Simple structure a concentrated or lumped mass m supported by a massless

structure with stiffness k in the lateral direction

Lateral displacement u(t) of these idealized structures (without any external
excitation): m + ku =
!"erdot denotes differentiation with respect to time# therefore $% = "elocity# =
acceleration
&f an initial displace ment u is applied#
&dealized systems: oscillation ne"er comes to rest
'eality: oscillate with e"er(decreasin) amplitude
*xperiment:
+ecay more rapid for the plexi)lass model relati"e to aluminum flame
,rocess by which "ibration steadily diminishes in amplitude ( dampin)