See also: collapse analysis, dynamic train crossing, nonlinear cable dynamics, response spectrum method, time-step calculation

Determining the eigenvalues and eigenvectors forms the basis for most dynamic analyses. The distribution of mass that these analyses take into account is the result of the system geometry, the additional point masses and the equivalent masses of the selected load cases.

In this check, the soil acceleration and the calculation coefficients are specified according to the selected standard for any given beam or shell structure depending on the earthquake zone, the subsoil, the damping and the structure class.  The check then calculates the structure reactions associated with the resonant frequencies based on the response spectrum method and superposes them according to the SRSS or CQC method. The resulting internal forces are then available for further superposition with the static load cases and subsequent design. In order to evaluate the modes of vibration to be considered, the applied masses are contrasted with the effective modal masses. If necessary, you can define custom response spectrums.

Time-step calculations are carried out for periodic and transient load-time curves and specified node accelerations. These calculations can factor in exciters of variable frequency at the same time. You can select the number and duration of the individual time steps. Mass and stiffness-proportional damping, the Lehr's damping measure, Rayleigh's system damping and/or single viscous dampers can be used depending on the calculation. At selected nodes the system response can be calculated using a fixed frequency range in the steady state (stationary response).

Dynamic train crossing is another interesting calculation option provided by the program. This option offers an easy way to analyze the dynamic stress for any beam and shell structure based on predefined trains such as the ICE or Thalys or user-defined trains.

The description of the tracks is carried out by entering any continuous line on the structure. Multiple tracks can be considered simultaneously, so that, for example, the effect trains traveling in opposite directions have on each other can be investigated.

The load model of the typical trains for high-speed lines are stored in the program. Additionally, user-defined train loads can be added. Further default parameters are the speed and the departure time for each train. Every train is assigned to one track. By varying the departure times, the intervals between the different trains can be defined.

The dynamic train crossing can be analyzed as part of a direct or modal time step integration. The amount and duration of the time steps can be entered by the user. The vibration behavior and the desired route of the train are considered here.

Deformations, speeds, accelerations, internal forces and support reactions for each time step are provided as calculation results. These can be represented individually or as time-step diagrams. Additionally, the deformation can be dynamically animated in the System Viewer.
For further analyses, the results can superposed with reactions from static calculations and then designed.