CHAPTER 1: One degree-of-freedom vibration

An introduction to basic vibration theory

A system may vibrate when it is possible for energy to be converted from one form to another
and back again. In mechanical systems this is usually from the kinetic energy of motion to the
stored energy in for example a spring. A simple vibrating system consists of a rigid mass
attached by a massless spring to a fixed abutment, see figure 1.1 For one degree-of-freedom
vibration the mass is constrained to move in one direction.. If there is an energy dissipation
source, such as a viscous damper, then the vibration will gradually decay as energy is converted
to heat.

Vibration is often considered as "transient" or "forced" vibration. A transient vibration is one

that dies away with time due to energy dissipation. Usually there is some initial disturbance and
following this the system vibrates without any further input. This is called transient vibration. A
forced vibration is usually defined as being one that is kept going by an external excitation.

1.1 Transient vibration: Undamped

Consider the motion of the spring/mass
system, shown in figure 1.1, when it is initially
disturbed and then allowed to vibrate freely.
The displacement of the mass with time, x(t), is
measured from the static equilibrium position,
ie. the rest position.

If at some time t the mass is displaced an

amount x(t) in the positive direction shown.
Then for a linear spring there will be a force on
the mass from the spring of -kx(t).

Thus from Newton's second law of motion

using a free-body diagram,
Figure 1.1
mx' ' (t) = − kx(t) .......... (1.1) Free body diagram

Equation (1.1) is called the equation of motion. The equation is unchanged if gravity effects are
included. Rearranging and dividing by m gives,

k
x'' (t) + ω2nx(t) = 0 ........... (a) where ω n =
m

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the solution of (a) will be of the form,
x(t) = Ae α 1t + Beα 2 t

where the values of A, B, α1 and α 2 may be found from the initial conditions x(0) and x'(0).
Thus substituting x(t) = Ae αt in equation (a) gives,

Ae αt (α2 + ω2n ) = 0 thus α 2 + ω 2n = 0

and hence α 2 = −ω2n so that α1 = +iω n and α 2 = −iω n where i = −1
Thus,
x(t) = Ae +iω n t + Be −iω n t
rearranging gives,
(A + B) +iω n t (A − B) +iω n t
x(t) =
2
e( + e −iωn t + ) 2
e ( − e −iωn t )
so that x(t) = C cosω n t + D sinω n t ............. (b)
where C=A+B and D=A-B

when t=0 x(t)=x(0), so that substituting in (b) gives x(0) = C

also when t=0 x'(t)=x'(0), so that substituting differentiating (b) and substituting gives
x' (t) = ω n D

so that finally we have,

x' (0)
x(t) = x(0)cosω n t + sin ω n t ..................................... (1.2)
ωn

You may investigate the motion by running a simulation program.

For example with an initial displacement but with no initial velocity the motion is sinusoidal with
an amplitude x(0) and a frequency ω n .

x(t) = x(0)cosω n t

This is a non decaying sinusoidal vibration of frequency ω n that is conventionally termed the
undamped natural frequency where

k
ωn = ......................................................... (1.3)
m

Note that the undamped natural frequency does not depend on the initial conditions or the
amplitude of the motion.

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Also note that with an initial velocity alone or with both initial velocity and displacement a
sinusoidal vibration of frequency ω n would be obtained.

1.2 Transient vibration: Damped

We now add a viscous damper having a damping coefficient c to the spring/mass system
previously consider, see figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2

Drawing a free body diagram and applying Newton's second law of motion to gives,

mx' ' (t) = − kx(t) − cx' (t) .......................................... (1.4)

and hence mx' ' (t) + cx' (t) + kx(t) = 0 ......................................... (1.5)

1.2.1 Laplace transform solution.

This maths approach is helpful when the transients arising at the start of forced vibration are
considered. Taking Laplace transforms of equation (1.5) yields,

m[−x' (0) − sx(0) + s2 X(s)] + c[−x(0) + sX(s)] + kX(s) = 0

rearranging this gives
m(x' (0) + sx(0)) + cx(0)
X(s) = .................................. (1.6)
ms2 + cs + k
For no damping (c=0) we can check that this is the same result as previously - equation (1.2)

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Thus for c = 0. Equation (1.6) then becomes,

m(x' (0) + sx(0)) sx(0) x' (0)

X(s) = 2 = 2 + 2
ms + k s +k/m s +k/m

k
Now taking inverse Laplace transforms and substituting ω n = as before gives,
m

x' (t)
x(t) = x(0)cosω n t + sin ω nt ....................................... (1.2)
ωn
1.2.2 Equations in non-dimensional form
It is common to write the basic equation of motion in terms of ω n and another parameter ξ, the
viscous damping ratio, which is defined as,

c
ξ= (The significance of ξ will become apparent later).
2 km

Thus if equation (1.5) is divided throughout by m we obtain,

x'' (t) + 2ξω nx' (t) + ω 2n x(t) = 0 ...................................... (1.7)

If Laplace transforms are taken we obtain

x' (0) + 2ξω n x(0) sx(0)

X(s) = 2 2 + 2 ................................. (1.8)
s + 2ξω ns + ω n s + 2ξω ns + ω 2n

Now the form of solution depends on the value of ξ so that different solutions are obtained
depending on whether ξ< 1, ξ= 1 or ξ> 1. We have already considered the case where c and
hence ξ is zero. The solution was a non-decaying oscillation of frequency ω n .

1.2.3 Case when ξ < 1

When ξ < 1 the inverse Laplace transform of equation (1.8) gives,

 
−ξωn t  [x' (0) + ξω n x(0)]sin ω n (1− ξ2 )t 
2
x(t) = e  x(0)cosω n (1 − ξ )t +  ........... (1.9)
2)
 ω n (1− ξ 

This is an exponentially decaying oscillation. If again, the specific example of an initial

displacement and no initial velocity is taken, ie, x(0) = X 0 and x' (t) = 0 then

 
−ξωn t  2 ξsin ω n (1− ξ2 )t 
x(t) = X0e cosω n (1− ξ )t +  ................ (1.10)
2)
 (1 − ξ 

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 and the damped natural frequency is ω D = ω n (1 − ξ2 ) ....................................... (1.11)

A typical variation of x(t) with t is shown in figure 1.3.

Figure 1.3 Transient vibration with ξ < 1

Run a simulation program and vary ξ

The greater the value of ξ the more rapid the decay of the oscillation. As ξ−>1 then the solution
tends to have no oscillation. In fact ξ = 1 is the lowest value of ξ which does not give any
oscillation and this is thus termed the critical damping ratio. From the definition of ξ (=
c / 2 km ) it is clear that when ξ = 1 the critical value of cc= 2 km , so that ξ = c/cc.

1.2.4 Case when ξ = 1

When ξ = 1 the inverse Laplace transform of equation (1.8) gives,

x(t) = x(0)e − ωn t + [x' (0) + ω n x(0)]te − ωn t ........................... (1.12)

This is a non oscillatory motion and for the case considered previously, ie. x(0) = X 0 and x' (t)
= 0 then
x(t) = x(0)(1+ ω n t )e − ωn t .......................................... (1.13)

The variation of x(t) with t is shown in figure 1.4. If the value of ξ exceeds 1.0 then another
mathematical solution is obtained.

Figure 1.4 Transient vibration with ξ = 1

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1.2.5 Case when ξ > 1
When ξ > 1 the inverse Laplace transform of equation (1.8) gives,

 
−ξωn t  2 [x' (0) + ξω n x(0)]sinhω n (ξ2 − 1)t 
x(t) = e  x(0)coshω n (ξ − 1)t +  ......... (1.14)
 ω n (ξ2 − 1) 

This is a non-oscillatory decaying motion and for the case considered previously, ie. x(0) = X 0
and x' (t) = 0 then
 
−ξωn t  2 ξsinhω n (ξ2 − 1)t 
x(t) = X0e cosh ω n (ξ − 1)t + 2 − 1)  ............ (1.15)
 (ξ 
Typical variations of x(t) with t for various values of ξ are shown in figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5 Transient vibration with ξ > 1

Run a simulation program and vary ξ

For real engineering structures it would be extremely unusual for ξ to exceed unity and thus any
transient vibration is normally oscillatory. It is possible from measured transients to calculate
ξ. This approach uses the logarithmic decrement.

1.3 Logarithmic decrement.

For ξ<1 and free motion, ie. no exciting force, the solution is,

 
−ξωn t  2 ξsin ω n (1− ξ2 )t 
x(t) = X0e cosω n (1− ξ )t + 
 (1 − ξ2 ) 
and this may be written

 
x(t) = e −ξωn t  A cosω n (1− ξ 2 )t + Bsinω n (1 − ξ2 )t  .................... (1.15)

x' (0) + ξω nX0

where A = X0 and B = .
ω n (1− ξ2 )
Thus for arbitrary initial conditions a solution of the form given in equation (1.15) will apply.
Now equation (1.15) may be manipulated as follows.

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  
A B
x(t) = e −ξωn t (A 2 − B2 )  cosω n (1 − ξ2 )t + sin ω n (1 − ξ2 )t 
 (A 2 − B2 ) (A 2 − B2 ) 

 
= e −ξωn t (A2 − B2 ) sin φcosω n (1− ξ 2 )t + cos φsinω n (1− ξ 2 )t 

 
= Ce −ξωn t sin  ω n (1 − ξ2 )t + φ ....................................... (1.16)

where tanφ = A/B and C = A2 + B2

Equation (1.16) represents a decaying oscillation of frequency ω n (1− ξ2 ) , the damped
natural frequency.

Now consider successive maximum amplitudes in the vibration as shown in figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6 Transient vibration with ξ < 1

dx(t)
= 0 at a maximum. Differentiating equation (1.16)
dt

dx(t)     
= C  −ξω n e− ξ ωn t sin ω n (1− ξ2 )t + φ  + ω n (1− ξ2 )e −ξωn t cos ω n (1− ξ 2 )t + φ  
dt  

this is zero when

   
−ξω n sin ω n (1− ξ 2 )t + φ  + ω n (1− ξ 2 ) cos ω n (1− ξ2 )t + φ  = 0
   

  (1− ξ2 )
ie. when tan ω n (1 − ξ2 )t + φ =
ξ
which is when
 
2 −1  (1− ξ 2 ) 
ω n (1− ξ )t + φ = tan   + nπ
 ξ 

This represents alternate max/min. Consider any two successive maxima or minima.
 2 
2 −1  (1 − ξ ) 
Then ω n (1− ξ )t m + φ = tan 
ξ  + 2mπ ............................ (a)
 

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  
2 (1− ξ2 ) 
−1 
and ω n (1− ξ )t m +1 + φ = tan 
ξ  + 2(m + 1)π ................... (b)
 
2π
(b) - (a) gives t m+1 − t m = ................................. (c)
ω n (1− ξ2 )

 
Now x(t m ) = Ce −ξωn tm sin ω n (1− ξ 2 )t m + φ

 
and x(t m +1 ) = Ce −ξωn t m +1 sin ω n (1− ξ 2 )t m +1 + φ 
 
e −ξωn t m sin  ω n (1 − ξ2 )t m + φ 
x(t m )
∴ =
x(t m +1 ) e −ξωn t m +1 sin ω (1− ξ2 )t 
 n m +1 + φ 

  (1− ξ2 )
but since tan ω n (1 − ξ2 )t + φ = for t = t m and t m +1
ξ

   
sin ω n (1− ξ2 )t m +1 + φ  = sin ω n (1− ξ2 )t m + φ 

x(t m ) e −ξωn t m +1 ξ ω (t −t )
∴ = −ξω t = e n m+1 m
x(t m +1 ) e n m

and substituting for t m+1 − t m from (c),

 
 2πξ 
 2 
x(t m )  (1−ξ ) 
=e
x(t m +1 )
The log decrement δ is defined as
 x(t )   2πξ 
m = ..................................... (1.17)
δ = log e  
 m +1 )   (1− ξ2 ) 
x(t

If δ is measured we may determine ξ in terms of δ thus

 
 2πξ 
δ=
2 
 (1− ξ ) 
2 4π2ξ2
∴δ =
1− ξ2
∴δ2 − ξ2δ2 = 4π 2ξ2
∴ξ2 (4π 2 − δ2 ) = δ2
δ
and hence ∴ξ = ..................................... (1.18)
(4π + δ 2 )
2

Thus it is possible from a decay trace to determine the damping ratio ξ.

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1.4 Forced vibration: External force.
If the mass is subjected to a force F(t) acting in the positive x(t) as
shown in figure 1.6 then the equation of motion (1.5) becomes,

mx' ' (t) + cx' (t) + kx(t) = F(t) .................... (1.19)

Taking Laplace Transforms

m[−x' (0) − sx(0) + s2 X(s)] + c[−x(0) + sX(s)] + kX(s) = LF(t)

LF(t) m(x' (0) + sx(0)) + cx(0)

X(s) = 2 + ......... (1.20)
ms + cs + k ms2 + cs + k

The latter term is identical to that already examined, ie. there is a

transient component of the response which is dependent on the
initial conditions.
Figure 1.6
The solution of x(t) is thus the superposition of a free vibration arising from the initial
conditions plus a solution resulting from the applied force. We shall now examine this
component of the solution.
LF(t)
X(s) = 2
ms + cs + k

Frequently F(t) is cyclic in nature. Thus the solution when F(t) = Fsinωt is commonly
examined. This is also relevant since many excitation forces may be separated into sinusoidal
components.
F
Now LF(t) = LFsinωt = 2
s + ω2

F
therefore X(s) = ..................................... (1.21)
(s + ω )(ms2 + cs + k)
2 2

taking partial fractions

As + B Cs + D
X(s) = 2 + ................................... (1.22)
(s + ω ) (ms2 + cs + k)
2

where the second term will yield an exponential decaying motion of the kind already
encountered. This is a transient motion arising from the fact that taking the Laplace Transform
implies that the forcing function is zero when t < 0. Thus the sinusoidal excitation commences
at t = 0 and there is a transient associated with the 'start up' of the motion. A typical start up
transient is shown in figure 1.7. In some real applications these transients can be very
significant. For example with road drills and rotating machinery.

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 Figure 1.7 Forced vibration showing initial transient.

The 'start up' transient may be examined by using the program

When considering sinusoidal excitation we are normally interested in the steady state motion
that results and is given by the first term in equation (1.22). Thus we are interested in A and B.
From equations (1.21) and (1.22) if the coefficients of s3 , s2 , s and the constant term are
compared it is possible to show that,

−ωcF
A=
(k − mω2 )2 + ω2 c2
ω(k − mω 2 )F
B=
(k − mω 2 )2 + ω 2c 2

The steady state component of x(t) is given by taking the inverse Laplace transform of,

As + B
X(s) =
(s2 + ω 2 )
thus
B
X(t) = A cosωt + sinωt
ω
and substituting for A and B gives

F −ωc cosωt + (k − mω 2 )sinωt

( )
x(t) = 2 2 2 2
(k − mω ) + ω c

F sin(ωt + φ)
so that x(t) = 1/ 2 .................................. (1.23)
((k − mω 2 )2 + ω 2c2 )
−ωc
where tan φ =
(k − mω 2 )

It is conventional to represent x(t) as Xsin(ωt+φ), where X is the amplitude of the response and
φ the phase angle. Thus from (1.23)

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 F
X= 1/2
((k − mω2 )2 + ω2 c2 )
The results may be non-dimensionalised by multiplying throughout by k and dividing by F.

kX 1 −2ξω / ω n
Thus, = and tan φ = .................. (1.24)
F  2  2 2  1/ 2  2 2
 1 − ω  + 4ξ2 ω   1− ω 
  ω2  2
ω 2n   ωn 
 n

The variation of kX/F and φ as functions of ω/ωn are shown in figure 1.8 for ξ = 0.1.

Figure 1.8 Steady state response and phase for external force excitation.

Investigate the effect of changing ξ by running the program.

The main points to note are that:-

kX ω
i) →1 as → 0 this is generally known as the quasi-static condition as
F ωn
X 1
→ .
F k

kX ω
ii) → 0 as → ∞.
F ωn

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 iii) Resonance occurs, ie. kX/F is a maximum, when d(kX/F)/dω is zero. This can be
shown to be when ,
ω r = ω n (1− 2ξ2 )
However, note that there is no real solution for ω r when ξ > 1 / 2 , ie. the response
continuously falls with frequency.

iv) The final point of interest is the response amplitude at resonance, ie.

kX 1
=
F  2  1/2
( (
 1− 1− 2ξ2

))
+ 4ξ2 1− 2ξ 2 ( )


kX 1
= 1/2
F 4ξ 4 + 4ξ2 − 8ξ4
( )
which for small values of ξ is equal to 1/(2ξ).

The method of approach thus far has been to use Laplace Transforms. However when the
steady state response is required it is possible to obtain this more directly using an exciting
force Feiωt, and assuming a steady state response Xeiωt. This method does not provide the
transient solutions due to the initial conditions at the commencement of the excitation. Consider
again the equation of motion (1.19), this becomes

mx' ' (t) + cx' (t) + kx(t) = Feiωt ...................................... (1.25)

substituting x(t) = Xe iωt gives

− mω 2Xe iωt + iωcXe iωt + kXe iωt = Fe iωt

and thus
X 1
=
F k − mω2 + iωc

This is a complex expression the amplitude of which is the response amplitude and the phase of
which indicates the phase between displacement and force. If the equation is non-
dimensionalised by multiplying throughout by k we obtain,

kX 1
= 2
F ω ω
1− 2 + i2ξ
ωn ωn

and this has the same response amplitude and phase lag as before,

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 kX 1 −2ξω / ω n
= and tan φ = 2  ................... (1.24)
F  2  2 2  1/ 2  ω
 1 − ω  + 4ξ2 ω   1− 
  ω2   ω 2n 
ω 2n 
 n

It is clear that this method allows the steady state response to be obtained far more simply and
thus it will be the preferred method for steady state analysis.

So far the excitation has been limited to an oscillating force of constant amplitude. There are,
however, other types of excitation. Those normally considered are excitation by a rotating out-
of-balance mass and also abutment (or floor) excitation. However before considering these
excitations we will briefly consider the definition of response locus.

1.4.1 Response locus

For some applications the response is presented as a response locus that combines the response
amplitude and phase in one diagram. This is illustrated in figure 1.9.

At each frequency of excitation the

response amplitude (blue) and the phase
(green) is drawn as a vector with phase
angles positive anti-clockwise from the
kX/F axis. The end of the this vector
traces out a locus as the excitation
frequency is varied.

Figure 1.9. Response as amplitude and phase and also response locus.

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1.5 Forced vibration: Out-of-balance excitation
The excitation by an out-of-balance is shown diagrammatically in figure 1.10. The out-of-
balance mass m' is at a radius r and is rotating at an angular frequency ω, so that θ = ωt. The
acceleration of the mass m' in the x(t) direction is then −ω 2r sinωt relative to the mass m. As
this mass has an acceleration x''(t) the mass m' has an acceleration x'' (t) − ω 2 rsinωt . There is
therefore a force m' (x'' (t) - ω 2rsin ωt) on m' to provide this acceleration. From Newton III
there is an opposite reaction force on m given by,

− m' x'' (t) + m' ω 2r sinωt

Figure 1.10 Excitation by an out-of-balance mass.

The equation of motion thus becomes,

mx' ' (t) + cx' (t) + kx(t) = −m' x' ' (t) + m' ω2 rsinωt ....................... (1.26)

which may be rearranged to give

(m + m' )x' ' (t) + cx' (t) + kx(t) = m' ω 2rsin ωt

This is basically the same as for the excitation by Fsinωt, but F is replaced by m'ω2r and the
mass of the system is increased to m+m'. If a Laplace Transform solution was completed it
would be found that there is an initial 'start up' transient. If the running speed is above the
resonant frequency than the angular acceleration up to the running speed becomes important. If
the acceleration is to small then severe vibration may occur even though at the top speed
vibration should not be a problem. For some large rotating systems it is also important for the

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run down to occur quickly to avoid resonance effects if the running speed is above resonance.
Examine the start up transients.

Instant running at selected speed. Constant angular acceleration to top speed.

The steady state response is thus given by comparison with equation (1.23), so that

m' ω 2r sin(ωt − φ) −ωc

x(t) = where tan φ =
2 2 1/2 [k − (m + m' )ω 2 ]
([k − (m + m' )ω 2 ]2 + ω c )
These results may also be non-dimensionalised thus,

2
m' r ω
m + m' ω 2n −2ξω / ω n
X= and tan φ =  ....................... (1.27)
 2  1/ 2 2
 ω 2  2 ω 
2  1− ω 
1 − + 4ξ 2
  ω 2  ω 2n   ωn 
 n 

k c
where ω n = and ξ =
(m + m' ) 2 (m + m' )k

Typical response curves are shown in figure 1.11. The main points to note are that:-

ω
i) X → 0 as → 0 this is because the excitation force tends to zero.
ωn

−m' r ω
ii) X→ as → ∞ This is anti-phase with the excitation and the centre of
m + m' ωn
mass of m and m' does not move.

iii) Resonance occurs, ie. X is a maximum, when dX/dω is zero. This can be shown to
ωn
be when ω r = . However, note that there is no real solution for ωr when
(1− 2ξ2 )
ξ>1/√2, that is the response continuously rises with frequency and approaches
− m' r
asymptotically. When there is a resonance it should be noted that ωr is
m + m'
greater than ωn.

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 Figure 1.11 Steady state response and phase for out-of-balance excitation.

m' r
Investigate the effect of changing ξ. Note that has dimensions of length.
(m + m' )

1.6 Forced vibration: Abutment excitation

Sinusoidal excitation by the abutment is shown in the

figure 1.12.

Applying Newton's second law of motion gives,

mx' ' (t) = k (x0 − x(t)) + c(x' 0 −x' (t)) ............ (1.27)

If a Laplace Transform solution was completed it would be

found that there is an initial 'start up' transient.

Examine the start up transient.

Figure 1.12

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For this example it is much simpler to find the steady state response by taking the input
excitation to be xo = Xoeiωt and the response to be x(t) = Xeiωt . On substituting in (1.27) this
gives,
(k − mω 2 + iωc)Xe iωt = (k + iωc)X 0 eiωt
rearranging,
X (k + iωc)
=
X0 (k − mω2 + iωc)
The phase relationship is very complex but normally we would be interested in the amplitude of
the response and this may be found by finding the amplitude of the 'top' and 'bottom' vectors. If
the result is also non-dimensionalised by dividing throughout by k, the following result is
obtained,
 2  1/ 2
 1+ 4ξ 2 ω 

X  ω 2n 
= ......................................... (1.28)
X0  2  2 2  1/ 2
  1 − ω  + 4ξ2 ω 
  ω 2  ω 2n 
 n

and the phase is given by,

ω3
−2ξ 3
ωn
tan φ =  2 2
 1− ω  + 4ξ2 ω
 ω 2n  ω 2n

Typical response and phase curves are shown in figure 1.13.

Investigate
the effect of
changing ξ.

Figure 1.13 Steady state response and phase for abutment excitation.

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The main points to note are that:-

X ω
i) → 1 as → 0 , that is there is no deflection across the spring.
Xo ωn

X ω
ii) = 1 when = 2 independent of the value of ξ.
Xo ωn

X ω
iii) → 0 as → ∞ , this is termed vibration isolation.
Xo ωn

iv) Resonance occurs, ie. X/Xo is a maximum, when d(X)/dω is zero. This can be
shown to be when
−1+ 1 + 8ξ2
ωr = ωn
4ξ2
Note that this resonance occurs for all values of ξ.

1.7 Transmissibility
When the system shown in figure 1.14 is excited by an oscillating
force it is often of interest to determine the force on the abutment
that results from the motion. This is important since it is this force
that may induce floor borne vibrations and cause problems
elsewhere.

Transmissibility is defined as the amplitude of the force on the

abutment divided by the exciting force amplitude. The force on the
abutment is given by,

F Te iωt = kx(t) + cx' (t)

when the excitation force is Feiωt then x(t) = Xeiωt and hence FT
= (k + iωc)X.
Figure 1.14
Substituting for X from equation (1.24) gives,

 2  1/2
1 + 4ξ 2 ω 

FT  ω 2n 
= ...................................... (1.29)
F  2  2 2  1/ 2
  1− ω  + 4ξ2 ω 
  ω 2  ω 2n 
 n

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 FT X
This is the same result as for abutment motion given in equation (1.28) ie. =
F Xo

1.8 Measures of Damping

One of the areas of confusion in the vibration area is the multiplicity of methods of expressing
damping. So far we have encountered:-
i) c the viscous damping coefficient.
ii) ξ the viscous damping ratio defined as ξ = c/2√km
iii) δ the logarithmic decrement, defined as δ = 2π/√(1- ξ2)

There are also several others which we will need to consider.

1.8.1 Dynamic magnification factor (Q)

Figure 1.15 Typical response curve.

The ratio of the amplitude at resonance to the quasi-static amplitude when excited by an
oscillating force is termed the dynamic magnification factor Q. For lightly damped structures Q
= 1/(2ξ). This is a particularly useful measure as it may be determined from the steady state
response curve using the bandwidth of the resonance peak. Figure 1.15 shows a typical
resonance curve and at the frequencies ω1 and ω2 the response is ε times the response at
resonance. Now ω2 - ω1 is called the bandwidth (Δω) and may be used to determine Q. As has
been shown previously,
kX 1
= 1/ 2
F  2 2 2
 1 − ω 2 ω 
  ω2  + 4ξ ω 2 
 n n

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and at resonance this is 1/(2ξ). Thus to find ω1 and ω2 when the response is ε times that at
resonance we need the condition that,
ε 1
=
2ξ   2  1/ 2
  1 − ω 2  + 4ξ2 ω2 
  ω 2  ω 2n 
 n

rearranging gives
 ω2  2 2 2
 1−  + 4ξ2 ω = 4ξ
 ω2 
 n ω 2n ε2
if we put q = ω/ωn then
4 2 2 4ξ2
q + q (4ξ − 2) + 1 − 2 = 0
ε
 4ξ2 
2 2 2
−(4ξ − 2) ± (4ξ − 2) − 41 − 2 
 ε 
q2 =
2
1
∴q 2 = 1− 2ξ 2 ± 2ξ ξ2 − 1+ 2
ε
Now if ξ is small and ε is not too near unity,
1
∴q 2 = 1± 2ξ 2 − 1
ε

ω 21 1
thus 2 = 1− 2ξ − 1 ............................................ (1.30)
ωn ε2

ω 22 1
and 2 = 1+ 2ξ − 1 ........................................... (1.31)
ωn ε2

ω 2 − ω1 ω 22 − ω12
Now =
ωn ω n (ω2 + ω1)

and ω2+ω 1 is approximately equal to 2ωn therefore (31) - (32) gives,

 1   1 

1 + 2ξ −1  −
  1 − 2ξ − 1 
Δω ω2 − ω1 ω22 − ω21  ε2   ε2  1
= = 2 = = 2ξ 2 − 1
ωn ωn 2ω n 2 ε

It is common to measure Δω when ε = 1 / 2 (this is called the 3dB point as 20log(1/√2) = -3)
and also to approximate ωr = ωn therefore
Δω
= 2ξ ........................................................... (1.32)
ωr
This is a very useful measure of damping as it may be applied to a response with several
resonances and will give the equivalent damping ratio for each resonance.

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1.8.2 Specific damping capacity(ϕ) and loss factor (η)
Another common basis for measuring damping involves energy loss and involves the
determination of the energy lost per cycle. In all cases involving damping the force -
displacement relationship when plotted graphically will enclose an area, commonly called the
hysteresis loop. The work done during a cycle is given by,

W d = ∫ Fd dx

which for viscous damping gives (since the other force components do no net work during a
cycle)
dx dx dx
W d = ∫ cx' dx = ∫ c dx = ∫ c dt = ∫ cx' 2 dt
dt dt dt
Now for cyclic motion x = X sin(ωt − φ) and therefore x' = ωX cos(ωt − φ) and thus for one
cycle,
2π/ω 2π /ω
2 2 2 2
Wd = ∫ c(ωX cos(ωt − φ)) dt = cω X ∫ (cos(ωt − φ)) dt
0 0
2π/ ω  1+ cos2(ωt − φ) 
= cω 2X2 ∫   dt
0
 2 
t sin2(ωt − φ) 2π /ω
= cω 2X2 +
2 4ω 0
2
therefore W d = πcωX

The main interest involves the energy lost per cycle at resonance, which for small levels of
damping requires, ω=√k/m and c = 2ξ√km. This gives

W d = 2πξkX 2 ....................................................... (1.33)

Now the specific damping capacity ϕ is defined as the energy loss per cycle divided by the peak
energy stored, which for the spring mass system being considered is the energy stored in the
spring at maximum deflection, ie. kX2/2.
4πξkX 2
Therefore ϕ = = 4πξ ............................................. (1.34)
kX 2

The main drawback to the above is that the damping force is dependent on frequency and thus a
specific frequency is required in order to evaluate the energy loss. In practice the energy loss
per cycle is often not too dependent on frequency and a hysteretic damping factor is introduced,
which is defined as h = ωc so that at any frequency

W d = πhX 2

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In this case, the specific damping capacity ϕ is then

2πhX 2 h
ϕ= 2 = 2π k = 2πη ............................................. (1.35)
kX

where η=h/k and is defined as the loss factor.

If we combine all the definitions of damping the following relationships are obtained,

ϕ = 2πη = 2πξ = 2π / Q = 2δ = 2πΔω / ω r

where Δω is measured at the 3dB point

1.9 Conclusions
It has been shown that vibration may occur because of some initial conditions/disturbances and
also because of excitation by cyclic forces, rotating out-of-balance and abutment motion. Cures
may be achieved by,

a. Removing the initial conditions/disturbance that cause the transient vibration.

b. Removing the cyclic excitation.
c. Increasing the damping to reduce the response at resonance.
d. Avoiding resonant conditions by either changing the resonant frequency or the frequency
of excitation.
e. Employing vibration isolation, ie. making the resonant frequency much less than the
excitation frequency. Also note that for abutment excitation increasing damping is not
good for vibration isolation.

_____________________________________________________

Next chapter

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