1. MODULE 12
RANDOM VIBRATION

2. RANDOM VIBRATION
Random vibrations are non-periodic. Knowledge of the past history of random vibration is adequate to predict the probability of occurrence of acceleration, velocity and displacement magnitudes, but it is not sufficient to predict the precise magnitude at a specific instant.
For most structural vibrations the excitation such as force or base acceleration alternates evenly about zero. Consequently, mean values characterizing the excitation as well as responses to that excitation such as displacement or stress are equal to zero.
For this reason, results of random vibrations analysis are given in the form of Root Mean Square (RMS) values. To explain the concept of RMS value, refer to graph on the next slide which shows acceleration time history (acceleration as a function of time) of random vibration expressed in gravitational acceleration [G].

3. RANDOM VIBRATION
Acceleration [G]
Time [s]
An example of acceleration time history data collected during 1.5s
Considering the sampling rate of 5000 samples per second, this time history curve contains 7500 data. The overall mean value of acceleration time history GRMS2 is 0.27G2. The overall root square of overall GRMS2 = 0.27G2 is GRMS = 0.52G
Random vibration is composed of a continuous spectrum of frequencies. The huge amount of time history data makes it impractical to run a dynamic time analysis.

4. RANDOM VIBRATION
Mean value of acceleration time history
GRMS 2 = 0.27G 2
The acceleration time history has a zero mean value. However, if we multiply the function by itself we obtain a function with positive value. Its mean will not be zero and this squared function will be well suited to characterize the acceleration time history. This mean value of square acceleration time history is the mean square value and has units [G2]. The square root of the mean value is the root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration and has units of [G]. The same applies to RMS displacement, velocity, stress etc.
In random vibration, the magnitudes of acceleration, velocity, displacement etc. all follow normal distribution. The RMS value corresponds to one standard deviation σ characterizing the normal distribution. The magnitude of acceleration, as characterized by the given acceleration time history, has 68% probability of remaining below 0.52G. Consequently, it has 32% probability of being less than G or more than 0.52G.

5. ACCELERATION POWER SPECTRAL DENSITY
Let’s assume that the acceleration time history in the previous slide is a stationary random process where probability numbers characterizing do not change with time. This acceleration time history can be used to calculate the Acceleration Power Spectral Density (PSD)* curve.
The overall GRMS2 of acceleration of random vibration is 0.27G2. However, random vibrations are composed of a large number of frequencies. Let’s say we wish to investigate GRMS2 individually for a number of frequencies in the range from 0 to 2000Hz. Therefore, we divide the Hz range into 20 bins, each 100Hz wide and calculate GRMS2 characterizing each bin by filtering out all frequencies falling outside of the bin (next slide),
* Variation of any property with respect to frequency is called “spectrum”.

6. ACCELERATION POWER SPECTRAL DENSITY
GRMS2 = 0.16
GRMS2 = 0.30
Squared acceleration time history.
GRMS2 = 0.19
GRMS2 calculated individually for specified frequency ranges. Only three frequency ranges (bins) are illustrated here for brevity.
Having found GRMS2 values obtained for each frequency range we may now calculate individual “density” of GRMS2 in each bin dividing GRMS2 in each bin by the width of the bin. Results obtained for all bins may be plotted as a function of the frequency in the center of each bin. This function is the Acceleration Power Spectral Density (next slide).

7. ACCELERATION POWER SPECTRAL DENSITY
Constructing Acceleration Power Spectral Density function (PSD)
Three points of the Acceleration PSD curve have been calculated by dividing GRMS2 in each bin (each frequency range) by the width of the bin.
The Acceleration Power Spectral Density (PSD) allows compression of data and is commonly used to characterize a random process. In particular, mechanical vibrations are commonly described by the Acceleration Power Spectral Density which is easily generated by testing equipment.

8. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS OF RANDOM VIBRATION ANALYSIS
Example
RMS displacement is σ = 7.5 mm.
Calculate the probability that the absolute displacement X will be over 9 mm.
1 Convert the normal distribution into standard normal distribution using the formula:
2 Calculate the z score:
3 Calculate the probability | z | > 1.2
Based on Gauss distribution the probability of z staying within –1.2 < z < 1.2 equals the white area under the curve or 77%. Thus the probability of X exceeding 9 mm is 23%
–1.2 < z < 1.2
White area is
Blue area is

9. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS OF RANDOM VIBRATION ANALYSIS
Normal standard cumulative distribution
Gauss' curve
Interpretation of results of random vibration analysis

10. Hard drive head Model file HD HEAD.sldprt Model type solid
Material Alloy steel
Supports as shown
Objectives
Random vibration analysis with base excitation; vibration within the range of 0 – 2500Hz
Fixed restraint
Measure location

11. Hard drive head
Mesh control
Mesh
control
Default mesh would be acceptable for Frequency Analysis. It would also be acceptable for subsequent Random Analysis if displacement results were our only objective. However, since we intend to analyze stresses, mesh controls are required to assure correct element shape and size in the area of stress concentrations.

12. Four modes found within the requested range
Hard drive head
Four modes found within the requested range

13. Hard drive head
Frequency Options (left) come from already run Frequency study. In Random Vibration options (right) specify the Upper limit 2500Hz; we investigate response to Random Vibration in the frequency range from 0 to 2500Hz.
Global damping defined as 2% of critical damping.

14. Base Excitation defined as Acceleration PSD in G2
Hard drive head
Base Excitation defined as Acceleration PSD in G2

15. ASSIGNMENT 4 PROBLEM 1 Support A4 problem4.SLDPRT A
Hard drive head is subjected to a random base excitation in y direction. The frequency range is Hz
The acceleration time history is in rvib1.txt. Use poweri.exe to generate acceleration PSD
Find RMS and PSD displacement of tip A.
What is the probability that displacement exceeds the percentage of RMS displacement given in the next slide?
Deliverables:
SW model with response plot and study ready to run.