APPLICATIONS OF EIGENVALUES AND EIGENVECTORS

The physical systems arising in engineering applications can be represented as discrete models
involving matrices. Some key parameters describing physical systems (e.g. the resonance frequency) are
closely related to eigenvalues of the matrix representing the system. That is why the eigenvalue anlaysis
is essential in all brances of modern engineering.
The engineers exploit this knowledge to ensure the stability of their constructions. Eigenvalue
analysis is also used in the design of car stereo systems, where it helps to reduce the vibration of the car
due to the music. In electrical engineering, the application of eigenvalues and eigenvectors is useful for
decoupling three-phase systems through symmetrical component transformation. It is also used for
finding the stability of the electrical machines by converting them into mathematical model and finding
the corresponding eigenvalue and eigenvector.
Eigenvalues can also be used to test for cracks or deformities in a solid. It is impossible to test
every inch of the beams used in construction. The problem is not as time consuming when eigenvalues
are used. When a beam is struck, its natural frequencies (eigenvalues) can be heard. If the beam rings,
then it is not flawed. A dull sound will result from a flawed beam because the flaw causes the
eigenvalues to change. Sensitive machines can be used to see and hear eigenvalues more precisely.
Oil companies frequently use eigenvalue analysis to explore land for oil. Oil, dirt, and other
substances all give rise to linear systems which have different eigenvalues, so eigenvalue analysis can
give a good indication of where oil reserves are located. Oil companies place probes around a site to pick
up the waves that result from a huge truck used to vibrate the ground. The waves are changed as they
pass through the different substances in the ground. The analysis of these waves directs the oil
companies to possible drilling sites.
Google uses the eigenvector corresponding to the maximal eigenvalue of the Google matrix to
determine the rank of a page for search and according to their ranking, the webpages are displayed.
The 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, was a suspension
bridge in the US state of Washington that spanned the Tacoma Narrows Strait of Puget Sound between
Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula. It opened to traffic on July 1, 1940 and dramatically collapsed into
Puget Sound on November 7 of the same year due to wind at the speed of 42 miles/hour. The reason
for the bridge collapse was later found to be wind induced resonance. Resonance is a process in which
an objects, in this case a bridges, natural vibrating frequency is amplified by an identical frequency i.e.,
the wind frequency became too close to the natural frequency of the bridge. A video link for the same is
given below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mclp9QmCGs