2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

www.sefindia.org
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING FORUM OF INDIA [SEFI]
Search
Like
Subscriptions

Share

66k

Digest Preferences

Follow @sefindia

FAQ

Profile

Search

Memberlist

2,578 follow ers

Usergroups

Log in to check your private messages

Register

Security Tips

Donate

Log in

Warning: M ake s ure you s c an the downloaded attac hment with updated antivirus tools before opening them. T hey may c ontain virus es .
U s e online s c anners here and here to upload downloaded attac hment to c hec k for s afety.

meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

www.sefindia.org Forum Index -> SEFI General Discussion
View previous topic :: View next topic
Author
aditya

Message

...

Poste d: Mon Jul 20, 2009 1:49 am

analysis

Post subje ct: m e aning of m ode shape s in vibration

Joine d: 05 Apr 2008

Posts: 109

Dear Sefians,
Though this may seem a trivial question, I am intrigued by the underlying meaning of mode
shapes. Hence, I request all to kindly contribute to the following queries:
1. What is the meaning of mode shapes in dynamic analysis of MDOF system? Why do not we
consider other shapes in between?
2. Is it true that only the vibration in mode shapes are simple harmonic? Why?
3. When a building is subjected to an earthquake, does the building undergo different mode
shapes at different instances of earthquake wave? I mean when does a building undergo
vibration in different mode shapes or is it that a building vibrates in combination of mode
shapes?
Please clarify in simple language.
with best regards,
aditya

Back to top
aditya
...

Joine d: 05 Apr 2008

Posts: 109

Poste d: Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:05 am

Post subje ct: m e aning of m ode shape s

Dear All,
I would like to request Dr. Kunal Kansara and others to kindly put forward his views on this topic
so that everybody is enlightened.
with best reagrds,
aditya

Back to top
kunalkansara

Ge ne ral Sponsor

Poste d: Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:06 am

Post subje ct:

Dear Mr Aditya,
I suppose these matters in one way or other has been discussed at some point of time in the

Joine d: 26 Jan 2003

Posts: 160

forum, but I am not too sure so I am proposing my say on this. However, you may please
explore previous discussions on similar matters and perhaps you might get some more
interesting expressions for your query previously explained by some dynamics and EQ legends
fortunately available right on this forum!
1. What is the meaning of mode shapes in dynamic analysis of MDOF system? Why do not we
consider other shapes in between?
Any real structure will have its mass and for its give form it will have its unique mass distribution
as well as stiffness (or flexibility). These two properties when seen together define basic
characteristics of that structure particularly in domain of its dynamics. On lighter side and as a
crude simulation, but still staying technical, I propose two very well known veteran cinema
actors, namely Padma Bhushan Dr Amitabh Bachchan and Mr Dharmendra Deol. You might
perhaps know how well they actually dance!!! From the first look itself one may say that Dr
Bachchan possesses less mass and more flexibility than Mr Dharmendra, and hence is the
difference in their dance moves! For this example, one may easily find who dances better

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

1/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

qualitatively as quantitative answer (such as how much better one dances?) is not generally
required. Similarly for a structure also, its mass and stiffness decides primarily as to how it will
dance (i.e. vibrate) when it is acted upon by an external disturbance. But we surely need to
capture this dance quantitatively so that we can include it into our analysis and model using our
computers. And for this, we engineers as usual get back to our trusted language mathematics.
Mode shapes, in this sense, are a mean of quantifying structural vibrations for our own
structural purposes. As stated earlier, mass, stiffness and their distributions are the key
characteristic parameters. As we know that a real structure is made up of real material and
geometric form so in reality all its elements carry some mass and some stiffness for sure. But in
order to simplify the picture, we need to identify in a structure which elements predominently
represent mass and which predominently represent stiffness. Thus, a real structure we convert
into an equivalent model in which at some points we can lump the mass conveniently and
workout how stiffness can be represented. Depending upon how much degrees of freedom are
really warranted for practical purposes, we thus arrive at a dynamically simulated equivalent
model which can conveniently describe its vibration mathematically. The pattern of vibration, in
quantitative terms, is the mode shape of that structure; number of possible mode shapes
depends upon the degrees of freedom we have considered. Higher the DOFs considered, more
are the possible mode shapes. In fact, the mode shape is an instantaneous picture of a freeundamped vibrating structure, representing proportionate positions of all considered DOFs when
a particular DOF has been displaced by a unit amplitude value, and with each mode shape there
exists a unique value of associated frequency. This answers first part of your first question.
Now you know that there are more than one possible modes for a structure depending upon
how we idealise it. For the second part of the question, you should remember that these mode
shapes are for the equivalent structural model and NOT explicitly for the real structure, so these
mode shapes will at the most CLOSELY, but indubitably NOT EXACTLY, give the actual structures
behaviour during vibration. A real structure can vibrate in more than one mode at a time. This is
called coupling of modes. Considering such coupling of modes makes mathematics much more
tedious and complex. For keeping our mathematics (reasonably) simpler, we very intuitively use
a principle called orthogonality of the mode shapes, which attempts to mathematically tell us
that all the possible modes are orthogonal to one another. This simply decouples the possible
modes and in simple words it can be said that when the structure is vibrating in one particular
mode, all the other possible modes are sleeping (i.e. inert). Hence, though the real structure
might have coupling of modes, for mathematical ease we assume that these modes are
decoupled. For most framed structures, this assumption is practically digestible. However, in
some special structures, such as a suspension bridge, there might be a need of considering
coupling of modes.
2. Is it true that only the vibration in mode shapes are simple harmonic? Why?
Since motion considered while deriving normal mode shapes are under free undamped
vibrations, the resulting motion is harmonic and consequently periodic as well. This you will see
from the governing equation of motion. Many textbooks will give you this quite simply.
3. When a building is subjected to an earthquake, does the building undergo different mode shapes
at different instances of earthquake wave? I mean when does a building undergo vibration in
different mode shapes or is it that a building vibrates in combination of mode shapes?
As already said, mode shapes are defined for free undamped vibration condition. Truly speaking,
EQ ground motion is a random loading and in a crude way it can be said that it is a series of
waves with each wave group having different predominant period and hence frequency. When a
structure experiences such a series of external disturbances, it obviously behaves differently
under each of them in reality. Since this is a series of wave groups attacking structure, the last
position of a structure under one wave group is its initial position under next wave group.
Further, actual structure is having its inherent damping capacity as well and hence in reality
structural motion will not be as same as we obtain theoretically through the mode shape.
This has become unusually long mail, but I hope it will be of your use. Further, the above is my
personal lookout and the language I used is to avoid heavy technical terms in order to be simple
as you asked to be so. If you are intending to use this for any interview, viva or exam purpose,
please try to use technical terms more than the examples I put on lighter side. Thanks for your
patience for reading through the whole mail upto this point.
Best wishes,
Kunal Kansara

Back to top

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

2/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

aditya
...

Joine d: 05 Apr 2008

Posts: 109

Poste d: W e d Aug 05, 2009 2:32 am

Post subje ct: Thank s to Dr. Kunal

Dear Dr. Kunal Kansara,

I would like to express my heartiest gratitude for enlightening us on this important but difficult
to grasp subject. As already discussed by fellow sefians, i also think that Dr. Kunal should bring
out some books in which he can shed his beautiful words on important structural engineering
topics. Furthermore, I also note that one seminar titled " structural dynamics without
mathematics" is being organized , but unfortunately, I am unable to participate. Articles on
structural dynamics on this line would be highly beneficial to all sefians to "digest" mathematical
concepts and theories.
with best regards and thanks to Dr. Kunal,
aditya

Back to top
ibarua

Ge ne ral Sponsor

Poste d: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:36 am

analysis

Post subje ct: m e aning of m ode shape s in vibration

5th Aug 2009

Kudos to Dr Kumal Kansara for his lucid exposition of how structures respond to energy released
by earthquake waves and how we have to analyze the effect of such excitations without
becoming frustrated mathematicians!
Joine d: 26 Jan 2003
Posts: 1004

Indrajit Barua.
On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 kunalkansara wrote :
Quote:
Dear Mr Aditya,
I suppose these matters in one way or other has been
discussed at some point of time in the forum, but I am
not too sure so I am proposing my say on this. However,
you may please explore previous discussions on similar
matters and perhaps you might get some more interesting
expressions for your query previously explained by some
dynamics and EQ legends fortunately available right on
this forum!
1. What is the meaning of mode shapes in dynamic
analysis of MDOF system? Why do not we consider other
shapes in between?
Any real structure will have its mass and for its give
form it will have its unique mass distribution as well
as stiffness (or flexibility). These two properties
when seen together define basic characteristics of that
structure particularly in domain of its dynamics. On
lighter side and as a crude simulation, but still
staying technical, I propose two very well known
veteran cinema actors, namely Padma Bhushan Dr Amitabh
Bachchan and Mr Dharmendra Deol. You might perhaps know
how well they actually dance!!! From the first look
itself one may say that Dr Bachchan possesses less mass
and more flexibility than Mr Dharmendra, and hence is
the difference in their dance moves! For this example,
one may easily find who dances better qualitatively as
quantitative answer (such as how much better one
dances?) is not generally required. Similarly for a
structure also, its mass and stiffness decides
primarily as to how it will dance (i.e. vibrate) when
it is acted upon by an external disturbance. But we
surely need to capture this dance quantitatively so
that we can include it into our analysis and model
using our computers. And for this, we engineers as
usual get back to our trusted language mathematics.
Mode shapes, in this sense, are a mean of quantifying
structural vibrations for our own structural purposes.
As stated earlier, mass, stiffness and their
distributions are the key characteristic parameters. As
we know that a real structure is made up of real
material and geometric form so in reality all its
elements carry some mass and some stiffness for sure.
But in order to simplify the picture, we need to
identify in a structure which elements predominently
represent mass and which predominently represent
stiffness. Thus, a real structure we convert into an
equivalent model in which at some points we can lump
the mass conveniently and workout how stiffness can be
represented. Depending upon how much degrees of freedom
are really warranted for practical purposes, we thus
arrive at a dynamically simulated equivalent model
which can conveniently describe its vibration
mathematically. The pattern of vibration, in
quantitative terms, is the mode shape of that structure;
number of possible mode shapes depends upon the
degrees of freedom we have considered. Higher the DOFs

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

3/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

considered, more are the possible mode shapes. In fact,
the mode shape is an instantaneous picture of a
free-undamped vibrating structure, representing
proportionate positions of all considered DOFs when a
particular DOF has been displaced by a unit amplitude
value, and with each mode shape there exists a unique
value of associated frequency. This answers first part
of your first question.
Now you know that there are more than one possible
modes for a structure depending upon how we idealise
it. For the second part of the question, you should
remember that these mode shapes are for the equivalent
structural model and NOT explicitly for the real
structure, so these mode shapes will at the most
C LOSELY, but indubitably NOT EXAC TLY, give the actual
structures behaviour during vibration. A real
structure can vibrate in more than one mode at a time.
This is called coupling of modes. C onsidering such
coupling of modes makes mathematics much more tedious
and complex. For keeping our mathematics (reasonably)
simpler, we very intuitively use a principle called
orthogonality of the mode shapes, which attempts to
mathematically tell us that all the possible modes are
orthogonal to one another. This simply decouples the
possible modes and in simple words it can be said that
when the structure is vibrating in one particular mode,
all the other possible modes are sleeping (i.e. inert).
Hence, though the real structure might have coupling of
modes, for mathematical ease we assume that these modes
are decoupled. For most framed structures, this
assumption is practically digestible. However, in some
special structures, such as a suspension bridge, there
might be a need of considering coupling of modes.
2. Is it true that only the vibration in mode shapes
are simple harmonic? Why?
Since motion considered while deriving normal mode
shapes are under free undamped vibrations, the
resulting motion is harmonic and consequently periodic
as well. This you will see from the governing equation
of motion. Many textbooks will give you this quite
simply.
3. When a building is subjected to an earthquake, does
the building undergo different mode shapes at different
instances of earthquake wave? I mean when does a
building undergo vibration in different mode shapes or
is it that a building vibrates in combination of mode
shapes?
As already said, mode shapes are defined for free
undamped vibration condition. Truly speaking, EQ ground
motion is a random loading and in a crude way it can be
said that it is a series of waves with each wave group
having different predominant period and hence
frequency. When a structure experiences such a series
of external disturbances, it obviously behaves
differently under each of them in reality. Since this
is a series of wave groups attacking structure, the
last position of a structure under one wave group is
its initial position under next wave group. Further,
actual structure is having its inherent damping
capacity as well and hence in reality structural motion
will not be as same as we obtain theoretically through
the mode shape.
This has become unusually long mail, but I hope it will
be of your use. Further, the above is my personal
lookout and the language I used is to avoid heavy
technical terms in order to be simple as you asked to
be so. If you are intending to use this for any
interview, viva or exam purpose, please try to use
technical terms more than the examples I put on lighter
side. Thanks for your patience for reading through the
whole mail upto this point.
Best wishes,
Kunal Kansara

Posted via Email

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

4/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

Back to top
vikram.jeet

Ge ne ral Sponsor

Poste d: Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:11 am

analysis

Post subje ct: m e aning of m ode shape s in vibration

The explanation given by Dr Kunal on vibration modes is ,beyond

doubt, a clear exhibition of a complex subject , which requires
imaginations beyond imagination as also mathematics
beyond mathematics
Joine d: 26 Jan 2003
Posts: 2212

regards
vikramjeet
Posted via Email

Back to top
btgprasad
...

Poste d: Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:05 pm

Post subje ct:

Dear kunal,
Excellent sir!!, I have read your post for sevaral times coz I enjoyed the beauty of narration.
coming to my query in same context ,
For designing tall buildings,
Joine d: 05 Aug 2008
Posts: 116

1) is there any importance to 1st mode and order of modes.

2)it is efficient that torsional(rotation) mode (abt vertical should not be fall in first two modes
and frist two modes should be transitional modes. why as long as modes are uncoupled ?.
3)how do you make inferense natural time period of structure with time periods of each mode.
above questions are raised while I went for proof checking I could not ans properly.plz help .

Back to top
kunalkansara

Ge ne ral Sponsor

Poste d: Fri Aug 07, 2009 5:42 pm

Post subje ct:

Dear Mr Prasad,
A real structure actually will have infinite number of mode shapes possible. In order to turn the
problem at hand to finite possibilities, we convert the real structure into a practically equivalent
model with masses lumped at convenient locations and carrying just limited DOFs that are
Joine d: 26 Jan 2003
Posts: 160

sufficient for practical purposes as a simplification. Even on such simplifications, we are still left
with many possible mode shapes. (It is also a possibility that many modes carry same
frequency, of course this is of a very remote possibility, however, having mode shapes with very
nearby sitting frequencies is not uncommon in civil structures).
1) is there any importance to 1st mode and order of modes.
Order of modes or giving mode numbers is just a convenient (ascending frequency) arrangement
for better presentation and to have a common basis for understating relative frequency
contents associated with two modes at hand. For example, if you are presented with two
vertical modes of a bridge structure with the information that one of them is the 3rd mode and
the other is the 5th mode, you will immediately realize their relative frequency contents
qualitatively. Such an arrangement gives logic and clarity in interpretation and uniformity in
presentation. Except this convenience there are no more things associated with the order of the
modes. Ease in developing machine codes for software programs is an added advantage! You
will appreciate that for an (idealised) structure standing in a particular site (having some
predominant seismological characteristics), theoretically only one mode and practically only a few
modes, out of the possible bunch of modes, that is of use. First (or fundamental) frequency is
the one carrying the lowest frequency content (and thereby having highest time period and
highest flexibility) of this bunch of possible modes and is generally distinguished from rest of the
modes as it gives the start point of the possible modes and their frequencies. This is to say that
if you are presented with a structure with the information that its fundamental mode is having
frequency 9.8 Hz, you will immediately realize that the structure carries ALL of the possible
modes with frequencies 9.8 Hz or higher. Such a way gives us the dynamic status of a structure
e.g. a bridge structure with fundamental frequency 0.1 Hz (i.e. time period 10 s) can be said too
flexible!

2)it is efficient that torsional(rotation) mode (abt vertical should not be fall in first two modes and
frist two modes should be transitional modes. why as long as modes are uncoupled ?.
The prime objective of carrying out modal analysis of a structure is to find out various possible
modes and their associated frequencies in order to see if there exists any possibility of
resonance with the external forcing functions. Knowledge of such dynamic characteristics of the

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

5/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

structure is useful in mitigating EQ effects as the way EQ takes place is not in our hands, but
surely we can proportion or tune or isolate the structure for the better causes and to avoid
resonance. Typically, EQ waves can be seen to carry low frequency (the surface waves
generated during any seismic episode are believed to be most catastrophic ones, which are of
low frequencies and large amplitudes) and hence we are generally interested in seeing first few
modes which carry potential of resonance due to their low frequencies. In this sense it is
generally believed that it is not good to have torsional modes to be amongst the first few
modes, as we really donot want our structure to have resonance in a torsional mode. Coupling
of modes is totally different phenomena and has nothing to do in this sense. Coupling of a
translational and torsional mode simply means that while vibrating in translational mode
simultaneously the structure will also vibrate in a torsional mode.
Your third question I am not clear about what you intend to ask. So kindly make it clear please.
Except this I guess the above will be of your use. Many thanks to you and the other friends for
the kind words.
Best regards,
Kunal Kansara
Back to top
pravin.pai

Ge ne ral Sponsor

Poste d: Sun Aug 16, 2009 12:35 pm

analysis

Post subje ct: m e aning of m ode shape s in vibration

Dear Mr. Kunal Kansara

Thank You very much for providing such a beautiful explanation. I just hope freshers on this
forum will take the best advantage of having you on this forum.
Joine d: 25 Aug 2008
Posts: 65
Location: Mum bai

Best 'Daan' is 'Vidya-Daan'

With my respects to you,
Pravin Pai

On Fri, Aug 7, 2009 at 11:12 PM, kunalkansara <forum@sefindia.org (forum@sefindia.org)>

wrote:
Quote:
Dear Mr Prasad,
A real structure actually will have infinite number of mode shapes possible. In order to turn
the problem at hand to finite possibilities, we convert the real structure into a practically
equivalent model with masses lumped at convenient locations and carrying just limited DOFs
that are sufficient for practical purposes as a simplification. Even on such simplifications, we
are still left with many possible mode shapes. (It is also a possibility that many modes carry
same frequency, of course this is of a very remote possibility, however, having mode shapes
with very nearby sitting frequencies is not uncommon in civil structures).
1) is there any importance to 1st mode and order of modes.
Order of modes or giving mode numbers is just a convenient (ascending frequency)
arrangement for better presentation and to have a common basis for understating relative
frequency contents associated with two modes at hand. For example, if you are presented
with two vertical modes of a bridge structure with the information that one of them is the 3rd
mode and the other is the 5th mode, you will immediately realize their relative frequency
contents qualitatively. Such an arrangement gives logic and clarity in interpretation and
uniformity in presentation. Except this convenience there are no more things associated with
the order of the modes. Ease in developing machine codes for software programs is an added
advantage! You will appreciate that for an (idealised) structure standing in a particular site
(having some predominant seismological characteristics), theoretically only one mode and
practically only a few modes, out of the possible bunch of modes, that is of use. First (or
fundamental) frequency is the one carrying the lowest frequency content (and thereby having
highest time period and highest flexibility) of this bunch of possible modes and is generally
distinguished from rest of the modes as it gives the start point of the possible modes and
their frequencies. This is to say that if you are presented with a structure with the information
that its fundamental mode is having frequency 9.8 Hz, you will immediately realize that the
structure carries ALL of the possible modes with frequencies 9.8 Hz or higher. Such a way
gives us the dynamic status of a structure e.g. a bridge structure with fundamental frequency
0.1 Hz (i.e. time period 10 s) can be said too flexible!
2)it is efficient that torsional(rotation) mode (abt vertical should not be fall in first two modes
and frist two modes should be transitional modes. why as long as modes are uncoupled ?.
The prime objective of carrying out modal analysis of a structure is to find out various
possible modes and their associated frequencies in order to see if there exists any possibility
of resonance with the external forcing functions. Knowledge of such dynamic characteristics
of the structure is useful in mitigating EQ effects as the way EQ takes place is not in our
hands, but surely we can proportion or tune or isolate the structure for the better causes and
to avoid resonance. Typically, EQ waves can be seen to carry low frequency (the surface
waves generated during any seismic episode are believed to be most catastrophic ones,

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

6/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

which are of low frequencies and large amplitudes) and hence we are generally interested in
seeing first few modes which carry potential of resonance due to their low frequencies. In this
sense it is generally believed that it is not good to have torsional modes to be amongst the
first few modes, as we really donot want our structure to have resonance in a torsional mode.
C oupling of modes is totally different phenomena and has nothing to do in this sense.
C oupling of a translational and torsional mode simply means that while vibrating in
translational mode simultaneously the structure will also vibrate in a torsional mode.
Your third question I am not clear about what you intend to ask. So kindly make it clear
please. Except this I guess the above will be of your use. Many thanks to you and the other
friends for the kind words.
Best regards,
Kunal Kansara

Posted via Email

Back to top
kunalkansara

Poste d: Sun Aug 16, 2009 11:43 pm

Ge ne ral Sponsor

Post subje ct:

Dear Mr Pravin,
Many thanks for your trust in me. However, regarding the freshers, I am rather confident in their
abilities. Whom we quote the freshers now, will be the hardcore intellectuals of the future, as I
see 20 years from now. The engineers of the 17-18th centuries have gifted us huge so called
Joine d: 26 Jan 2003
Posts: 160

technologies when they started manufacturing steel and steam engines and claimed them the
most innovative developments for the future. And the engineers of the 19-20th centuries were
so much addicted to these so-called developments so much so that just in 3 centuries, we have
put the sustainability of 5000 years old civilisation at stake, in the name of developments!! For
the engineers of 17-18th centuries there was a full open ground available without thinking of
any pollutions, congestions, etc and the developments were almost unconditional. The 19-20th
century engineers, as a consequence, essentially have to see some stringent controls before
claiming anything as development! However, for the next generation of engineers sustainability
is not just essentiality but a survival instinct. After all they still have to carry on with the
developments to which we have made them addicted and additionally have to correct all the
errors and omissions the previous generations of engineers have done!!! What a giant
constraint we have gifted them! But rest be assured, the next-gen engineers will be much more
innovative and will carry much smarter DNAs than we do!!!
Cheers,
Kunal Kansara

Back to top
Display posts from pre vious: All Posts

Oldest First

Go

www.sefindia.org Forum Index -> SEFI General Discussion

All tim e s are GMT

Page 1 of 1
Jum p to: SEFI General Discussion
Translation: Translate topic

Go

Go
You cannot post ne w topics
You cannot re ply to topics
You cannot e dit your posts
You cannot de le te your posts
You cannot vote in polls
You cannot attach file s
You can download file s

in
in
in
in
in
in
in

this
this
this
this
this
this
this

forum
forum
forum
forum
forum
forum
forum

2003, 2008 SEFINDIA, Indian Domain Registration

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

7/8

2/28/2015

www.sefindia.org :: View topic - meaning of mode shapes in vibration analysis

Structural Engineering Forum of India

Like

Structural Engineering Forum of India

February 25 at 9:37pm

Which bridge and location?

66,717 people like Structural Engineering Forum of India.

Facebook social plugin

tsunami
earthquake

http://www.sefindia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5578

Reuters - Quake 6.9 strikes off Indonesia, no tsunami threat

Breitbart News - Earthquake in TexasAgain

powered by
powered by

8/8