Performing the Spectral Analysis

Using Fast Fourier Transforms, you can determine sound pressure as a function of frequency at each of the point receivers.

To perform the spectral analysis.

  1. Right-click the Tools > Data Set Functions node and select New > Point Time Fourier Transform (G(p)).

  2. Select the G(p) 1 node and set the following properties:
    Property Value
    Start Time 0.02 s
    Cut-off Time 0.0533 s
    Amplitude Function Sound Pressure Level
    Analysis Blocks 2
    Overlap Factor 0.5
    Window Function Hann
  3. Right-click the G(p) 1 > Monitor node and select New derived data from monitor.
  4. Rename the Monitor node to derived monitor-back.
  5. Select the derived monitor-back node and set Input data 1 to Max Pressure-back Monitor.

  6. Right-click the G(p) 1 > Monitor node and select New derived data from monitor for a second time.
  7. Rename the Monitor entry to derived monitor-bottom.
  8. Select the derived monitor-bottom node and set Input data 1 to Max Pressure-bottom Monitor.
  9. Right-click the G(p) 1 > Monitor node and select New derived data from monitor for a third time.
  10. Rename the Monitor entry to derived monitor-top.
  11. Select the derived monitor-top node and set Input data 1 to Max Pressure-top Monitor.


  12. For each of the derived monitor nodes, activate the Update Active property.
  13. Rename the G(p) 1 node to FFT-SPL.

You now add the derived monitor nodes to a monitor plot.

  1. Right-click the Plots node and select New Plot > Monitor.
  2. Rename the Monitor Plot 1 node to Monitor Plot - SPL.
  3. Right-click the Plots > Monitor Plot - SPL > Data Series node and select Add Data.
  4. In the Add Data Providers to Plot dialog, expand the Derived Data node and select the following:
    • derived monitor-back
    • derived monitor-bottom
    • derived monitor-top


  5. Select the Plots > Monitor Plot - SPL > Axes > Bottom Axis node and set the following properties:
    Property Value
    Logarithmic Activated
    Minimum 10
    Maximum 20000
  6. Select the Bottom Axis > Title node and set Title to Frequency (Hz).
  7. Select the Left Axis > Title node and set Title to Sound Pressure Level (dB).
A scene similar to the one shown below is displayed.

From the above monitor plots, it is seen that there are two peaks: one at 500 Hz for the top and bottom probes (lift mode) and one at 1000 Hz for the back probe (drag mode).

  1. Select File > Save As, enter cylinderUnsteady_FFT.sim as the File name, then click Save.