Dynamic Analysis

Dynamic analysis covers a range of analysis options from determining the dynamic characteristics of a structure, through looking at linear response, to full nonlinear dynamic analysis.

The dynamic characteristics of a structure are best captured through a linear modal analysis or a Ritz analysis. A modal analysis is used to determine the natural frequencies and the accompanying mode shapes, which represent free vibration of the structure without reference to any loads. A Ritz analysis is similar to a modal analysis, but can better target significant modes with approximations to the real modes.

There are a number of dynamic response analysis options which follow from a modal or Ritz analysis and which make use of these dynamic characteristics. These include seismic response using response spectrum analysis, linear time-history and harmonic analysis and footfall analysis.

Where nonlinearity has to be considered the only option is a time history solution. This is available with the explicit time history analysis option.