Frequency Response Curves and Dynamic Characteristics of a Ginkgo Tree in Different Growth Periods

Abstract

HighlightsThe frequency domain modal parameters identification method was applied to a ginkgo tree.Dynamic characteristics of the ginkgo tree were tested during five phenological periods.Almost all resonance frequencies were near the peaks of the frequency response curves.Leaves caused the number of natural frequencies of the ginkgo tree to be greatly reduced.Abstract. Understanding the dynamic characteristics of fruit trees is the premise of effective mechanized harvesting. This study performed a tracking test on a ginkgo tree in five phenological periods from the dormant period to the leaf-unfolding period. The frequency domain modal parameters identification method was applied to the ginkgo tree, and the relationship between the natural frequencies and resonance frequencies of the ginkgo tree was obtained. The main factors affecting the fundamental frequency and damping ratio of the ginkgo tree were not the elastic modulus and moisture content but rather the growth of the leaves. The growth of leaves caused the number of natural frequencies in the low-frequency band to be greatly reduced, and the value of the natural frequencies exhibited a slightly decreasing tendency. The damping caused by leaves had a significant weakening effect on the transmission of vibrational energy on the lateral branches. The resonance frequencies that caused strong response of the ginkgo tree were mostly near the peak frequencies of the frequency response curves (natural frequencies), but eccentric motor excitation could not effectively stimulate all the natural frequencies of the ginkgo tree to reach resonance. In the frequency response curves of the ginkgo tree, the main natural frequency with the maximum energy might not cause the maximum vibration response of the ginkgo tree, even if this excitation frequency could induce resonance. Resonance could be used to maximize the transfer of excitation energy, but each position of the tree had its own independent frequency spectrum characteristics. A single excitation frequency could not cause all positions of the ginkgo tree to resonate simultaneously. Changing the excitation frequency of harvesting equipment within a small frequency range could achieve the maximum resonance response of most positions on fruit trees. Keywords: Dynamic characteristics, Growth periods, Leaves, Natural frequencies, Resonance.