Engineering English
Natural Frequency
Mechanical Engineering · Engineering Fundamentals · Aerospace Engineering · Mechatronics & Robotics · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: The natural frequency is the frequency at which a system oscillates when disturbed from its equilibrium position and left to vibrate freely. It is determined by the system's mass and stiffness distribution.
Example in context
“To avoid resonance, ensure the operating speed does not coincide with any natural frequency of the rotor system.”
“Rezonansı önlemek için çalışma hızının rotor sisteminin herhangi bir doğal frekansı ile çakışmadığından emin olun.”
Where engineers use it
Used in rotordynamics when calculating critical speeds and designing machine foundations. Engineers compare operating speeds to natural frequencies to avoid resonance and excessive vibration.
Synonyms: eigenfrequency, characteristic frequency
Antonyms: forced frequency
In Engineering Fundamentals
The frequency at which a system oscillates when disturbed from its equilibrium, determined solely by its stiffness and mass distribution.
“To avoid resonance, engineers design bridge components so that their natural frequencies differ from expected wind-induced vibrations.”
In Aerospace Engineering
Natural frequency is the frequency at which a system oscillates when not subjected to a continuous external force. In aircraft dynamics, it characterizes the inherent oscillatory tendency of a stability mode, such as the short period or phugoid.
“The short period mode natural frequency must be between 1.0 and 2.5 rad/s for typical transport aircraft to ensure satisfactory response.”
In Mechatronics & Robotics
The frequency at which a second-order system would oscillate freely if no energy were dissipated. It is set by the stiffness and inertia of the system and fixes the timescale of its dynamic behaviour.
“Stiffening the mounting bracket raised the natural frequency of the arm well above the excitation band produced by the conveyor drive.”
Practice: can you use “Natural Frequency” at work?
A pump rotor vibrates excessively at 3600 rpm. Determine its natural frequency and suggest a modification to shift it away from the operating speed.
Show a model answer
“The natural frequency of the rotor must be at least 20% above the operating speed.”
“Natural Frequency” in 21 languages
| English | Natural Frequency |
|---|---|
| Turkish | doğal frekans |
| French | fréquence naturelle |
| German | Eigenfrequenz |
| Spanish | frecuencia natural |
| Chinese | 固有频率 |
| Arabic | التردد الطبيعي |
| Portuguese | frequência natural |
| Russian | собственная частота |
| Japanese | 固有振動数 |
| Italian | frequenza naturale |
| Vietnamese | tần số tự nhiên |
| Hindi | प्राकृतिक आवृत्ति |
| Thai | ความถี่ธรรมชาติ |
| Indonesian | frekuensi alami |
| Korean | 고유 진동수 |
| Bengali | প্রাকৃতিক কম্পাঙ্ক |
| Dutch | natuurlijke frequentie |
| Swedish | egenfrekvens |
| Finnish | ominaistaajuus |
| Ukrainian | власна частота |
Frequently asked questions
What does Natural Frequency mean in engineering?
The natural frequency is the frequency at which a system oscillates when disturbed from its equilibrium position and left to vibrate freely. It is determined by the system's mass and stiffness distribution. In Mechanical Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Natural Frequency?
Natural Frequency is pronounced /ˈnætʃəɹəl ˈfɹiːkwənsi/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Natural Frequency used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “To avoid resonance, ensure the operating speed does not coincide with any natural frequency of the rotor system.”
This entry is one of 7,806 terms in the Engineering English iOS app — with quizzes, spaced repetition and pronunciation checking.
Get the app on the App Store