Module Code: M11BE/3

May 2009

Coventry University

Faculty of Engineering and Computing

Module Code: M11BE

Module Title: Structural Dynamics

Instructions to candidates

Time allowed: 3 hours 0 minutes

Answer: All questions

This is an OPEN BOOK examination

For this examination you will be supplied with the following: Graph paper

IMPORTANT: You may take this question paper away at the end of the
examination. Please keep it in a safe place for future reference.

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 Module Code: M11BE/3
Question 1

Figure Q1, below, shows the main parts of a linear accelerometer, that is, a mass, three
springs and a dashpot. The transducer is firmly attached to a structure via its own casing.
The structure is set to motion and let go, so that the accelerometer copies the motion of the
structure. If the following data are available, calculate:

a. The natural frequency of the system. (20-marks)

b. The damping ratio of the system. (20-marks)
c. The damped natural frequency of the system (10-marks)
d. Derive the system’s response. (50-marks)

Data:
@ t 0, x(0) 0.1 m
@ t 0, x (0) 2 ms -1
Take the stiffness of each spring, k = 24 N/m
Mass of accelerometer, m = 20 g
Damping constant, c = 0.9 Nsm-1

k k

k m

Structure

Figure Q1

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Question 2

a) Explain why, when solving for a Mode Shape one has to choose a value for one of the
components. (15-marks)

b) Explain briefly the phenomenon of resonance. Give one example when resonance
could be harmful, and a second one when it is useful. (15-marks)

c) A vibrating structural system is modelled as shown in Figure Q2. Derive the Equations
of Motion for the model and explain their terms. Use these equations to determine the
Natural Frequencies and Modes of Vibration (Mode Shapes), when:

m1 = m2 = m and k1 = k2 = k

Sketch the Mode Shapes as superimposed on a line diagram of the model. (70-marks)

Note: Assume motion in the horizontal direction only and no friction between the
masses and the (notional) surface.

x1 x 2

k1 k2
m1 m2

Figure Q2

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Question 3

A sensitive new machine of mass 3.5 kg is to be installed in the Civil Engineering

laboratories at Coventry University, near the concrete preparation area. It has been noticed
that when the concrete mixer is in operation at a speed of 14.5 rev.min-1, the base on which
the machine is placed experiences unwanted vibrations. The amplitude of these vibrations
was measured to be 5 mm.
To prevent this, the machine is to be mounted on a new, specially designed base of stiffness
k= 75 Nm-1 and damping coefficient, c= 2.3 Nsm-1. Find:

a) What will be the amplitude of vibration of the machine when the mixer is in
operation? (50-marks)

b) What values of speeds of the mixer should be avoided if the recommended by the
manufacturer amplitude of the new machine should not exceed 0.5 mm?
(50-marks)

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