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ABSTRACT

Referring from the resultant graph, we can see that the obtained graph line is straight. This
shows that both variables on the graph are linearly related with each other. From the
experiment, which to determine the spring constant (k), the experimental value and theoretical
value is almost same. It been shown that the experimental value is 1.82 N/mm theoretical is
1.71 N/mm with percentage error of 6.43%. The data collected has told us that the value of
extension will be rise if the amount of the load is increase. In findings the frequency, we have
got the answer with some difference between the theoretical and experimental value. The
relation between frequencies with mass can be seen because weight of the mass can change
the value of frequency. The large amount of load given to the spring will deduct the value of
frequencies in vibration. During data collection, we encountered some errors. This is maybe
due to random error. As a conclusion, we managed to obtain the spring constant, (k) value for
the spring tested. We also managed to find the spring oscillations natural frequency, (f). By
obtaining the graphs, we also succeeded in finding the relationship between the displacement,
(x) and the generated force of spring, (F). Through the graph, we also managed to figure out the
relations between the mass load of the spring, m and the oscillation periodic time, (T). By
reaching the experiments entire objective, the experiment is a success.

INTRODUCTION

Free vibration is vibration that takes place when a system oscillates under the action of forces
inherent in the system itself. The system under free vibration will vibrate at one or more of its
natural frequencies, which are properties of the dynamics system established by its mass and
stiffness distribution.

For this experiment, we find that many objects that performed oscillatory motion that is
repeating a movement over the same path over the same interval of time. Harmonic motion
are those oscillatory motions are repeat itself at regular time interval. Example such motions
are oscillation of the pendulum, vibration of loaded spring and oscillation of air molecules when
sounds travel through air.
The simplest vibratory system can be described by a single mass connected to a spring (and
possibly a dashpot). The mass is allowed to travel only along the spring elongation direction.
Such systems are called Single Degree-of-Freedom system.
The specific dynamics of this spring-mass system are described mathematically by the simple
harmonic oscillator and the regular periodic motion is known as simple harmonic motion. In the
spring-mass system, oscillations occur because, at the static equilibrium displacement, the mass
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has kinetic energy which is converted into potential energy stored in the spring at the extremes
of its path. The spring-mass system illustrates some common features of oscillation, called the
existence of equilibrium and the presence of a restoring force which grows stronger the further
the system deviates from equilibrium.
Simple harmonic motion is a special kind of motion that is produced, when the force acting on a
body is proportional to the displacement and directed towards for simple al the equilibrium
positions. A physical example for simple harmonic motion of a block which is attached to the
end of the spring, with the block free to move on the horizontal frictionless track.
The simplest mechanical oscillating system is a mass attached to a linear spring subject to no
other forces. The system is in equilibrium state when the spring is outstretched. If the system
displaced from the equilibrium, here is a net restoring force of the mass, tending to bring back
to the equilibrium. If a constants force such as gravity is added to the system, the point of
equilibrium is shifted. The time taken for an oscillation to occur is often referred to as the
oscillatory period.
The maximum displacement of the simple harmonic motion is called the amplitude. The time
interval for the block to complete full cycles called the period, T of the simple harmonic motion.
The inverse of the period which represents the number of oscillation per unit time is called its
frequency, f.














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THEORY
In Hookes Law, it states that the extension of a spring is in direct proportion with the load
added, as long as it does not exceed the springs elastic limit. It is applicable to linear-elastic
materials. The graph below shows the Hookes Law relationship. It is important that our mass
attached to spring do not exceed elastic limit.














To find spring constant,k.

F = kx

k = (m1 - m0)g
x1 - x0

Where,
k = spring constant
x0 = initial extension
x1 = final extension
m0 = initial mass
m1 = final mass

Hence, we use this formula to find spring constant by relate mass attached with extension of
spring.



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To find natural frequency, f.

F = -Fk + mg = mx

The spring load Fk is calculated from deflection x and spring constant k.

Fk = k (xsta + x)
= kxsta + kx


Where, xsta = initial deflection
kxsta = mg


This result in the following 2
nd
order differential equation as equation of motion

Solving the equation gives harmonic oscillations with natural angular frequency or natural
frequency f.

x(t) = x0 cos (0 t)

Hence, we use this formula to find natural frequency of spring by relate the k,spring constant
and mass attached to spring.
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EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS
Vibration Apparatus Set


1.Adjuster 6.Mechanical recorder
2.Carriage 7.Damper
3.Base 8.Guide roller
4.Additional masses
5.Helical spring
1
2
6
4
3
5
8
7
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EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE


PART A : Procedure to determine the spring constant, k.

1 .The apparatus was set up.
2 .The datum was set up at 20mm from the top of graph paper using adjuster without
additional mass.
3. The mechanical recorders button was pressed with a speed of 20mm per second.
4. Then, 2kg additional mass was added to the carriage weight.
5 .The button was press again with the constant speed.
6 .The steps 4 to 5 were repeated with 4kg, 6kg, 8kg, and 10kg additional mass.
7 .The data was taken from the graph paper.



PART B : Procedure to determine the natural frequency, f.


1. The mechanical recorder was set up at the center of the graph using adjuster.
2. The carriage weight without additional mass was pressed until reached the limit.
3. Then, released it at same time the button was pressed until at least 10 oscillations
recorded at the graph paper and pressed the recorder button to stop recorded.
4. Step 2 to 3 was repeated with 2kg, 4kg, 6kg, 8kg, and 10kg.
5. The data was taken from the graph paper.













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DATA AND RESULT

Spring Constant:

Experiment value for spring constant, k = 1.82 N/mm

Load
(N)
Mass (kg) Additional Mass
(kg)
Deflection
reading (mm)
Extension
reading (mm)
12.26 1.25 0 20 0
31.88 3.25 2 31 11
51.50 5.25 4 42 22
71.12 7.25 6 53 33
90.74 9.25 8 64 44
110.36 11.25 10 74 54

Graph







0
20
40
60
80
100
120
0 11 22 33 44 54
GRAPH LOAD VERSUS EXTENSION
GRAPH LOAD VERSUS
EXTENSION
L
o
a
d

(
N
)

Extension (mm)
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Undamped Oscillation:

Theoretical value for spring constant, k = 1.71 N/mm
Mass of carriage, Mc = 1.25 Kg
Recorder speed is 20 mm/s

Mass
(kg)
Additional
Mass (kg)
Experimental Theoretical
Displacement of
T
10
(mm)
Time
(s)
Frequency
(Hz)
Frequency (Hz)
Percentage
Error (%)
1.25 0 31 1.55 6.452 5.887 9.59
3.25 2 50 2.5 4.0 3.651 9.56
5.25 4 63 3.15 3.175 2.872 10.55
7.25 6 74 3.7 2.703 2.444 10.6
9.25 8 84 4.2 2.381 2.164 10.03
11.25 10 93 4.65 2.151 1.962 9.63

















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DISCUSSION
As we can see from result, the spring constant, is 1.82 N/mm and the theoretical value is
1.71 N/mm, our percentage error is 6.43 %. The formula we use is F= kx to find spring constant.
To make this experiment success the mass being attached to spring must not exceed to elastic
limit to make sure the spring is always back to its unloaded length. The graph loads versus
extension shown in result are obeying Hookes law. In this graph it shown that they are directly
perpendicular.
To find natural frequency, we measure the length wavelength, and then find its period.

. This is the formula that we use to find natural frequency, the experimental
value and the theoretical value are shown in the result, the percentage error is below 11%. It
show that the experimental value is 89% accurate.
Error in this experiment are parallax error such as the pen being attached is too close to graph
paper and produce the friction force and this will affect the graph reading. The other error in
this experiment are from machine itself, the machine must being in good condition to make
sure the rate of speed is at 20 mm/s, this is to make sure the frequency are in














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CONCLUSION
Overall, vibration is a mechanical phenomenon whereby oscillations occur about an
equilibrium point. The oscillations may be periodic such as the motion of a pendulum or
random such as the movement of a tire on a gravel road. The system under free vibration will
vibrate at its natural frequencies which influence by its mass and stiffness distribution. In this
experiment, we have found out the stiffness of the spring and natural frequency of the system
theoretically and experimentally. Although, there are some factors that influenced the
inaccuracy of the values taken but the data obtained almost same with the theoretical
values.Thus, the objectives of this experiment which is to determine the spring constant and
natural frequency are achieved.
The applications of this experiment can be use in automotive industries,
structural engineering such as a suspension system for a car, valve reciprocating in internal
combustion engine and etc that involving spring mechanism.
















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REFERENCES


A.R Zamri (n.d.). Vector Dynamics and Vibration. University of Technology MARA, UiTM.

Hibbeler R.C. (2010). Engineering Mechanics Dynamics 12
th
Edition in SI Units: Vibration.
Pearson Education, Inc. In Jurong, Singapore, pp. 631-661.

Binh. (2010). Spring constant physical meaning?. Retrieved 25, March, 2013 from
http://malaysia.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100728060304AArhJFC

Beardmore, R. (2009, May 23). Simple Harmonic Motion. Retrieved 25, March, 2013 from
http://www.roymech.co.uk/Useful_Tables/Vibrations/Free_Vibrations.html

natural frequency. (2011). Retrieved 25, March, 2013 from
http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0025332.html

Sunil Kumar Singh.(2008, April 4) Forced Oscillation. Retrieved 25, March, 2013 from
http://cnx.org/content/m15880/latest/

Catharine H.Colwell.(2012). Spring: Hookes Law. Retrieved 25, March, 2013 from
http://dev.physicslab.org/Document.aspx?doctype=3&filename=Dynamics_HookesLawSprings.
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