. The parameter PARAM, KDAMP is to define the method of applying the
damping table.

1.2.2 - How to Define a Modal FRF Analysis on RADIOSS

To define a RADIOSS Modal Frequency Response loadstep the user should follow these
steps:

1. Define the SPC load collector and apply constrains.

2. Define the Unit load :
a. DAREA for Load (Force)

b. SCPD for Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration.

3. Define the EIGRL LoadCollector with the modes to be used to represent the structure.
4. Define the Load table F( f ):
a. TABLED1/TABLED2/TABLED3/TABLED4 → Similar to DIRECT.

5. Define the measure frequency points:

a. FREQ/FREQ1/FREQ2 → Similar to DIRECT.

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

k −1
b. FREQ3 → ξ = −1 + 2 [− 1,1]
NEF − 1
Num. Modes - 1
1
( ) ( ) 
NEF

* SIGN (ξ ) 
1
=  fˆj + fˆj+1 + fˆj+1 − fˆj ξ
1 / CLUSTER
Fi= k + j
2 2 
 k =1 
j=1

Example: Natural Frequencies {8.4; 52.3 ; 146.5}

SID F1 F2 TYPE NEF CLUSTER

FREQ3 6 1 200 LINEAR 4 2

[1;2.55;6.80;8.36;17.65;43.05;52.3;72.23;126.56;146.5;157.77;188.68;200]

F = [F1; f 2 L f NEF-1; f1; f 2 L f NEF-1; f 2 ; f 2 L f NEF-1;L; F2 ]

o F1: First frequency on the list.

o F2: Last frequency on the list
o TYPE: How the intermediate frequencies will be distributed LINEAR or
LOG.
o NEF: Number of intermediate frequencies.
o CLUSTER: Define an exponential distribution for the intermediate
frequencies.
o Since the forcing frequencies are near structural resonances, it is
important that some amount of damping be specified.
o Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. and are considered
duplicated if f N − f N −1 < DFREQ * f MAX − f MIN where DFREQ is a user
parameter, with a default of 10-5.
o CLUSTER > 1.0 provides closer spacing of excitation frequency towards
the ends of the frequency range, while values of less than 1.0 provide
closer spacing towards the center of the frequency range.

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

( )
NF
 1 . 3 * F − 0 . 7 * F
NFM -1

→ =  0 .7 * F j + k 
j j
c. FREQ4 f i= j+ k
 NFM - 1 
 k =0  j =1

1. If NFM = 0 or 1 [Natural frequencies between F1 and F2].

2. If NFM is even, NFM + 1 will be used.
Example: Natural Frequencies {10 ; 100; 150; 300}

SID F1 F2 FSPD NFM

FREQ4 6 1 400 0.3 3

[ 7; 10; 13; 70; 100; 130; 115; 150; 195; 210; 300; 390 ]

o F1: First frequency on the list.

o F2: Define the upper limit of the frequency list.
o FSPD: Define how much the intermediate frequencies will be from the
natural frequencies, 0.3 give a 30% of offset.
o NFM: Define an exponential distribution for the intermediate frequencies.
o There will be NFM excitation frequencies between (1 − FSPD ) * f N and
(1 + FSPD ) * f N , for each modal frequency in the range F1 to F2. If this
computation results in excitation frequencies less than F1 and greater
than F2, those computed excitation frequencies are ignored.
o Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. and are considered
duplicated if f N − f N −1 < DFREQ * f MAX − f MIN where DFREQ is a user
parameter, with a default of 10-5.

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

d. FREQ5 → (
f i= j+ k = FRk
R
k =1
* fj )
NF

j =1

Example: Natural Frequencies {10 ; 100; 250}

SID F1 F2 FR1 FR2 FR3 FR4 FR5

FREQ5 6 1 400 1.0 0.6 0.8 0.9 0.95

1.05 1.1

[6; 8; 9; 9.5; 10; 10.5; 11 ; 60; 80; 90; 95; 105; 110; 150; 200; 225; 237.5; 250; 262.5; 275]

o F1: Define the Lower Limit of frequency list.

o F2: Define the upper limit of the frequency list.
o FR1, FR2,…,FRN: Define how much the intermediate frequencies will be
from the natural frequencies. This is applied to every natural frequency
between F1 and F2.

o Duplicate frequencies will be ignored. and are considered

duplicated if f N − f N −1 < DFREQ * f MAX − f MIN where DFREQ is a user
parameter, with a default of 10-5.

6. Define the Harmonic load:

o RLOAD1 → Similar to DIRECT.
o RLOAD2 → Similar to DIRECT.

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

7. Define the FRF load step:

The frequency response loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk
data section of the input deck. They need to be referenced in the subcase
information section using an SPC and DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

a. HyperMesh

SPC →Load collector with displacement constrains.

DLOAD → Load definition on the frequency range. (RLOAD1
or RLOAD2)
METHOD(STRUCT) → Eigrl LoadCollector that specifies the modes that
will be used to build the dynamic response.
FREQ → Frequency table where the response will be
evaluated. (FREQ, FREQ1, FREQ2, FREQ3,
FREQ4 or FREQ5)
b. Direct on the Input Deck:

Subcase Information Section

SUBCASE 1
SPC=1 Load collector with displacement
constrains.
METHOD (STRUCTURE) =6 Eigrl LoadCollector that specifies the
modes that will be used to build the
dynamic response.
FREQUENCY=4 Frequency table where the response will
be evaluated. (FREQ, FREQ1 or
FREQ2)
DLOAD=5 Load definition on the frequency range.
(RLOAD1 or RLOAD2)
8. Define the responses from the FRF iterations: → Similar to DIRECT.
9. Run the analyses. → Similar to DIRECT.
10. Pos-processes the results → Similar to DIRECT.

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Exercise 3.1: Spring and Mass FRF (Direct vs. Modal)

Every dynamic problem can be easily extrapolated to a 1 DOF problem, and then we decide
to develop a very simple problem to demonstrate how to run a frequency response analysis.
Doing it on this model it is easy to determine the dynamic parameters and then compare
them with the theoretical responses. In the end the results we will have in a real model can
be easily compared with this model.
In this exercise, you will learn how to:
• Define a FRF analysis on RADIOSS.
• Pos-process and understand the FRF results.
1 K
f =
2π M
K = 4 π N/m
2 f = 1Hz

M=1 Kg

Problem description

Problem Information
• Geometry:
o (K = 39.479 , M = 1)
• 2 load cases:
o ωt) N
FRF Direct F = 1 Sin (ω
o ωt) N
FRF Modal F = 1 Sin (ω
• No Material.

Problem Setup
You should copy these Files: spring_mass_FRF.hm;

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Step 1: Open the Start model on HyperMesh 10.0.

1. Launch HyperMesh 10.0. with User Profile > RADIOSS > BulkData.

2. Open the HyperMesh database spring_mass_FRF.hm.

Step 2: Run the Modal analyses and verify the value of the first mode
1. First mode = ____________Hz

Step 3: Create a Direct and a Modal FRF load step: Force = 1 Sin (ωt)
1. Create a LoadCollector and call it UNIT_LOAD.
2. Changes constrain load type to DAREA.
3. Apply unit force on the mass node, using the constrain panel. Uy = 1.
o This is used to define the DOF where the load will be applied.
4. Create a LoadCollector TABLED1 for Frequency load Table, type TABLED1, as below:

Point Freq (Hz) Load (N)

1 0.1 1

2 1000 1

o The whole spectrum we will have constant amplitude = 1.

5. Define a LoadCollector type FREQ1 with these settings:
a) [F1] = 0.1
b) [DF] = 0.05
c) NDF = 100
o This creates a list of freq starting in 0.1 with an increment of 0.05 applied 100
times.
6. Define the harmonic load, type RLOAD2, that will link the UNIT_LOAD with the
TABLED1 to set a sinusoidal load as below:
a) EXCITEID = UNIT_LOAD (3)
b) TB = TABLED1 (4)
c) TYPE = LOAD.

o It links the TABLED1 x DAREA to define the dynamic load (Force).

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

7. Create a FRF loadstep as below

a) SPC = SPC (1)
b) DLOAD = RLOAD2(6)
c) FREQ = FREQ1 (5)

o It defines the FRF direct loadstep for the dynamic load 6 (Force).

Step 4: Create a Modal FRF load step: Force = 1 Sin (ωt)

a. SPC = SPC (1)

b. DLOAD = RLOAD2(6)
c. METHOD(STRUCT) = EIGRL(2)
d. FREQ = FREQ1 (5)
o It defines the FRF modal loadstep for the dynamic load 6 (Force).

Step 5: Define the FRF results:

1. Create a set called mass and add the node 1 “only” to it.
2. Set up to RADIOSS export to a op2 file the acceleration, displacement and the velocity:
a. ACCELERATION(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = 1
b. DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = 1
c. VELOCITY(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = 1
3. Using HyperView try to reproduce these results below using op2 file:

Spring response for F= 1 Sin(ωt).

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Exercise 3.2: FRF Clamped Beam and Spring-Mass system.

This exercise runs a FRF analysis on a simple problem, formed by a beam and Spring-Mass system,
this model intends to describe the same concepts we saw on the spring-mass model, but now in a
more complex model with N DOFs. These kind of system can be found in many machines where the
mass-spring set represent the application system simplified, and the beam the structure of the
machine that supports on its end a electrical engine or any other external excitation force.
In this exercise, you will learn how to:
• Analyzing coupled system on RADIOSS.
• Taking advantage of the integration between RADIOSS and HST to study the effect of a
coupled system.
M =10-3 T

F = Sin (ωt)
K=39.48 10-3 N/mm

h
L b
Problem description

Problem Statement
• Geometry:
o (K = 39.48 10-3 N/mm , M = 10-3 T)
o (L = 1000; b=h=10 mm)
• 1 load case: Engine LOAD:
Freq Engine Freq Engine Freq Engine Freq Engine
(Hz) (N) (Hz) (N) (Hz) (N) (Hz) (N)
0.0 0 1.2 0.04 5 0.04 70 0.2
0.8 0.04 80 0
2 0.02 6 0.04
1.0 0.04
3 0.02 7 0.05 100 0

• Material STEEL:
ρ = 7.8e
-9 3
o T/mm [RHO] Density
o E = 210000 MPa [E] Young’s modulus
o ν = 0.3 - [nu] Poisson’s ratio
• Damper Coefficient: G = 0.06 (3%)
• PBUSH Coefficient: GE = 0.06 (3%)
Problem Setup: You should copy these Files: BEAM_spring_mass.hm;

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Step 1: Open the Start model on HyperMesh 10.0.

1. Launch HyperMesh 10.0. with User Profile > RADIOSS > BulkData.

2. Open the HyperMesh database BEAM_spring_mass.hm.

Step 2: Run the Modal analyses and verify the value of the first mode
Create a subdirectory called 00_modal to run this analysis.

1. Write here the natural frequencies values and mark the system where that mode is
predominant:
o First mode = ____________Hz [ ] BEAM [ ] SPRING-MASS
o Second mode = ____________Hz [ ] BEAM [ ] SPRING-MASS
o Third mode = ____________Hz [ ] BEAM [ ] SPRING-MASS
o Fourth mode = ____________Hz [ ] BEAM [ ] SPRING-MASS
o Fifth mode = ____________Hz [ ] BEAM [ ] SPRING-MASS

Step 3: Create a Direct FRF load step: Force = 1 Sin (ωt)

1. Change the steel properties to include the material damper coefficient.
2. Create a LoadCollector and call it UNIT_LOAD.
3. Changes constrain load type to DAREA.
4. Apply unit force on a node in the end of the beam. Uy = 1.
5. Create a LoadCollector TABLED1 for Engine load Table.

6. Define a LoadCollector type FREQ1 with these settings:

a) [F1] = 0.0
b) [DF] = 0.01
c) NDF = 10000
7. Define the harmonic load, type RLOAD2, that will link the UNIT_LOAD with the
TABLED1 to set a sinusoidal load as below:
a) EXCITEID = UNIT_LOAD (3)
b) TB = TABLED1 (4)
c) TYPE = LOAD.

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

8. Create a FRF loadstep as below

d) SPC = SPC (1)
e) DLOAD = RLOAD2(6)
f) FREQ = FREQ1 (5)

Step 4: Define the FRF results:

1. Review the set called accelerometers it should on the image:

2. Set up to RADIOSS export to a op2 file the acceleration, displacement and the velocity:
a. DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = 1

3. Run the analysis on a subdirectory called 01_baseline.

4. Using HyperView you should see these results below:

Baseline system response. (use the template report Final.tpl)

Now it is necessary to change the project to reduce the vibration amplitude on our
system (MASS).

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Design criteria: UYmax (MASS) <= 0.05 mm.

If you look on displacement curve for the mass there is only one region on the whole spectrum where
the amplitude is higher then the criteria, and if we look the displacement of the link point at this
interval we notice that it is below the criteria. Not only that, the amplitude of it is very low compared
with the MASS point. These means that the spring stiffness is much more important then the beam to
reduce the amplitude of the displacement on the MASS.

We have 3 values to change to improve the design:

o The spring stiffness;
o The spring damping;
o The thickness of our beam;
In general the damper of a mechanical system is something that the engineer can not change/add
easily. Then the stiffness is in general the first option.
5. It is available to solve this problem a set of spring described on the table below:

Spring K (N/m) Cost

1 1.0 2

2 20.35 40.7

3 39.48 79

4 50.5 101

5 75 150

This is just a set of 5 different options; the user can run 5 times and plot the response using
HyperGraph to determine the solution, or call HyperStudy and ask it to do a DOE and from the pos-
processing table chose the most efficient spring.

The thickness of the beam can vary from 2 to 20 mm. And the cost of it is proportional to the
thickness as showed on the function bellow:

Struct _ Cost = 10 * thk

Now the best way to evaluate the lower cost that can attend the solution is using optimization we
could do it using OptiStruct but we advise the student to try it on HST:

Min Cost = Struct_Cost + Spring_Cost

Max disp (node304) <= 0.05

As we can see the spring cost can be described as 2* the spring stiffness
Objective = 10*thk + 2000*K
And the constraint can be defined as the maximum displacement of the mass node (304).
Remember the model is mm!!!
This problem can be solved using just the dynamic concepts that we discussed, but we
advise the student to try the HST solution, it will be very useful on complex problems.

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Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

On HST use both DS as continuous and use the algorithm SQP. To improve the
performance reduce the number of steps on the FREQ card from 10000 to 1000, and use
DF = 0.01 to cover the range from 0 to 10 Hz.

The solution on this case is use the spring 1 with K = 1 N/m and thickness ~ 3.88 mm, as
cost function ~ $80.83.

Optimization history

Optimum response (DF = 0.01 Hz)

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 Chapter 3: Frequency Response Function

Optimum system response verification. (DF = 0.001)

RESULT: SPRING 1 (Cost = 81 ; Max disp = 0.0501 mm)

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 Chapter 4: Transient

Chapter 4

TRANSIENT

1 - What is a Transient Analysis?

A general definition of transient response or natural response is the response of a system
to a change from equilibrium. It can be understood as the portion of the response that varies
with the time, the opposite of steady-state response. On CAE Transient Dynamic Analysis
is a procedure used to determine the time-dependent dynamic response of a structure under
the action of any general loads.

RADIOSS transient analyses is used to determine time-varying responses like

displacements, velocities, accelerations, strains, stresses, forces, etc. in a structure caused
by a load. This type of analysis is used when the dynamic effects like resonance, damper
and inertia play an important role when compared with the strength forces.

Many problems can be easier solved using the frequency techniques as showed on the
chapter 3, but there are problems where a time solution is easier, these problems will be
discussed on these chapters.

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Chapter 4: Transient

2 - Transient Response Analysis using RADIOSS

The transient response analysis computes the structural responses solving the following
equation of motion with initial conditions in matrix form.

Mu&& + Bu& + Ku = f (t )
u(t = 0) = u 0 u& (t = 0) = u& 0 &&(t = 0) = u
u && 0

Where:

• f (t ) : Time dependent load

• M : Global mass matrix
• B : Global damper matrix
• K : Global stiffness matrix.
• u, u& , u
&& : Time dependent Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration
• u 0 , u& 0 , u
&& 0 : Initial conditions.
The matrix K is the global stiffness matrix, the matrix M the mass matrix, and the matrix B is
the damping matrix formed by the damping elements. The initial conditions are part of the
problem formulation and are applicable for the direct transient response only. The equation
of motion is integrated over time using the Newmark beta method. The direct and modal
transient techniques are implemented.

2.1 - Direct Transient Response

The equation of motion is solved directly using Newmark beta.

The use of complex coefficients for damping is not allowed in transient response analysis.
Therefore, structural damping is included using equivalent viscous damping.

The damping matrix B is composed of several contributions as follows:

G 1
B = B1 + K+ KE
W3 W4

Where:

o B1 is the matrix of the viscous damper elements, plus the external damping matrices
input through DMIG;

o G is the overall structural damping (PARAM, G); W3 is the frequency of interest for
the conversion of the overall structural damping into equivalent viscous damping
(PARAM, W3);

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 Chapter 4: Transient

o W4 is the frequency of interest for the conversion of the element structural damping
into equivalent viscous damping (PARAM, W4); and is the contribution from
structural element damping coefficients GE.

The transient response loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk data section
of the input deck. They need to be referenced in the subcase information section using an
SPC statement and a DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

Inertia relief is not implemented for direct transient response. The solver will show a error
message and stop if it is attempted.

Only one transient subcase can be defined. Initial conditions need to be referenced through
the IC subcase statement. The analysis time step and termination time need to be defined
through a TSTEP(TIME) subcase reference.

In addition to the various damping elements and material damping, uniform structural
damping G can be applied using PARAM, G.

The Newmark-beta is used to solve differential equations as showed on the following image.
Form [K ], [M ], [C]

Initialize {U 0 }{
,U & 0 }{
,U&& 0 } [
t + ∆t
] [
ˆ =
R t + ∆t
]
R + [M ]  a 0 {t U}+ a 2 {t U
 & }+ a {t U
3
&& } + [C]  a {t U}+ a {t U
  1 4
& }+ a {t U
5
&& }

   

Select ∆t, δ , α then det. a i i = 1..7

Solve LDLT {t + ∆t U} = { Rˆ }
t + ∆t

a0 = 1
α∆t 2
; a1 = δ
α∆t ;
a2 = 1
; a3 = 1
− 1;
{ && } = a ({t + ∆t U}− {t U}) − a {t U & }− a {t U
&& }
α∆t 2α

(αδ − 2 );
t + ∆t
a4 = δ
α − 1; a5 = ∆t U 0 2 3

{ U} = { U}+ a { U}− a { U}
2

a6 = ∆t (1 − δ ); a7 = δ∆t;
t + ∆t & t & t && t + ∆t &&
6 7

ˆ = K + a0 [M ] + a1 [C]
Form K

ˆ :K
Triangular ize K [ ][ ]
ˆ = LDLT

Newmark Method.

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Chapter 4: Transient

To better understand it we develop a simple spring-mass model with only one degree of
freedom without damper effects:

SPRING-MASS system: [M ]{u&&}+ [C]{u& } + [K ]{u} = {f (t )}

For this particular problem:

Then the numerical solution for ii can be found as showed on the algorithm below:

Algorithm:

m=1;k=20;h=1;g=10;

X[0]=0; X1[0]=sqrt[2*g*h]; X2[0]=g;

D=1; A=1; dt=0.01;

a0 = 1/(A*dt2); a1=D/(A*dt); a2 = 1/(A*dt);

a3 = 1/(2*A) – 1; a4 = D/A – 1; a5 = dt/2(D/A-2);

a6 = dt(1-D); a7 = D*dt;

K1 = k+a0*m+a1*0; Triangularize K1;

n=0;

R[0] = m*g;

For n<=100 do

Begin

R1[n+1] = R[n]+m*(a0*X[n]+a2*X1[n]+a3*X2[n])

X[n+1]=R1[n+1]/K1;

X2[n+1]=a0*(X[n+1]-X[n])-a2*X1[n]-a3*X2[n];

X1[n+1]=X1[n]+a6*X2[n]+a7*X2[n+1];

n=n+1;

End

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 Chapter 4: Transient

2.1.1 - How to do a Direct Transient Analysis

To define a RADIOSS Direct Transient Response loadstep the user should follow these
steps:

1. Define the SPC load collector and apply constrains.

2. Define the Forces/Imposed movement:

a. DAREA for Load (Force)

b. SPCD for Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration.

3. Define the dynamic load vs. Time table F( t ):

a. TABLED1 → y = yT (x )

b. TABLED2 → y = yT (x − X 1)

→  x − X1
c. TABLED3 y = yT  
 X2 

 x − X1
N i
d. TABLED4 → y = ∑ Ai  
i =1  X2 

4. Define the time step history (TSTEP):

a. TSTEP

Defines time step intervals at which a solution will be generated and output in
transient analysis.

(1) SID N1 DT1 N01

TSTEP 4 800 0.005 5

… … …

o SID: Load collector unique identification.

o N1: Number of time steps.

o DT1: Size of the time step. (s)

o N01: Skip factor for output.

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Chapter 4: Transient

5. Define the time-dependent load:

a. TLOAD1 → f (t ) = AF (t − τ )

i. f : Force, Displacement, Velocity or Acceleration. (load units)

ii. t : Time (s)

iii. A : Identification DAREA or SPCD entry set that defines {A}.

iv. F(t-τ) : Identification number of TABLEDi entry that gives F(t).

v. τ : Defines time delay t. If it is a non-zero integer, it represents

the identification number of DELAY bulk data entry that
defines t. If it is real, then it directly defines the value of t that
will be used for all degrees-of-freedom that are excited by this
dynamic load entry. (time units)

Example:

SID A τ Type F(t)

TLOAD1 5 2 LOAD 3

o TLOAD ID : 5
o Unit load : Load collector 2 (DAREA or SPCD)
o No delay
o Load type: FORCE (LOAD).
o Load table: Load collector 1 (TABLED1)

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 Chapter 4: Transient

 0 , t < (T 1 + τ ) or t > (T2 + τ )

→ f (t ) =  ~ B C ~t
 A t e cos(2πf t + ϕ ) , (T 1 + τ ) ≤ t ≤ (T2 + τ )
b. TLOAD2 ~

with t = t − (T1 - τ ), T2 > T1

~

i. f : Force, Displacement, Velocity or Acceleration. (load units)

~
ii. t, t : Time and modified time for the new interval. (s)

iii. A : Identification DAREA or SPCD entry set that defines {A}.

iv. τ : Defines time delay t. If it is a non-zero integer, it represents

the identification number of DELAY bulk data entry that
defines t. If it is real, then it directly defines the value of t that
will be used for all degrees-of-freedom that are excited by this
dynamic load entry. (time units)

v. C : Exponential coefficient. Default =0.0.

vi. ϕ : Phase angle in degrees.

vii. f : Frequency. (Hz)

viii. B : Growth coefficient. Default = 0.0.

ix. T1 : Time constant that define the beginning of the interval.

x. T2 : Time constant that define the end of the interval.

Example:

SID A τ Type T1 T2 F P

TLOAD1 5 2 LOAD 3.0 10.0 2.0 30

C B

0.0 0.0

o TLOAD ID : 5

o Unit load : Load collector 2 (DAREA or SPCD)

o No delay

o Load type: FORCE (LOAD).

o Load start at 3 seconds.

o Load Finish at 10 seconds

o Force applied at 2 Hz with a phase angle of 30 degree.

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Chapter 4: Transient

TYPE Description

0, L, LO, LOA, LOAD Applied load; EXCITEID references DAREA data.

1, D, DI, DIS, DISP Enforced displacement; EXCITEID references SPCD data.

2, V, VE, VEL, VELO Enforced velocity; EXCITEID references SPCD data.

3, A, AC, ACC, ACCE Enforced acceleration; EXCITEID references SPCD data.

o The enforced loads (SPCD) have to be applied to a constrained node. (BASE

excitation)

6. Define the TRANSIENT load step:

The transient response loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk
data section of the input deck. They need to be referenced in the subcase
information section using an SPC and DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

a. HyperMesh

SPC → Load collector with displacement constrains.

DLOAD → Load time-dependent. (TLOAD1 or TLOAD2)

TSTEP → Time step integration setting (TSTEP)

b. Direct on the Input Deck:

Subcase Information Section

SUBCASE 1

SPC=1 Load collector with displacement constrains.

DLOAD=6 Load definition on the time range.

(TLOAD1 or TLOAD2)

TSTEP(TIME)=7 Load collector with the time step integration

configuration

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 Chapter 4: Transient

7. Define the responses from the time iterations:

a. HyperMesh

o SORTING
o SORT1 : Default, used to group all elems/nodes per
frequency.
o SORT2 : Used to group all time per entity.
o Format
o HM : HyperMesh result (.res)
o H3D : HyperView result (.h3d)
o OPTI : OptiStruct result (.disp)
o PUNCH : Nastran punch result (.pch)
o OUTPUT2 : Nastran results file (.op2)
o PATRAN : Patran result (multiples files)
o HG : HyperGraph files (.mvw)
o APATRAN : Alternative Patran result (mult. files)
o BLANK : Default, Output to all files that the
result is available.
o DISP_FORM:
o Not used for Transient.
o ROTATIONS:
o ROTA : The rotational displacements are output.
o NOROTA: Default, no rotational displacements are
output.
o DISP_OPT:
o YES, ALL or Blank : Default, Displacement is output for
all nodes.
o NO or NONE : Displacement are not output
o SID : if a set ID is given, displacement is
output only for the nodes listed in
that set.

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Chapter 4: Transient

b. Direct on the Deck

I/O Options Section

DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2,PHASE) = ALL

i. Tools > Control cards > …

Result Type List of Examples of I/O Options Section

DISPLACEMENT DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2) = ALL

VELOCITY VELOCITY(OUTPUT2) = ALL

ACCELERATION ACCELERATION(OUTPUT2) = ALL

STRAIN
STRAIN(OUTPUT2,ALL) = ALL

STRESS STRESS(OUTPUT2,ALL,CUBIC) = YES

• Here is just a basic list about the output options, to learn more about the type of
output, go to our online documentation.

• Some types may be are not supported yet on the Control card panel on
HyperMesh, these you can enter directly on the Input deck or use the card:
CTRL_UNSUPPORTED_CARDS.

8. Run the analyses.

9. Pos-processes the results

2.2 - Modal Transient Response

In the modal method a normal modes analysis to obtain the eigenvalues λi = ωi2 and the
corresponding eigenvectors X = [x i ] of the system is performed first. The state vector u
can be expressed as a scalar product of the eigenvectors X and the modal responses q.

u=Xq

The equation of motion without damping is then transformed into modal coordinates using
the eigenvectors

&& + X T KXq = X T f
X T MXq

The modal mass matrix X T MX and the modal stiffness matrix X T KX are diagonal. This
way the system equation is reduced to a set of uncoupled equations for the components of
u that can be solved easily.

The inclusion of damping yields:

&& + X T BXq& + X T KXq = X T f

X T MXq

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Here, the matrices X T BX are generally non-diagonal. The then coupled problem is similar
to the system solved in the direct method, but of much lesser degree of freedom. The
solution of the reduced equation of motion is performed using the Newmark beta method
too.

The decoupling of the equations can be maintained if the damping is applied to each mode
separately. This is done through a damping table TABDMP1 that lists damping values g i
versus natural frequency f i .

The decoupled equation is:

m i q&& i (t ) + b i q& i (t ) + k i q i (t ) = f i (t )
or
f i (t )
q&& i (t ) + 2ζ iωi q& i (t ) + ωi2 q i (t ) =
mi

where ζ i =
bi
2m iω i is the modal damping ratio, and ωi2 is the modal eigenvalue.

Three types of modal damping values g i ( f i ) can be defined:

• G – Structural damping: ζi =
bi g
= i
bcr 2

• CRIT – Critical damping: bcr = 2miωi

• Q – Quality factor: Qi =
1
=
1
2ζ i g i

2.2.1 - How to do a Modal Transient Analysis

To define a RADIOSS Modal Transient Response loadstep the user should follow these
steps:

1. Define the SPC load collector and apply constrains. → Similar to DIRECT

2. Define the Forces/Imposed movement: → Similar to DIRECT

3. Define the EIGRL LoadCollector with the modes to be used to represent the
structure.

4. Define the dynamic load vs. Time table F( t ): → Similar to DIRECT

5. Define the time step history (TSTEP): → Similar to DIRECT

6. Define the time-dependent load: → Similar to DIRECT

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7. Define the TRANSIENT load step:

The transient response loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk data
section of the input deck. They need to be referenced in the subcase information section
using an SPC and DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

a. HyperMesh

SPC → Load collector with displacement constrains.

DLOAD → Load time-dependent. (TLOAD1 or TLOAD2)

METHOD(STRUCT) → Eigrl LoadCollector that specifies the modes that will
be used to build the dynamic response.
TSTEP → Time step integration setting (TSTEP)

b. Direct on the Input Deck:

Subcase Information Section

SUBCASE 1

SPC=1 Load collector with displacement constrains.

METHOD (STRUCTURE)=2 Eigrl LoadCollector that specifies the modes
that will be used to build the dynamic
response.
DLOAD=6 Load definition on the time range.
(TLOAD1 or TLOAD2)

TSTEP(TIME)=7 Load collector with the time step integration

configuration

8. Define the responses from the time iterations: → Similar to DIRECT

9. Run the analyses. → Similar to DIRECT

10. Pos-processes the results → Similar to DIRECT

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2.3 - Transient response loads and boundary conditions

The loads and boundary conditions are defined in the bulk data section of the input deck.
They need to be referenced in the subcase information section using an SPC statement and
a DLOAD statement in a SUBCASE.

Residual vectors can be activated using the subcase statement RESVEC with the options
APPLOD or UNITLOD. They are computed by default. Residual vectors are always
generated if enforced displacements, velocities or accelerations are defined.

When residual vectors are included, inertia relief can be applied to unconstrained models.
A SUPORT1 subcase entry references the boundary conditions that restrain the rigid body
motions. These restraints can also be defined without subcase reference using the
SUPORT bulk data entry or automated using PARAM, INREL, -2.

Initial conditions cannot be defined if the modal method is used. A METHOD statement is
required for the modal method to control the normal modes analysis. The analysis time step
and termination time need to be defined through a TSTEP(TIME) subcase reference. In
order to save computational effort, previously saved eigenvectors can be retrieved using the
EIGVRETRIEVE subcase statement.

In addition to the various damping elements and material damping, uniform structural
damping G is applied using PARAM, G.

Modal damping can be applied using the SDAMPING reference of a damping table
TABDMP1.

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Chapter 4: Transient

Exercise 4.1: Transient Spring-Mass System (1 DOF)

This is the same model used on the other chapters; the idea now is to reproduce on time
domain the same analyses we have done previously on frequency domain. When RADIOSS
is doing a FRF analysis, it is assuming to have all the loads applied on the frequency
domain where the response is being measured. Then this is good if we don’t have different
excitations that have different frequencies at the same time. To better understand it we will
create multiples transient load steps with force amplitude equal to 1 N in different
frequencies to reproduce the amplification factor curve showed below.
In this exercise, you will learn how to:
• Define a Transient analysis on RADIOSS.
• Post-process and understand the Transient results
1 K
f =
100.00

2π M
K = 4 π N/m
2
f = 1Hz 10.00

M=1 Kg 1.00

0.10
0% 50% 100% 150% 200% 250% 300%

Problem description

Problem Information
• Geometry:
o (K = 39.479 , M = 1)
• 8 Transient load cases (1 N):
o (0.1, 0.2, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.8, 1.9, 10) Hz
• No Material Data.

Problem Setup
You should copy these Files:

spring_mass_transient.hm; load_0.1_hz.csv; load_0.2_hz.csv;

load_0.8_hz.csv; load_1.0_hz.csv; load_1.2_hz.csv;
load_1.9_hz.csv; load_10_hz.csv ; AMPLIFICATION_FACTOR.mvw;
AMPLIFICATION_FACTOR.tpl

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 Chapter 4: Transient

Step 1: Open the Start model on HyperMesh 10.0.

1. Launch HyperMesh 10.0. with User Profile > RADIOSS > BulkData.

2. Open the HyperMesh database spring_mass_transient.hm.

Step 2: Run the Modal analyses and verify the value of the first mode
1. First mode = ____________Hz
2. Delete the modal loadstep and the EIGRL load collector.

Step 3: Create the Transient loadsteps: Force = 1 Sin (2π f t)

1. Create a LoadCollector and call it AMPLITUDE.
2. Changes constrain load type to DAREA.
3. Apply the force on the mass node, using the constrain panel. Uy = 1 N.
4. Create a LoadCollector TABLED1_0.1 for Frequency load Table, type TABLED1, using
the TABLE Create Tool at the Utility tab.

5. Fill out the fields as showed below to import the file load_0.1_hz.csv and create the
TABLED1_0.1.

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Chapter 4: Transient

6. Repeat the item 5 for the other 7 files to create the Tables:
TABLED1_0.2; TABLED1_0.8; TABLED1_1.0; TABLED1_1.2;
TABLED1_1.8; TABLED1_1.9; TABLED1_10;
• To review these tables you should export the FEA model.
7. Your model tree should be as showed on the following image:

8. Define the transient time step TSTEP, we want to integrate up to 10 Hz, to make it
efficient we should use a dt = 1/( 20*f ) that in our case will be 0.005, we have a load that
is applied on 0.1 Hz, this make the period equals to 10 s, then to have a good
representation of it we should go up to 30 s on time. Then we should have sub steps=
30/0.005 = 6000.

9. Define a time-dependent load TLOAD1_0.1, type TLOAD1 as showed below:

a) EXCITEID = AMPLITUDE (3)

b) TB = TABLED1_0.1 (4) *this is the only field that will change for the other loads
c) TYPE = LOAD.
10. Repeat the item 9 for all the other 7 load frequencies using the appropriate table.
11. Create a TRANSIENT loadstep for the first time dependent load TLOAD1_0.1:
a) SPC = SPC (1)
b) DLOAD = TLOAD1_0.1(13)
c) TSTEP = TSTEP (12)

12. Create a TRANSIENT loadstep for the other time dependent loads created on the item
10, following the procedure defined on item 11 with the appropriate DLOAD.

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Step 4: Define the Transient results:

1. Chose the result to be outputted to an op2 file.

OUTPUT, OP2, ALL, MODEL

2. Set up to RADIOSS export to a op2 file the displacement:

a. DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2) = 1

Step 5: Run the Transient analyses

1. Export the file as spring_mass_transient.fem:

2. Using HyperView plot the mass displacement as showed below:

3. Using HyperView open the report file called AMPLIFICATION_FACTOR.tpl and apply it
to your model :

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Chapter 4: Transient

Exercise 4.2: Transient Clamped Beam coupled with a Spring-

Mass.
This exercise runs a transient analysis on a simple problem, formed by a beam and Spring-Mass
system, this model was used to simulate the same problem on the frequency domain using FRF
analysis. Now we can get the best option we found and simulate it on time.
In this exercise, you will learn how to:
• Analyzing coupled system on RADIOSS on time.
• Determine the effect of multiple loads on different frequencies.
M =10-3 T
F
K= 10-3 N/mm

h
L b

Problem description

Problem Information
• Geometry:
-3 -3
o (K = 10 N/mm , M = 10 T)
o (L = 1000; b=7.9 and h=10 mm)
• load case: Engine LOAD:

• Material STEEL:
o ρ = 7.8e
-9 3
T/mm [RHO] Density
o E = 210000 MPa [E] Young’s modulus
o ν = 0.3 - [nu] Poisson’s ratio
• Damper Coefficient: G = 0.06 (3%)
• PBUSH Coefficient: GE = 0.06 (3%)
Problem Setup: You should copy these Files:
BEAM_spring_mass_transient_baseline.hm;BEAM_spring_mass_transient_optimum;
load_0.16.csv; load_0.8.csv; load_1.0.csv; load_1.2.csv; load_8.37.csv;
load_52.25.csv;

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 Chapter 4: Transient

Step 1: Open the Start model on HyperMesh 10.0.

1. Launch HyperMesh 10.0. with User Profile > RADIOSS > BulkData.

2. Open the HyperMesh database BEAM_spring_mass_transient_optimum.hm.

Step 2: Run the Modal analyses and verify the value of the first mode
1. First mode = ____________Hz
2. Second mode = ____________Hz
3. Third mode = ____________Hz
4. Forth mode = ____________Hz
5. Fifth mode = ____________Hz
6. Sixth mode = ____________Hz

Step 3: Create 6 Transient load steps: [0.16; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2; 8.37; 52.25; 70] Hz
1. Delete the modal load step.
2. Create a LoadCollector and call it SCALE.
3. Changes constrain load type to DAREA.
4. Apply the force at a point on the end of the beam, using the constrain panel. Uy = 1 N.

5. Create a LoadCollector TABLED1_0.16 for Frequency load Table, type TABLED1,

using the TABLE Create Tool at the Utility tab.

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6. Fill out the fields as showed below to import the file load_0.16.csv and create the
TABLED1_0.16.

7. Repeat the item 5 for the other 5 files to create the Tables:

TABLED1_0.8; TABLED1_1.0; TABLED1_1.2; TABLED1_8.37;

TABLED1_52.25; TABLED1_70;
• To review these tables you should export the FEA model.
8. Your model tree should be as showed on the following image:

9. Define now a transient the appropriate time step TSTEP dt = 1/( 20*f ), as we have
important loads up to 70 Hz, we should create the appropriate time step:
o 70.00 Hz → dt = ~ 0.0005 N = 30000 (15s)
10. Define a time-dependent load TLOAD1_0.16, type TLOAD1 as showed below:

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a) EXCITEID = SCALE (3)

b) TB = TABLED1_0.16 (4) *this is the only field that will change for the other loads
c) TYPE = LOAD.

11. Repeat the item 9 for all the other 5 load frequencies using the appropriate table.
12. Create a TRANSIENT loadstep for the first time dependent load TLOAD1_0.16:
a) SPC = SPC (1)
b) DLOAD = TLOAD1_0.16(12)
c) TSTEP = TSTEP_0.0005 (11)

13. Create a TRANSIENT loadstep for the other time dependent loads created on the item
10, following the procedure defined on item 11 with the appropriate DLOAD.Your model
tree should be as showed on the following image:

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Chapter 4: Transient

14. Set up the damper coefficient PARAM,G = 0.06 and PARAM,W4 = 6.28 and
PARAM,W3 = 6.28.

This will define the global damper factor (3%) and will make valid the next step when we will add
a damper coefficient to our spring. This is explained in detail on the transient chapter.

15. Set up the spring damper coefficient GE = 0.06

Step 4: Define the Transient results:

1. Set up to RADIOSS export to a op2 file displacement:
a. DISPLACEMENT(OUTPUT2) = 1

Step 5: Run the analysis for the baseline.

Step 6: Run the optimum model

1. Change the spring constant to 0.001 and the shell thickness to 7.9.
2. Change the parameters PARAM,W4 = 1.00531 and PARAM,W3 = 1.00531.

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 Chapter 4: Transient

Step 7: Pos-processing the results:

1. Using HyperView plot the mass displacement and determine what is the maximum
displacement of the mass as showed below:

BASELINE AND OPTIMUM RESULTS

FRF RESULTS TRANSIENT RESULTS

BASELINE OPTIMUM BASELINE OPTIMUM

FREQ DISP MAX FREQ DISP MAX FREQ DISP MAX FREQ DISP MAX

0.16 0.005 0.16 0.040 0.16 0.002 0.16 0.021

0.8 0.063 0.8 0.001 0.8 0.067 0.8 0.000

1 0.203 1 0.001 1 0.193 1 0.004

1.2 0.054 1.2 0.000 1.2 0.057 1.2 0.002

8.37 0.008 8.37 0.000 8.37 0.013 8.37 0.000

52.25 0.000 52.25 0.000 52.25 0.001 52.25 0.000

70 0.000 70 0.000 70 0.000 70 0.000

Result table

The FRF and the transient results can be used to solve this problem, but on this case
the FRF approach it is more appropriate.

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