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RF Dynam
RF Dynam
August 2014
Program
RF-DYNAM
Dynamic Analysis
Program
Description
1. Introduction
1.1 About RF-DYNAM
Whether you are a beginner or already an expert user working with one of the previous
RF-DYNAM versions, everybody can quickly learn how to use the new program due to the
practice-oriented development made possible by our close cooperation with many custom-
ers and business partners. All the valuable hints from engineers telling us about their every-
day experiences helped us to develop and improve this add-on module.
RF-DYNAM is an add-on module that is integrated in the main program of RFEM. So, the
results of the natural frequency determination (RF-DYNAM Basic), the external excitation
(RF-DYNAM Addition I), and the generation of equivalent seismic loads (RF-DYNAM Addi-
tion II) including graphics can be printed into the printout report of RFEM. In this way, you
can summarize and present all your calculations well-arranged in a consistent form.
Program coordination
Dipl.-Ing. Georg Dlubal
Programming
Dr.-Ing. Jaroslav Lain
Program supervision
Dipl.-Ing. Georg Dlubal M.Eng. Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Walter Rustler
Figure 2.1: Starting RF-DYNAM on the Add-on Modules menu or in the Data navigator
When you have started RF-DYNAM, a new window opens where a navigator is displayed on
the left, managing all module windows that can be selected. Below the title bar, you find
three drop-down menus: File, Settings, and Help. Find more information about the func-
tions behind in chapter 3.5.
To select a module window, click the corresponding entry in the RF-DYNAM navigator. You
can also use the arrow buttons shown on the left to page through the windows. Alterna-
tively, you can use the keyboard keys [F2] and [F3]. Click the [Graphics] button to switch to
the graphical results display where the set natural frequency appears automatically. Find
more details and information about the results display and output in chapter 3.4. To save
the defined settings and quit the module, click [OK]. When you click [Cancel], you quit the
module but without saving the data. Use the Help menu or the function key [F1] to activate
the online help system.
First, select a dynamic case, if already available, from the list below the File menu.
Determination of
In this window section, you can select the add-on modules that were purchased:
RF-DYNAM Basic (= 1. Eigenvectors), RF-DYNAM Addition I (= 2. Forced vibrations) and
RF-DYNAM Addition II (= 3. Equivalent loads). Add-on modules that were not purchased
are grayed out, and thus unavailable.
Forced vibrations
This option allows for the definition of excitation cases in the module windows 1.7 and 1.8,
but it is only accessible if a license for RF-DYNAM Addition I is fully available. However, if
only RF-DYNAM Basic is licensed, you can tick this check box to start RF-DYNAM Addition I
as a demo version.
Equivalent loads
This option allows for the definition of standard values (DIN 4149, EC 8, IBC 2000, etc.) to
determine the static equivalent loads in module window 1.9, but it is only accessible if a
license for RF-DYNAM Addition II is fully available. However, if only RF-DYNAM Basic is li-
censed, you can start this part of the window section only as a demo version.
Eigenvectors
RF-DYNAM Basic determines the lowest natural frequencies of the model. The theory of the
calculation method generally does not allow to exclude lower natural frequencies from the
analysis and to determine higher natural frequencies at the same time. In the input field
Number of the smallest natural vibrations (eigenvalues) to calculate in the Settings section
to the right, you can enter a number to specify how many eigenvalues the program must
calculate. It is possible to determine a maximum of 1,000 lowest natural frequencies for a
structural system.
Example: When a member division of 1 is set for a spatially defined cantilevered beam, the
program can calculate, at most, the six lowest natural frequencies. By a simple division of
the member with the input value 2, the program can already calculate the twelve lowest
natural frequencies. To get the same situation with an equivalent structure definition in
RFEM, you would have to divide the beam by a node.
Open the list field to select a load case or load combination from which you want to take
the normal stresses. Tension stresses lead to an increase of the natural frequency.
The sub space iteration method is appropriate for small and medium-size models for which
you want to analyze lots of eigenvalues. All eigenvalues will be calculated in one step,
which needs lots of computer memory.
The ICG - iteration method has been developed for large structures for which the memory
of the computer is no longer sufficient. All eigenvalues are calculated successively. There-
fore, this method is adequate for big models for which you want to evaluate few eigenval-
ues.
Mass Considered
In this window section, you define the global spatial directions in which you want to con-
sider the masses. In RF-DYNAM, the masses resulting from members, surfaces, and solids as
well as the entries defined in module windows 1.2 Additional Nodal Masses, 1.3 Additional
Line Masses, 1.4 Additional Member Masses, and 1.5 Additional Surface Masses are taken
into account as masses.
Comment
This is an input option for user-defined notes and remarks.
Before you start the calculation, you can use the [Details] button offering some setting op-
tions for the dynamic analysis in a separate dialog box.
RFEM loads can be imported easily by clicking the button [Select load case from RFEM and
import its nodal loads as mass to table]. Please note that only those loads which are defined
in the direction of the Z-axis will be imported. A dialog box opens where you can select the
base load case. In addition, you can select a factor to manipulate the imported masses.
Figure 2.5: Dialog box for selecting a load case and factor for additional masses
If you want to define only individual nodal loads in RF-DYNAM, you can use the selection
function by clicking the button shown on the left to access the Multiple Selection. It is also
possible to define the loads manually.
Mass
Value of mass which is applied to the respective node(s)
Mass Moment
Mass moments acting on the node(s)
In module window 1.5, you can enter additional surface masses. Where applicable, linear
distributions of surface loads are "smeared" to be constant surface masses (see description
for additional member masses above).
If a forced vibration has been selected in module window 1.1 General Data, module window
1.6 includes a selection table on the right.
Figure 2.10: Window section To Display for control of output information after calculation
In the tree structure to the right, you can control the results output for the Support Forces,
Internal Forces, Nodal Velocities, Nodal Deformations, and Nodal Accelerations.
Using the option With Time Courses, you can decide if only the maximum and minimum
values are shown with the corresponding point of time, or if the results are displayed for
any point of time. You can take advantage of this option to reduce the amount of data to a
minimum.
With the selection function, which can be accessed with the [...] button, you can graphically
select the nodes and members whose results you want to show exclusively. Of course, it is
also possible to enter the member and node numbers directly into the respective table row.
By clicking the button you return to the RFEM work window where you can select the
nodes or members (multiple selection with shift key ⇑). Then, you can click [OK] to transfer
the node or member numbers to the table.
Excitation Case
It is generally possible to define different excitation types for a model. They can be saved
separately as independent EC excitation cases.
Excitation type
After choosing one of the forced vibration options in module window 1.1 General Data, all
subsequent input windows are adjusted automatically.
When you have selected the Time history analysis, three excitation types are available in
module window 1.7.
• Accelerogram
• Harmonic loads
• Tabular loads
Response spectra can be defined in module window 1.7, too, but before you have to select
the Response spectrum method in module window 1.1 General Data.
Accelerogram
One or several support nodes can be excited by entering time-acceleration tables. In gen-
eral, this kind of excitation is used to describe seismic loads.
The time is entered in seconds. Please take care to always start the time indications at t = 0.
You must enter the time steps in ascending order. It is allowed, however, to enter unequal
time steps. Furthermore, it is recommended, because of numerical reasons, to always set
the final point of time a bit higher than the upper time limit of the TI integration:
T1 = 0 < T2 < ... < Tn-1 < TI < Tn
Below the Accelerogram, RF-DYNAM Addition I provides a button to access the [Library] of-
fering a very large number of existing and measured accelerograms. By now, there are more
than1018 accelerograms collected and stored in this library. In addition, user-defined accel-
erograms can be saved in the library.
You can select the accelerograms in a tree structure on the left. It is possible to sort the
entries by the measuring Station or the Seismic event. Moreover, further filter options are
available. For example, it is possible to limit the accelerograms to a particular period of
time.
To save your own accelerograms, enter them in module window 1.7, first. Then, open the
following dialog box by clicking the [Save] button.
Here, you can define the names of the measuring station, the earthquake location, the
seismic event country and so on in the available empty table rows. The name under which
the accelerogram is stored appears in the dialog field Save As.
The saved accelerograms appear in the tree structure of the library under the User-defined
category.
To import user-defined or available accelerograms to module window 1.7, click the [Add]
button which opens the following dialog box. By specifying an Angle or directly editing the
Transformation Matrix, you can also set the direction of the acceleration to be imported.
Tabular loads
This excitation type is used for the input of time-dependent forces (single forces and mo-
ments) in the form of a table.
Figure 2.18: Module window 1.7 Excitation Cases of type Tabular loads
Like accelerograms, the entries can be stored in a library and imported whenever they are
needed. The [Save] button opens a dialog box. After entering a name, you can store the
data in the library.
By clicking the [Add] button in the Tabular Loads library, you can import stored data as
excitation case to module window 1.7 (see figure below).
Harmonic loads
Use this excitation type, for example for the definition of dynamic loads of machines acting
as exciters on a building by setting the amplitude, the angular frequency, and the phase
shift.
In this case, the force function f(t) and the moment function m(t) have the following formula:
Figure 2.21: Module window 1.7 Excitation Cases of type Harmonic loads
As already described for accelerograms and tabular loads, you can [Save] and [Import]
harmonic loads by means of the library.
The input window 1.7 for the acceleration response spectra is only active when the option
Response spectrum method for Forced vibrations has been selected in module window 1.1.
Figure 2.23: Module window 1.7 Excitation Cases with Response Spectrum
Again, the [Save] and [Library] buttons offer the options already described for the other ex-
citation types above.
In the library used for response spectra, you can select complete elastic spectra from various
standards such as DIN 4149, EC 8 and UBC 97. Please note that these spectra represent a
particular selection generated by means of chosen standard parameters. Of course, you can
edit and extend them at anytime.
The button [Select Accelerogram in Library and Generate to Response Spectrum] opens the
library of accelerograms where you have the possibility to automatically generate response
spectra on the basis of your existing accelerograms. In addition to the already available ac-
celerograms, you can also choose your user-defined accelerograms, here.
When you have selected the relevant accelerogram, and it is shown in the graphic window
to the right, you can set further parameters for the generation of the spectrum. Click the
[Select] button to open the dialog box as seen in the following figure.
Viscous Damping
With the defined values of the viscous damping it is possible to display the graphical Course
of the response spectrum with colors in the preview window. If you modify the viscous
damping, the preview graphic will be adjusted automatically.
Display System
The graphical response spectrum Course can be displayed in the preview window either
Arithmetically or Logarithmically.
Figure 2.26: Module window 1.8 Dynamic Load Cases with Accelerogram factors
Figure 2.27: Module window 1.8 Dynamic Load Cases with Loads Assignment
Figure 2.28: Module window 1.8 Dynamic Load Cases with Response Spectrum factors
Response Spectrum
There are two options available for the Superposition rule:
• Square root of the sum of squares (SRSS rule): Here, the square root of the sum of
the squared modal components is formed.
• Complete quadratic combination (CRC rule): When analyzing spatial models with
mixed torsion/translation mode shapes, this rule is to be applied if adjacent mode
shapes whose periods are different by less than 10 % are available.
Consideration of
Initial Deformations
Here, you can define initial displacements or rotations having a significant impact on the
transient. In this case, however, it is only allowed to assign those degrees of freedom which
are free, that means at those nodes and directions where no support prevents the structural
system from shifting. Input contradicting this rule will be ignored. As RF-DYNAM applies the
method of the projection to the subspace of the natural vibrations (eigenvectors), the initial
conditions cannot be defined at will. The required vector of the initial conditions must be a
linear combination of natural vibrations (eigenvectors, see chapter 4).
Figure 2.29 Module window 1.8 Dynamic Load Cases - tab Initial Deformations
Initial Velocities
Here, you can enter the velocities of the initial displacements or rotations. Similar to the set-
tings for the initial deformations, the degrees of freedom must be free because the velocity
represents the first derivation of the deformation.
Figure 2.30 Module window 1.8 Dynamic Load Cases - tab Initial Velocities
Please note for both options that they cannot be defined in case of a periodic excitation
using a response spectrum.
Stiffness matrix β
Here, the coefficient β of the stiffness proportional damping is determined. The unit of
measurement for β is [s].
The damping including the damping ratio Di for the ith angular frequency ωi is:
di = Di + ½ [α / ωi + β ωi ]
Time step
The appropriate choice of the time step depends on the natural frequency of the structural
system, respectively the frequency of the exciting forces. To get a sufficient accuracy, it is
recommended to divide the decisive period T = 1/f in about 10 steps, that is to select the
time step ∆t in such a way that
Automatic determination
Determining the maximum time as well as the time step automatically is only possible for
accelerograms. In this case, the shortest time entry will be imported from module window
1.7 as Time step. The end of time entered in module window 1.7 will be set as Max. time.
Equivalent load
Your selection in the list Generate Equivalent Loads According to Standard determines the
appearance of the table below. In module window 1.10, you can define the input parame-
ters according to DIN 4149:1981-04, DIN 4149:2005-04, Eurocode 8 (ENV): 1998-1-1,
Eurocode 8: EN 1998-1:2010, IBC 2000 and many others.
Figure 2.33: Allocation of design spectrum for Eurocode setting in module window 1.10
Auto
Ticking the check box results in the automatic determination of the factors SdH and SdV of
the design spectrum. However, a free input of these values is also possible in order to ena-
ble a determination of the equivalent loads with initial values not mentioned in the stand-
ard DIN 4149.
Comment
Each generated load case can be described by a comment, here.
Figure 2.35: Module window 1.9 Equivalent Loads according to DIN 4149-1:1981-04
Earthquake Zone
Due to the structure of the earth crust consisting of continental plates, different seismic
zones occur at various locations on the earth's surface. The characteristic value for an earth-
quake zone is the normal value a0 that corresponds to the acceleration to be expected.
Normal Value a0
The acceleration value is applied automatically by the program depending on the earth-
quake zone, provided that a seismic zone between 1 and 4 has been defined.
Ground Coefficient κ
In extreme cases, this factor is 1.0 (solid rock) or 1.4 (loose rock).
Reduction Factor α
As a function of the seismic use group and the earthquake zone, it is allowed to multiply
the normal values of the acceleration a0 by a reduction factor α. Fore more details, see
DIN 4149, chapter 7.2.3.
Figure 2.36: Window 1.9 Equivalent Loads acc. to DIN 4149:2005-04, option Design spectrum for linear calculation
Figure 2.37: Window 1.9 Equivalent Loads acc. to DIN 4149:2005-04, option Elastic Response Spectrum
When generating the equivalent loads according to DIN 4149:2005-04 you can choose be-
tween the Design spectrum for linear calculation or the Elastic Response Spectrum.
The individual parameters of DIN 4149:2005-04 are described on the following pages.
Transition zones between regions of subsoil class R and subsoil class S as well
T
as regions of relatively shallow sedimentary basins
S Regions of deep basin structures with massive sediment fillings
Soil classes
Slightly weathered hard rock, or hard rock with low rigidity, or coarse (granu-
lar) or mixed-grained loose rock with high friction characteristics in high
B
density or in solid consistency (for example loose rock that is glacially loaded)
Predominant shear wave velocity: 350 m/s to 800 m/s
For the initial values A, B or C as well as R, T or S we have the following input values for the
design spectrum:
S Soil parameter
TB, TC, TD Control periods of response spectrum
β0 Amplification factor of spectral acceleration with reference value β0 = 2.5
for 5 % of viscous damping
Behavior Factor q
The behavior factor q (available for the design spectrum) varies between 1.50 and 5.00 and
is determined by the type of the structural system, the ductility of the building, the build-
ing's regularity in its layout, and the failure type of various stiffening systems. The corre-
sponding equation is:
q = qo * kR * kw ≥ 1.5
10
η= ≥ 0.55
(5 + ξ)
3 7.5 ≤ I 0.8
Importance Factor γI
According to their significance for the protection of the general public, high-rise buildings
are assigned to one of the four importance categories:
Figure 2.38: Window 1.9 Equivalent Loads according to ENV 1998-1-1, option Design spectrum for linear calculation
Figure 2.39: Window 1.9 Equivalent Loads according to ENV 1998-1-1, option Elastic Response Spectrum
When generating the equivalent loads according to ENV 1998-1-1 you can choose between
the Design spectrum for linear calculation or the Elastic Response Spectrum.
The individual parameters of the Eurocode are described on the following pages.
Ground types
For the initial values A, B or C we have the following input values for the design spectrum:
S Ground parameter
kd1, kd2 Exponents affecting the shape of the design spectrum for a period larger than TC
or TD
k1, k2 Exponents affecting the shape of the spectrum for a period larger than TC or TD
TD Value determining the beginning of the region with constant displacement in the
spectrum
Behavior Factor q
The behavior factor q (available for the design spectrum) varies between 1.50 and 5.00 and
is determined by the type of the structural system, the ductility of the building, the build-
ing's regularity in its layout, and the failure type of various stiffening systems. The corre-
sponding equation is:
q = qo * kD * kR * kW
7
η= ≥ 0 .7
(2 + ξ)
Category
The categories correspond to the seismic use group of the standard IBC 2000:
Site Class
SMS = Fa * SS
SM1 = FV * S1
where:
Figure 2.41: Module window 2.1 Eigenvalues, Natural Frequencies, and Periods
The results are displayed row by row in several table columns. They are sorted by natural
frequencies.
Eigenvalue
The eigenvalue λi [1/sec²] is calculated from the equation of motion without damping. Find
more information about the theoretical background in chapter 4.
Angular Frequency
The following relation exists between the angular frequency ωi [1/sec] and the eigenvalue:
λi = ωi2
Natural Frequency
The natural frequency fi [Hz] is a measure for the frequency of the natural vibration per sec-
ond. The natural frequency and the natural period are in direct reciprocal proportion to
each other. The natural frequency and the angular frequency have the following relation:
ωi = 2πfi.
Natural Period
The natural period Ti [s] describes the time difference which the structure needs to pass
through a vibration. The following relation applies: fi = 1/Ti.
The results are standardized to 1. Depending on the setting for the Standardization of Nor-
mal Modes in module window 1.1 General Data, the program considers either the value of
the largest displacement ui or rotation φi, or the value of the largest product resulting from
the mass and the squared displacement mi * ui2.
The module windows 2.2 to 2.7 offer the Sort by option: Nodes, Eigenvectors, Members,
Surfaces, FE mesh points, Grid points, FE mesh nodes and Equivalent mass factors. The dis-
placements and rotations of the model nodes are displayed row by row and sorted by node
numbers, member numbers, surface numbers, eigenvalue numbers, FE mesh nodes or grid
points.
The masses can be shown and sorted either by FE mesh point numbers or by structural ob-
jects. In addition, they refer to the global system of coordinates. This coordinate system is
the one known from the structure definition in RFEM. The nodal masses are those masses
which are relevant for the dynamic calculation. For example, for a node that is supported in
Y- and Z-direction only the mass mX acting dynamically in X-direction is displayed. At the
end of the list you find the sums of the respective masses.
With the Sort by options you can display the equivalent mass factors either individually or
as sums. Due to the sum display, you can easily find out, for example according to EC 8, if
the sum of the equivalent masses (effective modal masses) is at least 90 % of the total mass
of the structural system.
Each individual support result can be represented graphically with the time history available
below the results table. You can use the settings to the right of the graphic to select the
display options. You can also click the relevant entry in the table above.
However, the graphical representation of the time intervals is only visible if the time course
for the respective internal force has been activated in module window 1.6.
Dynamic Case: In this list, you can select the calculated dy-
namic cases (DCs).
Node: In this list, you can select the nodes. You can also use
the button [Select Node].
Support Forces: For 3D models you can select the support
forces P-X, P-Y, P-Z, M-X, M-Y and M-Z.
Figure 2.49: Selection of support forces
Use the [View] button to switch on and off the graphical representation of the time history.
All graphical time courses can be printed directly into the printout report as well as to the
clipboard by clicking the [Print] button.
The [Export] function is described in detail in chapter 2.4.16 'Export of RF-DYNAM Results'.
The options for program handling and graphical representation are identical with the ones
described above for module window 3.1 Nodes - Support Forces.
The options for program handling and graphical representation are identical with the ones
in module window 3.1 Nodes - Support Forces described above.
The options for program handling and graphical representation are identical with the ones
in module window 3.1 Nodes - Support Forces described above.
The options for program handling and graphical representation are identical with the ones
in module window 3.1 Nodes - Support Forces described above.
In the Export field, set the relevant DC dynamic case. There are three different Export Type
options to export the results:
From time
All existing results of the selected time step are summarized in an RFEM load case.
Filter Most Unfavorable Results from All Time Steps
A result combination containing the most unfavorable results is created from all time steps.
Filter most unfavorable results from selected time steps
This function includes the possibilities of both export types mentioned above.
RF-DYNAM generates load cases form the points of time selected in the dialog box Selection
of Time Steps. These load cases can be combined appropriately by ticking the check box for
Filter most unfavorable results from selected time steps.
In the dialog sections Export to RFEM-DE from No. and Export to RFEM-DE No., the number-
ing and the description of the combination or load case to be generated are specified.
Again, you can use the Sort by options to sort the equivalent loads by the FE mesh point
number, the object type or the mode shape/load case number.
It is possible to superimpose the modal effects directly in a result combination by the quad-
ratic superposition type (according to the SRSS rule). You can define the corresponding set-
tings in the dialog section RC-Settings.
Assign a No. to the new load case and enter a Description. Click the [] button to open a
list with all descriptions which have already been used so that you can choose one of them.
To create the new case, click [OK].
Select the RF-DYNAM case to be copied with the [] button from the list Copy from Case.
The Description can be selected with the [] button as well. You can also enter a new de-
scription. If you change the No. of the new case suggested by the program, make sure that
this number has not yet been allocated.
Select the case to be deleted with a click. Then, delete it with [OK].
3. Results
3.1 Results Graphic
After the calculation you can switch to the graphical results display by using the [Graphics]
button. There, the current RF-DYNAM case is automatically preset.
If the button [Show Results] is enabled, you see the graphics of the models first natural fre-
quency and also the results panel.
Figure 3.2: Results panel of RF-DYNAM (tabs Color Spectrum, Factors, Filter)
The panel consists of three tabs. In the first tab (Color Spectrum), you see the scale of the
normal modes' total deformation normalized to 1.
In the panel sections Mode shape and Deformation of the second panel tab (Factors), you
can set the mode shape to be displayed and the increase factor for the graphical display.
In the final tab (Filter), you can activate and deactivate the display of individual objects for
the representation.
To return to the dynamic add-on module, use the [RF-DYNAM] button in the first panel tab.
Use the [Print Graphic] button in the RFEM toolbar either to print the results graphic directly
or to integrate it into the printout report.
3.2 Printout
To print the numerical results, return to RFEM and click the toolbar button [Printout Report].
You can select a Printout Report Template before you create the printout report with [OK].
Please note that the printout report represents a unity of all data from RFEM, RF-DYNAM
and other add-on modules. Therefore, avoid producing an unnecessary amount of data by
defining an appropriate selection of contents.
All options to edit and prepare report data in the printout report are available as described
in detail in chapter 10.1 of the RFEM manual. Moreover, there are some more selection tabs
available for the printout report which you can access and edit with the button [Select Top-
ics for Printout Report] in the report toolbar. Maybe you have to activate RF-DYNAM first,
which you can find under Program / Modules on the left in the dialog box Printout Report
Selection.
Figure 3.5: Dialog box Printout Report Selection, tab Global Selection
In the Global Selection tab, you can see the dialog section Display where you define the
main chapters to be displayed. If you don't want to Display all cases, you can select particu-
lar cases from the list Existing cases for the list Cases to display. To transfer cases from one
list to the other, use the buttons [Add Selected Case(s) →], [Add All Cases], [← Remove Se-
lected Case from List] and [Remove All Cases] shown on the left.
In each tab, you can accept the selection with [OK] as well as [Cancel] it. The dialog box will
be closed.
Figure 3.6: Dialog box Printout Report Selection, tab Input Data
In the dialog tab Input Data, you can apply a No. Selection when selecting the input data:
Click the [] button, select the blank line and enter the relevant numbers of the objects.
In the Results tab, you can determine All or individually selected parts for the selection.
4. Theory
Shortly, this chapter describes some theoretical background so you can better understand
the add-on module RF-DYNAM. This chapter is not a substitute for corresponding reference
books but wants to remind of some contexts and push further research.
First, the basic equation of the eigenvalue analysis is shortly presented. Then, the calcula-
tion of the kinetically equivalent masses, the participation factors and equivalent masses are
described in separate sections.
Kij · xi = fj
where
Kij Stiffness matrix
xi Deformation
fi Load
In the case of a system with a degree of freedom, then i = j = 1.
Ekinetic = Epotential
This can be expressed with the following equation:
Equation 4.1:
M ij x i + K ij ⋅ x i = 0
In this equation, the damping remains unconsidered as this dissipation effect is not relevant
for the determination of the natural frequency and the mode shape.
Equation 4.2:
x i = C i e λt = ui (x) c cos(ωt − α)
Approach (2) set in equation (4.1), considering the expression c cos(ωt - α) to be nonzero in
general, results in:
Equation 4.3:
[M (− ω ) + K ]u (x) = 0
ij
2
ij i
As the equation of the mode shape ui(x) is not equal to zero, the natural frequencies are
determined from the following equation.
Equation 4.4:
( )
det K ij − ω2 M ij = 0
We have already met the angular frequency ω in equation (4.3). It is connected with the
structure's natural frequency by means of the relation f = 2πω.
After inserting a natural frequency into equation (4.3), the corresponding mode shape ui(x)
is the result.
Now, we have a closer look at the theory by describing the example of a tubular mast.
Equation 4.5:
ω2 Y 2 L 2 2
Ekin = ∫ µ(x)η (x)dx cos ωt
2 o
Equation (4.5) expresses the kinetic energy of the structure's self-weight and the additional
member masses. The energy of the individual additional nodal masses mi must be added to
this:
Equation 4.6:
1 n
Ekin = ∑ mi ω2 Y 2 η2 (x i ) cos 2 ωt
2 i=1
Equation 4.7:
1 L 1 N
Ekin = ω2 Y 2 ⋅ 2 2 2 2 2
∫ µ(x)η (x)dx cos ωt + ∑ mi ⋅ ω η (x) cos ωt
2 o 2 i =1
The kinetic energy of the equivalent structure of a single-mass oscillator is described by:
Equation 4.8:
1
Ekin = M ω2 Y 2 cos 2 ωt
2
After equalizing the equations (4.7) and (4.8), the result for the kinetically equivalent mass
is the following:
Equation 4.9:
L n
M = ∫ µ(x) η2 (x) dx + ∑ mi η2 (x i )
0 i =1
To calculate the kinetically equivalent masses in another location, equation (4.9) must be
multiplied by Y2/η2(x).
Example
We want to calculate the kinetically equivalent mass for a restrained tubular mast. In the
examples KINEQ1 to KINEQ3 described in the following, we assume that the member is un-
divided. In the example KINEQ4, a division is applied.
Mast data:
Height: l = 20 m
2
El = konst.
l = 20 m
1
Figure 4.1: Restrained tubular mast
KINEQ1:
KINEQ2:
The mast's total mass of M = l µ = 20 m 135 kg/m = 2700 kg is uniformly distributed to
both end nodes 1 and 2.
KINEQ3:
The self-weight of the mast is applied as external load continuously to the mast.
As we act on the assumption of a diagonal mass matrix available in all systems, the sum of
the kinetically equivalent masses is at any rate equal to the acting mass, that is 1350 kg in
node 2.
KINEQ4:
The tubular mast is divided by 5. This results in a more accurate calculation of the kinetically
equivalent mass. For the calculation of the kinetically equivalent mass according to equa-
tion (4.7) the following applies to the mode shape:
1 sinh λ − sin λ
η(ξ) = sin λξ − sinh λξ + (cos λξ − cosh λξ) cosh λ − cos λ
2,72423
L
2
∫ µ(x) η (x)dx = 0,25
o
L
M = µ ⋅ L ∫ η2 (x)dx = 135 kg
m ⋅ 20m ⋅ 0,25 = 675 kg
o
The calculation of the kinetically equivalent masses in RF-DYNAM leads to the numerical
value of M = 675.1 kg.
The most important information about the structure is the distribution of the fictitious
forces Hi that gets its typical characteristics as a function of the mode shape Vi.
Equation 4.10:
(Vi T M)2
Hi = ⋅ S a ⋅ (Ti)
(Vi T MVi)
M Mass matrix
Equation 4.11:
L i2
Hi = ⋅ S a ⋅ (Ti) = mei ⋅ S a ⋅ (Ti)
Mi
As apparent from the equations (4.10) and (4.11), the equivalent mass does not depend on
the normalized mode shape Vi. RF-DYNAM normalizes the mode shape Vi in the location of
the greatest displacement to 1 according to:
Equation 4.12:
n
∑ Vij 2 = 1
j −1
On this basis, RF-DYNAM calculates the modal mass matrix, the participation factors, and
the equivalent masses with the equivalent mass factors as a relation of the equivalent mass
to the total mass.
The following example represents an application case from the practice. Please find more
information in [11], page 678.
4.4 Example
A planar three-story frame consists of massless columns and horizontal beams. The second
moments of area are I2,columns = 25,000 cm4 for all columns and I2,beams = 150,000 cm4 for all
beams.
The area of the columns is applied with Acolumns = 100 cm2. It is Abeams = 10,000 cm2 for the
beams.
The mass of the horizontal beams is applied in equal parts to both end nodes with each
12,500 kg.
12500 kg 12500 kg
6m
12500 kg 12500 kg
6m
12500 kg 12500 kg
6m
12 m
5. Examples
The following chapter contains some examples illustrating the functionality of the add-on
module RF-DYNAM.
The examples are taken from technical reference books. In the following, the focus is on
comparing the results given in the literature with the results determined by RF-DYNAM.
5.1 Beam
This example is taken from [12], page 20.
A dynamic analysis is performed for a continuous beam as shown in the figure below. The
total length of the beam is 10 m. The continuous beam consists of 20 single beams which
are connected with each other by bending-resistant connections.
The cross-section is rectangular and has the dimensions of d = 0.4 m and b = 0.2 m. This
results in a second moment of area of Iy = 1.067E-3 m4 and an area of A = 8.0E-2 m2 for
this cross-section. The modulus of elasticity is E = 3.0E+7 kN/m2.
20 x 0,5 m
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
10,00 m
Figure 5.1: Sketch of example no. 1: beam
In the results list of RF-DYNAM, we can see an active mass of 100 kg in Z-direction for the
nodes 2 to 20. The nodes 1 and 21 are supported in Z-direction so that their masses are not
regarded as dynamic masses acting in Z-direction. The mass active in X-direction is equal to
zero on node 1 due to the support definition (retention in X-direction).
As the structure is not restrained in X-direction on node 21, the active mass has a finite val-
ue that is smaller than 100 kg.
We want to determine the eigenvalues of the framework system shown below. The material
has a modulus of elasticity of E = 2.06E+8 kN/m2, a Poisson's ratio of ν = 0.29 and a spe-
cific weight of 7.88 t/m3.
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7
2,00 m
13 20 14 23 15 21 16 24 17 22 18 25 19
8 7 9 8 10 9 11 10 12 11 13 12 14
X
12,00 m
Z
Figure 5.2: Sketch of example no. 2: truss girder
RF-DYNAM calculates the following natural frequencies in comparison to the results men-
tioned in the reference book.
A concrete chimney has the shape of a taper beam with a ratio of about 3:1. Therefore, it
can be assumed to be a tapered member. The modulus of elasticity is E = 2E+7 kN/m2, the
specific weight is γ = 25 kN/m3.
Structure Model
130,00 m
The reference book specifies the fundamental frequency of the chimney with the value
f = 0.367 Hz.
2 0.3291
6 0.3600
10 0.3673
20 0.3657
50 0.3641
The example is taken from [13], page 99 et sqq. and 117 et sqq.
m1 = 8 t
m2 = m3 = 30 t
Figure 5.5: Module window 1.1 General Data without considering the self-weight
Figure 5.7: Module window 2.1 Eigenvalues, Natural Frequencies, and Periods
The following table compares the results from RF-DYNAM with the results given in the
literature.
1 0.755154 0.755128
2 0.181736 0.181723
3 0.105528 0.105522
A: Literature
[1] Klingmüller, O. Lawo, M., Thierauf, G. (1983)
Stabtragwerke, Matrizenmethoden der Statik und Dynamik, Teil 2: Dynamik
Fr. Vieweg & Sohn, Braunschweig
DIN 4112 Fliegende Bauten. Richtlinie für Bemessung und Ausführung, Febr. 1983
DIN 4131 Antennentragwerke aus Stahl. Berechnung und Ausführung, März 1969
DIN 4133 Schornsteine aus Stahl. Statische Berechnung und Ausführung, Aug. 1973
VDI 2057 Beurteilung der Einwirkung mechanischer Schwingungen auf den Menschen,
Mai 1987
Bl. 1 Grundlagen, Gliederung, Begriffe
Bl. 2 Bewertung
Bl. 3 Beurteilung
Bl. 4.1 Messung und Bewertung von Arbeitsplätzen in Gebäuden