Modal Analysis of Rotating Flexible Structures

Abstract

A discussion of the modal analysis of a rotating flexible structure is presented. Specifically this work is concerned with the free vibration analysis of a rotating cantilever structure. A brief discussion of the formulation of the equations of motion for the system is included to aid in understanding the origin of the various terms appearing in these equations. Finite element techniques and their corresponding matrix form have been assumed to represent the flexible structure. The results are presented as an extension of existing finite element structural analysis procedures to describe the dynamic characteristics of a spinning structure. Illustrative modal analysis results are presented indicating the influence of structural orientation and magnitude of spin on the modal and stability characteristics of the structure.