MECH 257: Mechanics of Vibrations

Lab 1: SDOF Spring-Mass Systems

Objective
The objective of this experiment is to verify our SDOF spring-mass model using an
actual spring of stiffness k connected to a known mass m. We will experimentally
determine the natural frequency n of vibration to compare with the theoretical value for
various masses.

Theory
As in class, we consider the SDOF spring-mass system shown below, where we define a
displacement coordinate x(t) referenced from the equilibrium position of the mass m.

The governing equation of motion can be derived from Newtons second law, where we
obtain (neglecting any energy dissipation, called damping)

m&x& + kx = 0.

(1)

The general solution to Eq. (1) is a sinusoidal function,

x(t ) = A1 cos(nt ) + A2 sin (nt )

x(t ) = A sin (nt + )

(2)

MECH 257: Mechanics of Vibrations

where

n =

k
m

(3)

is called the system natural frequency of vibration, A is the amplitude of

vibration, and is called the phase angle.

Procedure
1. You are given a spring. Using a static deflection test, determine the spring
constant k by completing the following table.
UNDEFLECTED SPRING LENGTH

l = ___________________________
Suspended Mass
m [kg]

Suspended Weight
W [N]

[m]

Spring Deflection
[m]

Spring Stiffness
k [N/m]

AVERAGE SPRING STIFFNESS

k = ___________________________

[N/m]

MECH 257: Mechanics of Vibrations

2. Using a stopwatch, time the period of five complete oscillations (i.e. the mass
starts in a low position, moves up to the high position and back a total of five
times) for several different masses. Complete the following table.
Mass
m [kg]

Period for
5 Complete
Oscillations
T5 [s]

Period for
One
Complete
Oscillation
T =T5 / 5 [s]

Experimental
Natural
Frequency
2
=
[rad/s]
T

Theoretical
Percent
Natural
Difference
[%]
Frequency
k
n =
[rad/s]
m

3. Now try including the effect of the spring mass ms, by modifying Eq. (3) as

n =

k
m + (ms / 3)

Determine the spring mass

ms = Ws / g = ___________________________

[kg]

and complete the following table by using the results from the previous table in
the first two columns.

MECH 257: Mechanics of Vibrations

Mass
m [kg]

4.

Experimental
Natural
Frequency
2
[rad/s]
=
T

Theoretical Natural
Frequency
k
n =
[rad/s]
m + (m s / 3)

Percent
Difference
[%]

Now repeat the experiment for the transverse vibration of an aluminum bar fixed
at one end with a mass m attached to the free end, having an equivalent spring
stiffness of

3EI Ebh3
keq = 3 =
l
4l 3

(4)

where I = bh3/12, E is the elastic modulus of the material, b is the bar thickness, h
is the bar height, and l is the bar length, so that if we include the mass of the bar,

n =

keq
m + (ms / 3)

Take E = 69109 N/m2 as the modulus of elasticity for the beam material, and
measure all other required dimensions.

(5)

MECH 257: Mechanics of Vibrations

Ebh3
keq =
= __________________________
3
4l
ms = Ws / g = ___________________________
Mass
m [kg]

Period for
5 Complete
Oscillations
T5 [s]

Period for
One
Complete
Oscillation
T =T5 / 5
[s]

Experimental
Natural
Frequency
2
=
[rad/s]
T

[N/m]
[kg]

Theoretical
Natural
Frequency
k eq
n =
m + (m s / 3)
[rad/s]

Percent
Difference
[%]

Questions
1. From your results, can the mass of the spring reasonably be neglected when
determining the system natural frequency? Why or why not?
2. Is there any way in which you could suggest to modify this experiment to obtain
more realistic results?
3. Is there any way in which you could suggest to modify our mathematical model to
better match our experimental results?