30. Eigenvectors
Eigenvectors are essential in linear transformations and have significant applications in civil engineering, particularly in structural and vibration analysis. The chapter explores the definitions, properties, methods of finding eigenvectors, and their importance in various engineering applications. Further, it addresses computational techniques, the role of eigenvectors in modal analysis, and their relevance in earthquake engineering.
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What we have learnt
- Eigenvectors are non-zero vectors that only stretch or compress under a linear transformation.
- The characteristic equation is pivotal in determining eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
- Eigenvectors are significant in modeling physical phenomena, including stability issues in engineering structures.
Key Concepts
- -- Eigenvector
- A non-zero vector that when multiplied by a matrix, results in a scalar multiple of itself.
- -- Eigenvalue
- A scalar associated with an eigenvector indicating how much the eigenvector is stretched or compressed during a linear transformation.
- -- Characteristic Equation
- An equation derived from det(A−λI)=0 used to find eigenvalues.
- -- Diagonalization
- The process wherein a matrix can be represented as A=PDP−1 where D is a diagonal matrix of eigenvalues.
- -- Modal Analysis
- A technique used to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of structures under dynamic loading.
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