Eigen Value and Eigen

Vector

ME710 Mathematical Methods For Engineers

Mechanical Engineering
NITK Surathkal
Adapted from
Introduction
• Consider Ax=λx. Equation for an eigenvector x and its eigenvalue λ
• For smaller matrices, it can be solved by starting from det (A-λI)=0.
• There is no elimination that leads in a finite time to exact λ and x .
– Since λ multiplies x, the equation Ax=λx is not linear.

–Examples for eigen value problem in structural mechanics

• Buckling
– Buckling load (eigen value) buckling mode shape (eigen vector)
• Free vibration
–Natural frequency(eigen value) vibration mode shape (eigen vector)
Ax=λx
• What is an eigen vector?
• Consider a vector and multiply by A, the resulting vector will be
different.

• All vectors are not eigen vectors. Eigen vectors are special vectors
which lies along the same direction of a vector.
Ax=λx Example 1
Ax=λx Example 1
Ax=λx Example 1
Ax=λx Example 1
Ax=λx Example 1
Ax=λx Example 2
Ax=λx Example 2
Ax=λx Example 2
Ax=λx Some properties
Ax=λx