MODAL ANALYSIS Modal analysis is the study of the dynamic properties of structures under vibrational excitation.

In structural engineering, modal analysis uses the overall mass and stiffness of a structure to find the various periods at which it will naturally resonate. These periods of vibration are very important to note in earthquake engineering, as it is imperative that a building's natural frequency does not match the frequency of expected earthquakes in the region in which the building is to be constructed. If a structure's natural frequency matches an earthquake's frequency, the structure may continue to resonate and experience structural damage. Although modal analysis is usually carried out by computers, it is possible to hand-calculate the period of vibration of any high-rise building through idealization as a fixed-ended cantilever with lumped masses. For a more detailed explanation, see "Structural Analysis" by Ghali, Neville, and Brown, as it provides an easy-to-follow approach to idealizing and solving complex structures by hand.
The response of the structure is different at each of the different natural frequencies. These deformation patterns are called mode shapes. Modal Analysis is all about - it is the study of the natural characteristics of structures. Both the natural frequency (which depends on the mass and stiffness distributions in a structure) and mode shape are used to help design a structural system for noise and vibration applications. We use Modal Analysis to help design all types of structures including automotive structures, aircraft structures, spacecraft, computers, tennis rackets, golf clubs,