EMM 3522

MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
LAB MANUAL

February 2015

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

1. FREE VIBRATION OF AN UNDAMPED

SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM
Objectives:
1.
2.

To determine the frequency and period of vibration of an undamped simply-supported beam

subjected to free vibration.
To determine the stiffness of an undamped simply-supported beam subjected to free vibration.

Introduction:
Determining the natural frequency of any system helps to find how the system will behave when just
disturbed and left (free vibration), and to find what kind of excitation frequency to be avoided in the system.
Ignoring the effect of self weight, for a simply supported beam loaded at the centre, the beam stiffness, k, is
given by,
k = 48 EI / L3

(1)

where;
E is the modulus of elasticity of the beam material
I is the second moment of area of the beam
Theoretically, the fundamental natural frequency of oscillation, (rad/s), of a simply-supported beam is
given by;
= (k / m)

(2)

where;
k is the beam stiffness
m is the loaded mass
Procedure:
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Set up the apparatus with consideration of the following:

a. Length of beam
b. Masses to be fixed to beam
Affix the low-voltage displacement transducer (LVDT) appropriately for measurements to be
taken.
Run the data recorder (quickDAQ software) and follow instructions as given by the demonstrator
for recording of experimental values.
Attach a predetermined mass to the loading rod centered between the ends of the beam.
Initiate the data recorder. Displace the beam slightly and release to allow the beam to oscillate
naturally. Stop the recorder once oscillation dies.
Save all data into a MS Excel spreadsheet for later reference.
Repeat the experiment for different loadings.

Results/Observations:
1.

Experimental Frequency and Period of Oscillation for Each Mass

a.
b.

Plot graphs of the displacement of the beam vs. time for each experiment. (Refer to
Appendix A of this manual to convert LVDT voltage output to displacement).
From the graphs, determine the frequency of vibration of the beam under the different
loadings.

Repeat the above procedures for all loadings. Obtain the average angular frequencies and average
periods of oscillations of the beam for all the loading conditions. Tabulate the results
appropriately.

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3504 MECHANICS OF MACHINES

For all the loadings selected, compare the experimental angular frequencies obtained to those
calculated using Eq. (2). Tabulate appropriately.
2.

Theoretical and Experimental Stiffness of the Oscillating Beam

Taking the log of Eq. (2) gives,
log () = log ( k ) - log ( m )

(3)

Equation (3) is a linear graph in the form of,

y = ax + c
where,
y = log ()
ax = - log (m)
c = log (k) is the intercept on the y-axis.
Using the experimental values obtained, complete the following table:
Table 1: Experimental results
Angular frequency,
Loaded mass, m
(rad/s)
(kg)

log ()

log (m)

From the data in Table 1, plot the graph of log () vs. log (I). From the plot, locate the intercept on
the y-axis to determine the beam stiffness, k (N/m). Compare the experimental value obtained from
the plot with that obtained from Eq. (1).

log

Graph of log vs. log m

k is the stiffness of the beam

The slope represents the

variation of m with respect to

log k
log m
Figure 1: Graph of log vs. log m
Discussion
1.
2.
3.

Discuss the differences (if any) between the theoretical and experimental results.
Describe the shortcomings of the experiment performed.
Although there is no dashpot attached to the system to provide damping, why did the system come
to rest after a period of time?

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

2.

UNDAMPED SPRING-MASS SYSTEMS

Objective:
To compare the theoretical natural frequency of an undamped spring-mass system
calculated for various masses to the values obtained by measurement.
Theory:
Refer to Fig. 1:

Figure 1: Free-body diagram of

forces acting on the mass

Figure 2: Description of apparatus

Setting-up the equation of motion involves establishing equilibrium of forces at the

mass:

F = mx = F

+ mg

The spring load F c is calculated from deflection x and spring constant c:

Fc = cx
This results in the following 2nd order differential equation as equation of motion:

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

x +

c
x=g
m

Solving the equation gives harmonic oscillations with natural angular frequency o
or natural frequency f:
x(t ) = xo cos(ot )

o 2 =

c
,
m

f =

1
2

c
m

The period is:

T = 2

m
c

As can be seen, the period/natural frequency can easily be adjusted by altering the
mass.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Start the recorder.

With no mass attached to the system, deflect carriage downwards by hand
and allow it to oscillate freely until it comes to rest.
Stop the recorder.
Repeat experiment with other additional masses.

Results:
Fill in the following table:
Experiment
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6

Additional
masses
(kg)
0
2
4
6
8
10

Total mass
(kg)

Experimental
natural frequency
(Hz)

Theoretical natural
frequency
(Hz)

1.250

*Note: spring constant = 1710 N/m

Do not forget to include SAMPLES of your calculations in the report. Refer to

Appendix A of this manual to convert LVDT output voltage to displacement readings.
Discussion:
Compare the calculated and theoretical natural frequencies obtained and discuss the
variation between them, if any.

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

3.

DAMPED SPRING-MASS SYSTEMS

Objective:
To investigate the influence of damping on free oscillation of a spring-mass system.
Theory:
Refer to Fig. 1:

Figure 2: Description of apparatus

Figure 1: Free-body diagram of forces
acting on the mass

The equilibrium of forces at the mass is the basis used for setting up the equation of motion. This time
a speed-proportional damper force F d is additionally introduced. As the constant force due to the
weight mg has no influence on oscillation behaviour, it is ignored here

F = mx = F

The damper force F d results from the velocity

Fd

x and the damper constant d:

Fd = dx

This produces the following homogeneous differential equation for the equation of motion:

x +

d
c
x + x = 0
m
m

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

or, with D as degree of damping and o as natural angular frequency:

x + 2 D o x + o 2 x = 0
c
d
2
, o =
D=
m
2m o
Solving the equation gives decaying harmonic oscillations with frequency:

d = o 1 D 2
It can be seen that at D 1 oscillation is no longer possible. The angular frequency d approaches
zero or becomes imaginary.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Fit 5 additional weights (m g = 11.25 kg) and secure with knurled nut.
Use adjuster to align carriage with center of plot.
Start recorder.
Deflect carriage downwards by hand and allow it to oscillate freely.
Stop recorder.
Repeat experiment with different damper settings.

Results:
Provide the oscillation curves for the following experiments:
Experiment No.
1
2
3
4
5

Needle valve setting

Open 8 turns
Open 4 turns
Open 2 turns
Open 1 turns
Closed
*Note: spring constant, c = 1710 N/m

Determine the damped natural frequency, d for each of the experiments. Do not forget to include
SAMPLES of your calculations in your report. Refer to Appendix A of this manual to convert LVDT
output voltage to displacement readings.
Discussion:
Discuss each damped natural frequencies obtained with their respective oscillation curves. Show all
calculations in your report.
Note:
1.

Assume a linear relationship between the no. of turns of the damper knob and the range
of damping constants (15 300 Ns/m), i.e. a fully-closed knob will apply a 300 Ns/m
damping, a fully-opened knob will have 15 Ns/m damping.

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

4. FREE TORSIONAL VIBRATION

Objectives:
1.
2.

To determine the frequency and period of vibration of a shaft and mass undergoing torsional
vibration.
To experimentally determine the stiffness of the shaft.

Introduction:
Consider a system with a circular disk at the end of cylindrical shaft (Fig. 1). The hanging disk has a
mass moment of inertia I about the axis of rotation. The cylindrical shaft has a torsional stiffness k. If
the mass is rotated through an angle 0 and released, torsional vibration results. Typically the inertia of
the shaft can be ignored.

Figure 1: Shaft undergoing free torsional vibration

Procedure:
1.

2.
3.
4.

Set up the apparatus with consideration of the following:

a. Length of rod
b. Mass(es) to be fixed on end of rod
Affix the low-voltage displacement transducer (LVDT) appropriately for measurements to be
taken.
Run the quickDAQ software and follow instructions as given by the demonstrator for
recording of experimental values.
Save all data into a MS Excel spreadsheet for later reference.

Results:
1.

Frequency and Period of Oscillation for Each Setup

a.
b.
c.

Plot graphs of displacement vs. time for each experiment. Refer to Appendix A of
this manual to convert LVDT output voltage to displacement readings.
From the graphs, determine the frequency of vibration of the rod under the different
rod lengths and mass setups.
Tabulate your findings accordingly.

Theoretically, the angular frequency,

(rad/s), of the oscillating rod is given by:

(q I )

(1)

where q is the torsional stiffness (Nm) of the rod and I is the mass moment of inertia of the
oscillating body in kgm2. Compare the experimental and theoretical angular frequencies
obtained for all the experimental setups. Tabulate accordingly.

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

2.

Comparison between Theoretical Stiffness and Experimental Stiffness

Taking the log of equation (1) gives;

log( ) =

1
1
log(q ) log(I )
2
2

(2)

Equation (2) is a linear graph in the form of

y = ax + c
where,
y
ax

=
=

log ()
1
log(I )
2
1
log(q ) is the intercept on the y-axis.
2

Using the experimental data obtained, complete the table below:

Table 1: Table of data
Angular frequency of
oscillating rod,
(rad/sec)

Mass moment of inertia of oscillating

body, I
(kgm2)

log ()

log ( I )

From the data in the previous table plot the graph of log () vs. log (I) (Refer Fig. 2). From the
intercept on the y-axis calculate the torsional stiffness, q (Nm). The experimental value obtained shall
now be compared to theoretical values which are a function of the rod itself (material type, length and
diameter).

log

Graph of log vs. log I

q is the torsional stiffness of

the rod

The slope represents the

variation of I with respect to

log q
log I
Figure 2: Graph of log vs. log I

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

Discussion/Conclusion
1.
2.

Make comparisons between the theoretical and experimental frequencies of oscillations and
stiffness.
Describe the probable causes of error in your experiment.

Appendix: Additional information

Flywheel

Specimen

Arm to Increase
Mass Moment
Of Inertia

Fixed End

Additional Mass

Experimental Setup
Calculation of torsional stiffness, q
From the torsion equation:

T G
=
J
L
or;
T

GJ
L

q=

GJ
L

where;

( )

The polar moment of inertia of the shaft, J = d 4 32

All symbols have their usual meaning.
Mass moment of inertia of the flywheel of radius r, I f = mr 2 2
Mass moment of inertia of additional mass about the rotation axis, I

= I f + ma h 2
where;
ma
h

=
=

the additional mass

the distance between the centre of the additional mass
and the axis of rotation. h = 300 mm

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

5.

FORCED, DAMPED AND UNDAMPED VIBRATION

OF A SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM

Objective:
To study the effect of damping on a simply-supported beam subjected to forced vibration and
determine the damping factor for a given damping medium.
Introduction:
When a dynamic system is subjected to a steady-state harmonic excitation, it is forced to vibrate at
the same frequency as that of the excitation. Harmonic excitation is often encountered in engineering
systems. It is commonly produced by the unbalance in rotating machinery, forces produced by the
reciprocating machines, or the motion of machine itself. Although pure harmonic excitation is less
likely to occur than the periodic or other types of excitation, understanding the behaviour of a system
undergoing harmonic excitation is essential in order to comprehend how the system will respond to
more general types of excitation. Harmonic excitation may be in the form of a force or displacement of
some point in the system. The harmonic excitation can be given in many ways like with constant
frequency and variable frequency or a swept-sine frequency, in which the frequency changes from the
initial to final values of frequencies with a given time-rate (i.e., ramp).
Procedure:
Setting up the apparatus
1. Check the position of the pinned supports to make sure that they are at the same level.
2. Take the beam and mount it on the two supports. Make sure that the beam is held in position at one
support, by slightly turning the screw such that it touches the beam. Ensure that the other end of
the beam is free to slide over the support.
3. Locate the centre of the beam and fix the motor with the out-of-balance mass at this location.
4. Decide on the mass to be used for loading the beam.
5. Anchor the weight stopper tightly to the loading rod.
6. Insert the loading rod through the hole at the centre of the mass.
7. Insert the displacement measuring plate at the top of the mass. Anchor it tightly to the rod.
8. Screw the top end of the loading rod to the hole at the bottom of the motor mounting.
9. Fix the LVDT to the LVDT stand and its probe is on the displacement measuring plate. Ensure that
the probe is clear of all objects.
10. Connect the LVDT to one of the channels at the data acquisition terminal.
11. Press the RUN button to set the LVDT reading to 0.
12. Adjust the position of the LVDTs probe until the signal from the LVDT displayed on the screen is
at 0 position. Anchor the LVDT tightly.
Running the experiment
The experiment will be executed first in the undamped mode followed by the damped mode.
(a) Undamped experiment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Decide on 3 speeds to be used for this experiment. The chosen speeds should produce significant
amplitude of vibration.
Switch on the motor and set the speeds as decided.
Press the RUN button to record the resulting oscillations.
After a few seconds press the stop button.
Save the data in .csv format.
Increase the speed of the motor to the next chosen speed.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 until all 3 speeds are executed.

(b) Damped experiment

1.
2.

Attach the damping pot close to the motor.

Make sure the damping pot is filled with a damping medium.

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Press the RUN button to check the position of the LVDT probe. If it is not a 0 adjust the LVDT
position until the signal from the LVDT is 0 or approximately 0.
Switch on the motor and set the speed as decided in the undamped case.
Press the RUN button to record the resulting oscillations.
After a few seconds press the stop button.
Save the data in .csv format.
Increase the speed of the motor to the next chosen speed.
Repeat steps 5 to 8 until all 4 speeds are executed.

(c) To determine the damping factor

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

With the damping pot attached, choose a speed close to the resonance frequency so as to obtain a
reasonable displacement.
Press the RUN button to check the position of the LVDT probe. If it is not at 0 position adjust
the LVDT position until the signal from the LVDT is 0 or approximately 0.
Switch on the motor and set the speed as decided.
Press the RUN button to record the resulting oscillations.
Switch off the motor but let the data acquisition RUN until the oscillations die down.
Press the stop button.
Scroll the screen to the position where the motor stops, i.e. the oscillation starts to decrease.
Save the data from this point onwards. This is the free vibration state.

Results/Observations:
1. For each speed and condition (undamped or damped) determine the maximum amplitude of
vibration from the recorded data and record it in the table below. Refer to Appendix A of this
manual to convert LVDT output voltage to displacement readings.
2. For each speed, using the captured data plot the oscillations for the damped and undamped cases
on the same graph to show the effect of damping on the amplitude of oscillation.
Table 1: Speed = _____________ rev/s
Undamped
Cycle no.
Amplitude (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Average

Damped
Cycle no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Average

Table 2: Average amplitude for each selected speed

Motor speed (rev/s)
Undamped

3.

Amplitude (mm)

Damped

Using the data from the free vibration mode, determine the damping factor for the system using the
logarithmic decrement method. The logarithmic decrement, is given by:

1
n

= ln
where;

n
x1
xn

=
=
=
=

logarithmic decrement
cycle no.
amplitude for cycle no. 1
amplitude for cycle n

x1
xn

(1)

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

= (2 )

(1 )
2

(2)

where;
is the damping factor
Table 3: Determination of the damping factor
Cycle no.
Amplitude, x
Amplitude ratio,
(mm)
x 1 /x n

ln x 1 /x n

logarithmic
decrement,

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia
EMM 3522 MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS

APPENDIX A: LVDT OUTPUT CONVERSION

For a number of experiments in this lab manual, students will engage in the use of a
Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT). An LVDT measures displacement
and produces a voltage output proportional to the position of the LVDT at any
moment and the voltage supplied to it.
For the experiments explained in this lab manual, students may be required to
convert the output voltage of the LVDT to a more informative displacement
measurement. An example of such a procedure is presented here.
Example:
An LVDT has a conversion factor of 15.77 mV/V/mm. In other words, for every 1 V
supplied to the LVDT and every 1 mm displacement of the LVDT, the LVDT will
output a voltage of 15.77 mV.
In the laboratory setup, the input voltage to the LVDT is provided by the data
acquisitioning equipment. This voltage input must be measured (using a multimeter)
and its value recorded to be used in the displacement calculations.
Sample calculation:
Suppose an output of 2.35 V is measured by an LVDT with a conversion factor of
15.77 mV/V/mm and a voltage supply of 10 V. Convert the output voltage into
displacement.
Since the conversion factor is 15.77 mV/V/mm and the supply voltage to the LVDT
is 10 V;
1 mm (displacement)
x mm (displacement)
x

=
=

(15.77 10) = 157.7 mV (voltage output)

2.35 V (voltage output)
2.35

157.710 3

14.9 mm

mm