1.

Purpose of the experiment

The purpose of the experiment is to calculate the oscillation frequency
without any damping in the system, the decay of the amplitude of the
system with damping t different values of Eddy’s current and finally to
figure out the resonance of the system for different values of Eddy’s
current brake.

2. Introduction
The oscillation frequency 𝜔0 of an undamped spiral spring is calculated
easily. The moment of inertia 𝐼 of an object attached to the system and
the spring stiffness constant 𝐾 are only required.

𝐾
𝜔0 = √
𝐼

For the experiments performed, some basic equations were used. The
deflection angle 𝜑 is a periodic function in terms of the time 𝑡. The
oscillation frequency is required in this equation. The maximum value of
the equation is 𝜑0 , which represents the initial angle of rotation.

𝜑(𝑡) = 𝜑0 ∙ cos(𝜔0 ∙ 𝑡)

When damping is taken into consideration, the initial amplitude will

decrease over time. The damping will have an exponential decay effect
on the system with damping constant 𝛿

𝜑(𝑡) = 𝜑0 ∙ 𝑒 −𝛿∙𝑡 ∙ cos(𝜔𝑑 ∙ 𝑡)

Where

𝜔𝑑 = √𝜔02 − 𝛿 2

When an excitation is introduced to the system, calculation process

differs. The damping can be compensated by an external driving force
introduced through a motor. The torque 𝑀0 from the motor is periodic.
The external drive torque will result in an external drive frequency 𝜔𝑒
and this will result in a maximum amplitude 𝜑0 and phase difference 𝜃:

𝑀0 1
𝜑0 (𝜔𝑒 ) = ∙
𝐼 √𝜔02 − 𝜔𝑒2 + 4 ∙ 𝛿 2 ∙ 𝜔𝑒2

2 ∙ 𝛿 ∙ 𝜔𝑒
𝜃(𝜔𝑒 ) = arctan( )
𝜔02 − 𝜔𝑒2

The system then reaches the highest amplitude at its preferable

frequency, which is also called the resonance frequency 𝜔𝑟

𝜔𝑟 = √𝜔02 − 2 ∙ 𝛿 2

The 𝑄 factor is simply calculated from two variables. The highest

amplitude of the system 𝜑0(𝜔𝑟 ) and the excitation amplitude 𝜑𝑒
𝜑0(𝜔𝑟 )
𝑄=
𝜑𝑒
 3. Experimental Setup and Measurement Procedure

Figure 2 stopwatch

Figure 1 Ammeter

Figure 3 system used to measure the amplitude

Figure 4 Power source

Figure 5 Motor to Control Frequency