Capital University of Science and Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME4253 – Mechanical Vibrations
Midterm Exam (BS ME)
Semester: Spring 2019 Max Marks: 100
Date: April 24th 2019 Max Time Allowed: 90 Min
Instructors: Asst. Prof. Tauseef Ahmed
Instructions:
 There are FOUR questions in this paper on TWO pages. Attempt all questions.
 Where required draw Free body Diagrams clearly
 This exam carries 20% weight towards the final evaluation.

Name: Reg. No.

Part 1
Question No. 1. (CLO – 1) (25)
Analyze the following vibration systems for
A. the equivalent spring constant of the system shown below in Figure (1.a)
B. The resultant sum of the following two harmonics 𝑥1 = 𝐴1 sin 𝜔𝑡 and 𝑥2 = 𝐴2 cos 𝜔𝑡 is
a simple harmonic function
C. Figure 1.C represents the displacement-time graph of the simple harmonic motion. What
is the frequency of the simple harmonic motion

Figure (1.c)

Figure (1.a)

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Question No. 3 (CLO-1) (25 marks)
A free vibration test is run to determine the stiffness and damping properties of a mechanically
vibrating system. A 20 Kg block is attached to the stiffness and damping elements. The mass is
displaced 1 cm and released. The resulting oscillations monitored and shown in the figure below.
Determine (a) the type of damping present (b) the values of stiffness and damping

Part 2
Question No. 2. (CLO – 2) (25 marks)

Let the displacement response of a single degree of freedom system defined as

𝑥(𝑡) = 𝐴1 cos 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐴2 sin 𝜔𝑡
Find
(a) the type of oscillating system and amplitude of vibration for an initial displacement 0 and
initial velocity 𝑥̇ 0
(b) if the system has the following characteristics m=2 kg, stiffness 3200 N/m, 𝑥0 =0 calculate
the maximum initial velocity required so that the amplitude does not exceed a value of 0.2m

Question No. 4. (CLO-2) (25 marks)

The block of mass 10 kg as shown in figure is displaced

25mm and released. It is observed that the amplitude
decreases 1.2 mm each cycle. What is the damping force
and the coefficient of friction between the block and the
surface?

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