What is Natural Frequency?

A machine's natural frequency refers to the frequency at which a mechanical system vibrates when there are no external forces applied to it. Every mechanical system has a natural frequency, which is determined by its mass, stiffness, and damping.

The natural frequency is essential to the functioning of a machine, as it determines how the machine will respond to external forces. When an external force is applied to a machine, it will vibrate at its natural frequency, which is a result of the way the machine is constructed.

The natural frequency is dependent on the mass of the machine. A machine with a large mass will have a lower natural frequency than a machine with a smaller mass. This is because a machine with a larger mass requires more energy to be moved, so it will vibrate at a lower frequency than a machine with a smaller mass.

The natural frequency is also dependent on the stiffness of the machine. A machine with a high stiffness will have a higher natural frequency than a machine with a low stiffness. This is because a machine with a high stiffness requires more energy to be deformed, so it will vibrate at a higher frequency than a machine with a low stiffness.

The damping of a machine can also affect its natural frequency. Damping is a measure of how much the machine resists vibration. A machine with high damping will have a lower natural frequency than a machine with low damping. This is because a machine with high damping resists vibration more than a machine with low damping, so it will vibrate at a lower frequency.

It is essential to understand a machine's natural frequency, as it can help engineers design machines that are less prone to vibration and resonance. If a machine's natural frequency is too close to an external force, the machine can experience resonance, which can cause destructive vibrations and even failure of the machine.

In conclusion, a machine's natural frequency is a critical factor in the design and maintenance of mechanical systems. Understanding the mass, stiffness, and damping of a machine can help engineers design machines that are less prone to vibration and resonance, which is crucial for the safety and longevity of the machine.

This youtube video is a great real-life example of natural frequency in action:
Tacoma Bridge Collapse

CTC generated this text in part with GPT-3. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.