NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT
Faculty of Informatics and Technical Education
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
PROGRAM : Higher Diploma in Automobile Engineering
MODULE NAME : Linear Algebra
MODULE CODE : AEU 07103
LECTURER’S NAME : PITA DONALD
ACADEMIC YEAR : 2024/2025
SEMESTER :I
TASK : Group Assignment
SUBMISSION DATE : January 14, 2025.
GROUP MEMBERS
NIIT/BAE/2024/1197
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1090
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1126
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1087
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1128
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1035
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1106
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1042
NIIT/BAEL/2023/2076
NIIT/BAEL/2023/1054
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1. Eigenvalues are scalar values associated wth a square matrix that provide significant
insights into the matrix’s properties.
Mathematically Definition;
For a given square matrix A and a non zero vector v, the eigenvalue ⅄ sastifies the
equation:
Av = ⅄v
Where;
A Square matrix representing a transformation
V an eigenvector, a nonzero vector that only changes in magnitude (not direction) un-
der the transformation of A,
⅄ the eigenvalues, a scalarthat represents the factor by which the eigenvector is
streched or compressed.
Application of eigenvalues in engineering with their examples;
(a) Vibration and analysis in mechanical systems.
Eigenvalues are used to determine the natural frequencies of mechanical systems.
These frequencies are cruicial for understanding how the structure or machine vi-
brates under different conditions.
Example;
Consider a two degree of freedom mass spring system:
M= [ 20 01], K= [−26 −24 ]
To find the natural frequencies solve the eigenvalues problem:
[K - ⅄M]= 0
[−26 −24 ] - ⅄ [ 20 01] = 0,
[−26 −24 ] - [ 20⅄ 0⅄ ] = 0,
[ 6−2
−2
⅄ −2
4− ⅄ ]
= 0,
(6−2 ⅄) (4− ⅄) – (-2) (-2) = 0,
(24 – 6⅄ - 8⅄ + 2⅄^2) – 4 = 0,
24 – 14⅄ + 2⅄^2 – 4 = 0,
20 – 14⅄ + 2⅄^2 = 0,
2
Solving quadratic equation above by spliting the middle term,
a = 2, b = -14, c = 20,
⅄(⅄ - 2) – 5(⅄ - 2) = 0,
⅄ - 5 = 0 or ⅄ - 2 = 0.
⅄ = 5 or ⅄ = 2,
But, natural frequency = (⅄)^1/2
= (5)^1/2 or (2)^1/2
There fore the natural frequencies are (5)^1/2 and (2)^1/2.
(b) Stress and strain in material analysis.
Eigenvalues of the stress tensor help to determine principal stresses, which are
critical in evaluating material failures.
Example:
Given the stress tensor (ɤ);
[ ]
100 30 0
ɤ = 30 80 0
0 0 50
Find the eigenvalues (principle stresses)
[ ɤ - ⅄I] = 0,
[ ] [ ]
100 30 0 1 0 0
30 80 0 - ⅄ 0 1 0 = 0,
0 0 50 0 0 1
[ ][ ]
100 30 0 ⅄ 0 0
30 80 0 - 0 ⅄ 0 = 0,
0 0 50 0 0 ⅄
[ ]
100− ⅄ 30 0
30 80− ⅄ 0 = 0,
0 0 50− ⅄
3
50−⅄ [ 100− ⅄
30
30
80− ⅄ ]
=0
(50−⅄ ) (100−⅄ )(80− ⅄) – (30)(30) = 0,
Solving polynomial equation above;
⅄ = 50 or ⅄ = 58.377 or ⅄ = 5121.623
Therefore, the principle stresses are 50 Mpa, 58.377 Mpa and 121.623 Mpa.
Futhermore , the eigenvalues play a vital role in mechanical and automotive engineer-
ing by providing insights into system dynamics, stability and performance for ensur-
ing the safety and efficiency of engineering designs.
2. Eigenvector are special vector that remains unchanged in direction when linear trans-
formation is applied to it. It may get stretched, compressed os reversed, but its direc-
tion remains the same.
Mathematically Definition;
For a given square matrix A and a non zero vector v, the eigenvalue ⅄ sastifies the
equation:
Av = ⅄v
Where;
A Square matrix representing a transformation
V an eigenvector, a nonzero vector that only changes in magnitude (not direction) un-
der the transformation of A,
⅄ the eigenvalues, a scalarthat represents the factor by which the eigenvector is
streched or compressed.
Benafts of eigenvectors wth their examples;
(a) Simplification of systems (Diagonalization).
Eigenvectors allow a matrix to be diagonalized, which simplifies matrix opera-
tions like raising a matrix to a power. This is useful for solving systems of differ-
ential equations or analyzing stability.
Example:
Power system analysis, in electrical engineering, eigenvectors are used to analyse
power systems to determine modes of oscilation. The diagonalized matrix makes
calculation of system stability and dynamics more efficient.
Consider matrix A = [ 42 13] ,
det (A - ⅄ I ) = 0,
4
det [ 4− ⅄
2
1
3−⅄ ]
= 0,
(4 - ⅄) (3 - ⅄ ) - 2 = 0,
Solving quadratic equation;
⅄ = 5, or ⅄ = 2.
Finding eigenvectors;
For ⅄ = 5:
(A – 5I)v = 0
[ 42 13] - [ 50 50]v = 0
From the equation v2 = v1
For ⅄ = 2:
(A – 2I)v = 0
[ 42 13] - [ 20 02]v = 0
From the equation v2 = -2v1
(b) Stability Analysis.
Eigenvectors help analyze the stabilty of dynamic systems by examining the
eigenvectors of the system matrix.
Example:
Aircrft Control Systems, in aerospace engineering, eigenvectors are used to ana-
lyze the stability of aircraft dynamics. Each eigenvector corresponds to a mode of
motion, such as pitching, or rolling and helps engineers design stable control sys-
tem.
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