Sheet of Problems in Vibration

Prepared by
Asst Prof. Dr. Abdulkareem Abdulrazzaq Al-Humdany
Mechanical Engineering Department
University of Karbala

(a )Find the natural frequency of the system shown in figure (1).

Ans. 2rad/sec

K1=5 N/m

Figure (1) m=2 kg

K2=3 N/m

(b) What is the displacement of the mass from the equilibrium position at
time 3 sec if the initial conditions are x(0)=0.003 m and 𝒙𝒙. = 𝒐𝒐. 𝒐𝒐

Ans. 0.00288 m

(2) Derive an expression for the natural frequency of each of the following
systems shown in the figures (2) and (3) assuming massless beams.
0.75L 0.25L
m
m
0.5 L 0.5 L

1
 𝑲𝑲 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
Figure (2) Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = � Figure (3) Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = �
𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗 𝒎𝒎𝑳𝑳𝟑𝟑

(3) Calculate the frequency of the free vibration for the system shown in
figures (4).Neglect the mass of the beam and take Ebeam= 7*1010 N/m2. P P P P

Ans. 4.9235 Hz
10 cm

1 cm

1m 3m
Figure (4b) 10 cm
2250
Figure (4a)
1 cm

(4) The figure (5) shows a uniform bar pivoted about point O with springs of
equal stiffness K at each end. The bar is horizontal in equilibrium position with
spring forces P1 and P2.Determine the equation of motion and its natural
𝑲𝑲(𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 +𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 )
frequency. Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = �
𝑱𝑱𝒐𝒐

a b
c.g

Figure (5)
K c K
P1 P2

(5) A circular disc of mass m and radius r is connected by a spring of modulus K

as shown in the figure (6). If it is free to roll on a rough horizontal surface
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
without slipping, find its natural frequency. Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = �
𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑

2
 K
r
Figure (6)
m

(6) Find the natural frequency of the system shown in the figure (7) in terms of
𝑲𝑲𝒓𝒓𝟐𝟐
the available variables. Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = �
𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 (𝒎𝒎+𝟎𝟎.𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓)

R
r
K

M
Figure (7)

(7) An amplitude meter consists of a seismic mass suspended as shown in the

figure (8). Determine the natural frequency in Hz of the meter in terms of the
tension spring K1, the compression spring K2, the mass m and the mass
𝟏𝟏 𝑲𝑲𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 +𝟐𝟐𝑲𝑲𝟐𝟐 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐
moment of inertia I of the pointer about O. Ans. 𝒇𝒇𝒏𝒏 = �
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝑰𝑰+𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐

K2 K2

b
I
O
Figure (8)

m3
a

K1
(8) For the system shown in the figure (9), derive and solve the differential
equation of motion with the initial conditions 𝜽𝜽𝒐𝒐 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟏 𝒓𝒓𝒓𝒓𝒓𝒓 and 𝜽𝜽.𝒐𝒐 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟔𝟔
rad/sec. Neglect the weight of the rod.

Ans. 𝜽𝜽 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏(𝟒𝟒. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 − 𝟎𝟎. 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗)

K1=102.2 N/m
m=3.65 kg

K2=87.6 N/m
Figure (9)
7.5 cm

K3=43.8 N/m

10 cm

(9) A semi circular thin shell of radius R is allowed to rock on a rough horizontal
surface. Derive the differential equation of small oscillation and calculate the
𝐠𝐠
natural frequency. Ans. 𝛚𝛚𝐧𝐧 = �
𝐑𝐑(𝛑𝛑−𝟐𝟐)

(10) For the system shown in the figure (10), find the natural frequency of the
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐(𝒂𝒂+𝒃𝒃)𝟐𝟐
system. Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = �
𝒎𝒎(𝟐𝟐(𝒂𝒂+𝒃𝒃)𝟐𝟐 +𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 )

a b

massless beam 2K
O

Figure (10) K

4 m
(11) An elastic string of length 2L tightly starched between two rigid supports
as shown in the figure (11). It carries a small ball of weight W at its midpoint,
𝑾𝑾𝑾𝑾
compute the period. Ans. 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟐𝟐𝝅𝝅�
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐

L L
Figure (11)
W

(12) Obtain the natural frequency of motion of fluid column L with mass
density ρ through a manometer of uniform bore of cross sectional area A.

𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = �
𝑳𝑳

(13) Show that for the damped spring mass system the peak amplitude occurs
𝝎𝝎
at a frequency ratio given by the expression ( )𝒑𝒑 = �𝟏𝟏 − 𝟐𝟐𝝃𝝃𝟐𝟐
𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏

(14) For the system shown in the figure (12), assuming massless beam, it is
required the followings:-

(a) the equation of motion (b) the damping ratio ξ and the natural frequency
𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 in terms of parameters given in the figure (c) the value of B such that the
system is critically damped and (d) the damped natural frequency.

𝑲𝑲𝟏𝟏 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟏𝟏+ 𝑲𝑲𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝑩𝑩𝑩𝑩 𝟐𝟐

Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = � 𝝃𝝃 = 𝑩𝑩 = �𝑴𝑴(𝑲𝑲𝟏𝟏 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟏𝟏 + 𝑲𝑲𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 )
𝑴𝑴𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳
𝟐𝟐�𝑴𝑴(𝑲𝑲𝟏𝟏 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟏𝟏+ 𝑲𝑲𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐)

𝟏𝟏
𝝎𝝎𝒅𝒅 = �𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒(𝑲𝑲𝟏𝟏 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟏𝟏 + 𝑲𝑲𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 ) − 𝑩𝑩𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐

5
 L1 L2 L
T

K1 K2
Figure (12) M B

(15) The period of damped linear oscillation for a certain 1 kg mass is o.32 sec.
If the stiffness of the supporting linear spring is 850 N/m, calculate the
damping coefficient C and the critical value C cr of the motion.
R R

Ans. C= 43.1 N.sec/m C cr =58.322 N.sec/m

R R

(16) Find the natural frequency of the system shown in the figure (13) using the
energy method, given that the mass of the rod is m and the concentrated mass
𝑲𝑲𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐
M and the coefficient of stiffness of the spring is K. Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒏𝒏 = � 𝟐𝟐 𝒎𝒎
𝑳𝑳 (𝑴𝑴+ )
𝟑𝟑

K
Figure (13) a
m
M

(17) The following data are given for a vibrating system with viscous damping:-
mass=2 kg, stiffness of the spring=4 kN/mm and damping coefficient=10
N.sec/cm. Determine the logarithmic decrement and the ratio of any
𝒙𝒙𝟏𝟏
consecutive amplitudes. Ans. 𝜹𝜹 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐

(18) A mass less flexible beam is hinged at one end and carries a mass m at the
other end as shown in the figure (14). The beam is caused to vibrate by
displacing the mass and releasing from rest by 1cm, determine:-

(a) The damped frequency of vibration in Hz. Ans. 𝝎𝝎𝒅𝒅 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯

6
 𝒙𝒙𝟏𝟏
(b) The ratio of any consecutive cycles. Ans. = 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐

(c) The general solution of the vibrating system.

Ans. 𝜽𝜽 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒆𝒆−𝟒𝟒.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 [𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄(𝟒𝟒. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 − 𝟎𝟎. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕)]

L/3
C=100 N.sec/m
K=kN/m
K m=3 kg
C L=0.6 m
m
Figure (14)
L/2

(19) A machine part weighing 4.3 Ib vibrates in a viscous medium. Determine

the damping coefficient when a harmonic exciting force of 5.5 Ib results in
resonant amplitude of 0.5 in with a period of 0.2 second.

Ans. C=3.82 Ib.sec/ft

(20) A spring mass system is excited by a force 𝑭𝑭𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝝎𝝎𝒕𝒕. At resonant the
amplitude is measured to be 0.58 in. At 0.8 resonant frequency, the amplitude
is measured to be 0.46 in. Determine the viscous damping factor of the system.
(Hint:- assume damping term is negligible at 0.8 resonance)

Ans. 𝝃𝝃 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

(21) The 4 kg mass E is fastened to the rod DF whose weight can be neglected
as shown in the figure (15). The spring has stiffness 1.5 N/m and the coefficient
of the dash pot is 0.5 N.sec/m. The system is in equilibrium when DF is
horizontal. The rod is displaced 0.1 rad clockwise and release from rest,
determine:-

(a) The equation of motion of the rod.

(b) The damped circular frequency of the rod. Ans. 𝒇𝒇𝒅𝒅 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯
7
(c) The damping ratio. Ans. 𝝃𝝃 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎

60 cm 10 cm

K
Figure (15)

D E

(22) The figure (16) shows the front wheel drive of an automobile with spring
and damper. The automobile is running on a sinusoidal road with a
function 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒚𝒚𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝝎𝝎𝒕𝒕. Consider the tyre as a spring with stiffness K 1
R R

and mass m, find an expression for the critical damping of the system in
terms of the given variables. Ans. 𝑪𝑪𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄 = 𝟐𝟐�𝒎𝒎(𝑲𝑲𝟏𝟏 + 𝑲𝑲𝟐𝟐 )

K2
C
Figure (16)
x

y=yo sinωt

8
(23) An automobile has a body weighing 3000 Ib mounted on four equal
springs which sag 9 in under the weight of the body. Each one of the
shock absorbers has a damping coefficient of 7 Ib for a velocity 1 in per
second. The car is placed with all its four wheels on a test plate form
which is moved up and down at resonant speed of amplitude 1 inch. Find
the amplitude of the car body. Assuming that the center of gravity to be
in the center of the wheel base. Ans. 2.0733 inch

(24) A spring mounted oscillator with a natural undamped frequency of 4 Hz

and viscous damping factor of 0.2 is mounted on a frame which vibrates
with frequency f which can be varied. If the amplitude of the absolute
vibration of the oscillator is not to exceed twice that of the frame specify
the permissible range of frequencies of the frame.

Ans. 𝟑𝟑. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 ≤ 𝒇𝒇 ≤ 𝟒𝟒. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯

(25) A simplified spring mass vibration pickup as shown in the figure (17) is
used to measure the vertical acceleration of a train which has vertical
frequency of 10 rad/sec. The mass is 1.202 kg and the modulus of the
spring is 1500 N/m. The amplitude of the relative motion of the mass is
0.12 cm as recorded by the instrument. Find the maximum vertical
acceleration of the train. What is the amplitude of vibration of the train?

Ans. A=137.8 cm/sec2 x 2 =1.378 cm

P P R R

X2

m
Figure (17)
X1

9
(26) If the system shown in the figure (18) is dropped from an elevation h to a
hard surface, what will be the resulting motion of the mass m?
−𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
�𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
Ans. 𝒙𝒙 = 𝑒𝑒 2𝑚𝑚 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝝎𝝎𝒅𝒅 𝒕𝒕
𝝎𝝎𝒅𝒅

C
K
Figure (18)

(27) A weight attached to a spring of stiffness 3 Ib/in has a viscous damping

device. When the weight is displaced and released, the period of
vibration is found 1.8 sec and the ratio of consecutive amplitudes is 4.2
to 1. Determine the amplitude and phase when a force F=2cos3t Ib acts
on the system. Ans. X=1.3964 inch φ=51.41177 degree

(28) A piston of mass 4.53 kg is travelling in a tube with a velocity of 15.24

m/sec and engages a spring and damper as shown in the figure (19).
Determine the maximum displacement of the piston after engaging the
spring-damper. How many seconds does it take?

Ans. X=0.703 mm t=0.1665 sec

10
 V=15.24 m/sec C=1.75 N.sec/cm

m=4.53 kg

K=350 N/cm

Figure (19)

(29) An under damped spring-mass system is given a base excitation of y.=20(1- P P

5t) m/sec . If the natural frequency for the system is ω n =10 sec-1 R R P P

determine the maximum relative displacement. Ans. Z max =-1.236 m R R

(30) A given beam was vibrated by an eccentric mass shaker of mass 5.44 kg
at the midspan, and resonance was found at 435 cps. With an
additional mass of 4.52 kg, the resonance frequency was lowered to
398 cps. Determine the natural frequency of the beam and the stiffness of
the shaker in MN/m.

(31) For a 3-DOF system, the mass and flexibility matrices are:-
𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏
[M]=m �𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎�[a]= �𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐�. The natural mode shapes are:-
𝒌𝒌
𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟑𝟑
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
ϴ 1 =�𝟏𝟏. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖� , ϴ 2 =� 𝟎𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 � and ϴ 3 =�−𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐�
R R R R R R

𝟐𝟐. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 −𝟎𝟎. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖 𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓

Find the stiffness matrix and the orthonormal modes.

(32) A 200-kg machine is placed on a mass less simply supported beam as

shown in Fig. (20). The machine has a rotating unbalance of 1.41
kg.m and operates at 3000 rpm. The steady state vibrations of the
machine are to be absorbed by hanging a mass to 40-cm steel
cable from the location on the beam where the machine is

11
 attached. What is the required diameter of the cable such that the
machine vibrations are eliminated at 3000 rpm and the amplitude
of the absorber is less than 50 mm? Take E=200GN/m2 P P

2m 1m

Fig. (20)
A 200 kg
B

M
(33) The blade of a fan can be considered as a single degree of freedom system
with mass of 0.25 kg, stiffness of 100 N/cm and damping of 1000
Dyn.sec/mm. If the blade is suddenly subjected to a unit step excitation
with an initial displacement of 0.25 cm, find the transient response of
the blade using Laplace transformation.

(34) A 5-kg rotor balancing machine is mounted on a table through an

elastic foundation of stiffness 3.1*104 N/m and damping ratio
P P

0.04. Transducer indicates that the table on which the machine

is placed vibrates at a frequency of 110 rad/sec with an
amplitude of 0.62 mm. What is the steady state amplitude of
acceleration of the balancing machine?

(35) A connecting rod weighing 21.35 N oscillates 53 times in one minute

when suspended as shown in Fig. (21). Determine its moment of
inertia bout its center of gravity which is located 0.254 m from the
point of the support.

0.254 m

C.G

Fig. (21)
12
(36) The ratio of successive amplitudes of a viscously damped single degree of
freedom system is found to be 18:1. Determine the ratio of successive
amplitudes if the amount of damping is (a) doubled and (b) halved.
Ans. (a) 14365.0763 (b) 3.83

(37) A uniform slender rod of mass m and length L is hinged at point A and is
attached to four linear springs and one torsional spring as shown in Fig.
(22). Using the energy method, find the natural frequency of the system
if K=2000 N/m, K t =1000 N.m/rad, m=10 kg and L=5m. Ans. ω n =45.122
R R R R

rd/sec
K K

𝐿𝐿
3
Kt
A

K K

Fig. (22)

13
(38) A uniform rigid bar of mass m is pivoted at one end and connected
symmetrically by two springs and dampers at the other end as shown in
Fig. (23). The bar is stretched initially by an angle of 0.2 rad and released
from rest. How many seconds does the bar take to rest again. Take m=10
kg, K=2000 N/m, C=13*103 Dyn.sec/cm and L=5m. Ans. 0.0932 sec
P P

C K

C
K

m L

Fig.(23)

(39) For a 3-DOF system, the mass and flexibility matrices are:-
𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏
[M]=m �𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎 � [a]= �𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐�. The natural mode shapes are:-
𝒌𝒌
𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟑𝟑
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
ϴ 1 = �𝟏𝟏. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖� , ϴ 2 =� 𝟎𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 � and ϴ 3 =�−𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐�
R R R R R R

𝟐𝟐. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 −𝟎𝟎. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖 𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓

Verify the orthogonality properties of these modes with respect to the
mass and stiffness matrices.

(40) For the simply supported beam shown in the Fig. (24), the flexibility
influence matrix is :-

14
 𝒂𝒂𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝒂𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝑳𝑳𝟑𝟑
[a]=
𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕
�𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 � Find the upper bound of the fundamental
𝒂𝒂𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝒂𝒂𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝟗𝟗
natural frequency.

A M1=m M2=2m M3=3m B

Fig. (24)
0.25 L 0.25 L 0.25 L 0.25 L

(41) Find the lower bound of the fundamental natural frequency of the system
described in Q40.

(42) The two uniform bars shown in Fig. (25) are of equal length and equal
mass. Determine the equation of motion, natural frequencies and mode
shapes.

k 16 k
o.75 L o.25 L
B

12 k

o.25 L o.5 L o.25 L

Fig. (25)

(43) A counter rotating eccentric mass exciter is used to determine the

vibrational characteristics of a structure of mass 181.4 kg. At a speed of
900 rpm stroboscope shows that the eccentric mass to be at the top at

15
 the instant that the structure is moving upwards through its static
equilibrium position (i.e. the resonance condition) and the
corresponding amplitude is 21.6 mm. If the unbalance of wheels re
0.1842 kg.m, determine:- (a) the natural frequency of the structure, (b)
the damping factor of the structure, (c) the amplitude t 1200 rpm and (d)
the phase angle.

(44) A flywheel weighing 70 lb was allowed to swing as s pendulum about knife

edge t the inner side of the rim as shown in Fig. (26). If the measured
period of oscillation was 1.22 sec, determine the moment of inertia of
the flywheel about its geometrical axis.

12 in

16 in
Fig. (26)

Fig. (26)

(45) For the cantilever beam shown in Fig. (27), the flexibility influence matrix
is:-
𝒂𝒂𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝒂𝒂𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟒𝟒
𝑳𝑳𝟑𝟑
[a]=
𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑
�𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 � Find the upper bound of the fundamental natural
𝒂𝒂𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝒂𝒂𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝟏𝟏
frequency.

Fig. (27) M3=3m M2=2m M1=m

A
L L L
16
(46) Find the lower bound of the fundamental natural frequency of the system
described in Q45.

(47) A 35-kg machine is attached to the end of a cantilever beam of length 2 m,

elastic modulus 210 GN/m2 and second moment of area 1.3*10-7 m4. The
P P P P P P

machine operates at 180 rpm and has a rotating unbalance of 0.3 kg.m. It
is required the followings:- (a) what is the required stiffness of an
undamped absorber of mass 5 kg such that the steady state vibrations are
eliminated at 180 rpm? and (b) with the absorber in place what are the
natural frequencies of the system?

(48) An electric train made up of two cars each weighing 50 000 lb is

connected by coupling of stiffness equal to 16 000 lb/in. Determine the
natural frequency of the system.

(49) A vehicle is traveling over a rough road at a constant horizontal speed

equal to 40 m/sec. The road contour is approximated by a sine wave of
amplitude 10 mm and wave length of 1.6 m. The mass of the vehicle is
900 kg, the stiffness of the suspension system is 8*104 N/m and the
P P

system has a damping ratio of 0.2. Determine the acceleration and

displacement amplitude of the body of the vehicle.

𝒌𝒌
(50) The ratio of a spring mss system is given s 4. If the mass is deflected 2
𝒎𝒎
cm down measured from its equilibrium position and given an upward
velocity of 8 cm/sec, determine its amplitude and maximum
acceleration.

(51) The springs of an automobile trailer are compressed 10.16 cm under its
weight. Find the critical speed when the trailer is traveling over a road
17
 with a profile approximated by a sine wave of amplitude 7.62 cm and
wavelength of 14.63 m. What will be the amplitude of vibration at 64.4
km/hr? Ans. 82 km/hr , 19.63 cm

(52) A 100 kg lathe is mounted at the midspan of 1.8 m simply supported beam
( E=200 GPa, I=4.3 *10-4m4). The lathe has a rotating unbalance of 0.43
P P P P

kg.m and operates at 200 rpm. When a free vibration test is performed
on the system, it is found that the ratio of amplitude of successive cycles
is 1.8 to 1. Determine the steady state amplitude of vibration induced by
the rotating unbalance. Ans. 6.526 mm

(53) A 150 kg electric motor has a rotating unbalance of o.5 kg situated at 0.2 m
from the center of rotation. The motor is to be mounted at the end of
steel cantilever beam of length 1 m. The operating range of the rotor is
from 500 to 1200 rpm. For what values of I, the beam's cross sectional
moment of inertia will the steady state amplitude of vibration be less
than 1 mm? Assume that the damping ratio is 0.1.

Ans. 6.079*10-6 m4 ≤ I ≤ 0.224*10-6 m4

P P P P P P P P

(54):- For the triangular pulse shown in Fig. (1), show that the response for
the time interval 0.5t 1 < t < t 1 is R R R R

𝟐𝟐𝑭𝑭𝒐𝒐 𝒕𝒕 𝝉𝝉 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐

𝒙𝒙 = [𝟏𝟏 − + { 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 (𝒕𝒕 − 𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝒕𝒕𝟏𝟏 ) − 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 }]. Knowing that the
𝑲𝑲 𝒕𝒕𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝝉𝝉𝟏𝟏 𝝉𝝉 𝝉𝝉
response for the time interval 0.0 < t < 0.5 t 1 is R R

𝟐𝟐𝑭𝑭𝒐𝒐 𝒕𝒕 𝝉𝝉 𝒕𝒕
𝒙𝒙 = ( - 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 )
𝑲𝑲 𝒕𝒕𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝒕𝒕𝟏𝟏 𝝉𝝉

𝐹𝐹(𝑡𝑡)

2𝐹𝐹0
𝑡𝑡
𝐹𝐹0 𝑡𝑡1

Fig. (1)

2𝐹𝐹0
(𝑡𝑡 − 𝑡𝑡1 )
𝑡𝑡1
18 t
0.5 𝑡𝑡1

𝑡𝑡1

4𝐹𝐹0
(𝑡𝑡 − 0.5𝑡𝑡1 )
𝑡𝑡1
(55) For the system shown in the figure below:- (a) find the value of the
damping coefficient C when the damping ratio ξ=0.007 and mass
moment of inertia for the link about point O is 0.3 kg.m2, and (b) if the P P

mass m 2 is displaced by 2o mm and released from rest, how many cycles

R R

will be exerted when the amplitude is reduced to 0.85 mm. Given that
m 1 =10 kg, m 2 =25 kg, K=kN/m, a=10 cm and b=20 cm.
R R R R

mm
1 1

x1 O
a X2
b
2K
mm
2 2

(56) (Prob. 5.40 page 158) For the system shown in Fig. (1), W 1 =200 Ib and the R R

absorber weight W 2 =50 Ib. If W 1 is excited by a 2 Ib.in unbalance

R R R R

rotating at 1800 rpm, determine the proper value of the absorber spring
K 2 . What will be the amplitude of W 2 ?
R R R R

W1

Fig. (1)

K2

0.5 K1 0.5 K1
19

W2
(57) (Prob. 6.7 page 191) Determine the flexibility matrix for the uniform beam
shown in Fig. (2) by using the area moment method.

1 B 2
Fig. (2) A

L L L

(58) A delicate instrument is supported in a box by springs as shown in Fig. (1) where its
natural frequency is 10 cps. In the supported position the clearance space between the
instrument and the box is 1 inch. If the box is suddenly dropped through a height of 20
inches, will the instrument hit the wall?

Fig. (1)
m

(59) A moment is applied to the end of the bar shown in Fig. (2). Determine the maximum
value of M o such that the steady state amplitude of angular oscillation does not exceed 10o .
R R P P

If N=500 rpm, K=7000 N/m, C=650 N.sec/m, L=1.2 m and the mass of the bar is 15 kg.

Mosinωt
K C
Fig. (2)
L/4 L/4 L/2

2K

20
(60) An accelerometer has a natural frequency of 80 Hz and a damping coefficient of 8
N.sec/m. When attached to a vibrating structure, it measures an amplitude of 8
m/sec2 and a frequency of 50 Hz. The true acceleration of the structure is 7.5 m/sec2.
P P P P

Determine the mass and stiffness of the accelerometer.

(61) If ω=16.5 rad/sec what is the maximum value M o such that the disc shown in figure (1)
R R

rolls without slip a distance equal to 5 cm?

4kN/m Mosinωt

x 20 kg thin
disc
Figure (1)
50 N.sec/m
r=10 cm

(62) A 20 kg block is connected to a movable support through a spring of stiffness 100 kN/m
in parallel with a viscous damper of damping coefficient 600N.sec/m. The support is given a
harmonic displacement of amplitude 25 mm and frequency 40 rad/sec. An accelerometer of
natural frequency 25 Hz and damping ratio 0.2 is attached to the block. What is the output
of the accelerometer in mm/sec2? P P

(63)For the system shown in the figure below, determine the natural
frequencies and normal modes when K=10 Ib/in and W=1.93 Ib. Also
determine the equations of the amplitudes X 1 and X 2 and plot the later against
R R R R

𝝎𝝎
.
𝝎𝝎𝟏𝟏

2k Fosinωt

2W
x1
21
k

W
x2
(64) A uniform bar of length L and mass m carries at its right end an additional
mass also m. It is mounted on two equal springs K at the extremities as shown
in the figure below. Find the two natural frequencies and the location of the
node of the bar in each of the natural frequency.

m m
L

K K

(65) A 50 kg lathe machine mounted on an elastic foundation of stiffness 4*105 P P

N/m has a vibration amplitude of 35 cm when the motor speed is 95 rad/sec.

Design an undamped dynamic vibration absorber such that the steady state
vibrations are completely eliminated at 95 rad/sec and the maximum
displacement of the absorber mass at this speed is 5 cm.

(65) The rigid T-bar of negligible weight as shown in the Fig. below rotates in a
vertical plane about a horizontal axis at O. The bar is caused to vibrate by
displacing the weight (m) and releasing it from rest by 0.5 cm. Determine:- (a)
the ratio of the positive amplitudes of third and fourth cycles, (b) the damped
frequency of vibration in Hz and (c) the general solution of the vibrating
system. Given data K=5 N/m, C=11 N.sec/m and m=2 kg.

22
 C
3K

K 2.6 K
0.3 m 0.3 m
0.6 m

m
m

(66) A static horizontal force of 10 N gives the 1.5 kg mass (A) a deflection of 12
mm against the elasticity of the light cantilever spring to which is attached. If
the bar (B) shown in the Fig. below of the spring is given a horizontal harmonic
oscillation with a frequency of 2 Hz and an amplitude of 6 mm. Calculate the
amplitude of the resulting vibration of (A). Assume negligible damping.

23
(67) A vibrometer whose damping is negligible is employed to find the
magnitude of vibration of a machine structure. It gives a reading of the relative
displacement of 0.005 cm. The natural frequency of the vibrometer is 300 cpm
and the machine is running at 100 rpm. What will be the magnitude of
displacement , velocity and acceleration of the vibrating machine part?

(68) The motor shown in the Fig. below is mounted on two springs each with a
modulus of 0.5K =10.5*103 N/cm. The dashpot has a coefficient of 140
P P

N.sec/m. The motor including the unbalanced mass B weighs 17.5 kg and the
unbalanced body B mass is 0.45 kg located at 7.62 cm from the center of the
shaft. It is required the following:- (a) If the motor rotates at 3000 rpm,
determine the amplitude and the phase angle (relative to the position of B) of
the resulting motion. (b) Determine the maximum force on the rotor exerted
by the springs, by the damper and by both the springs and the damper when
the motor rotates at 3000 rpm. (c) Determine the resonant speed in rpm and
the resulting amplitude of motion.

C
0.5K
0.5K

24
(68) The spring in the Fig. shown below is adjusted to equilibrium when the
part AB of the shaped mass less body is horizontal. Body E has a harmonic
motion given by the equation Y E =1.524 sin 12t where Y E in cm and t in seconds.
R R R R

The mass of body B is 3.5 kg, the damping coefficient is 0.7 kN.sec/m and the
spring modulus is 3.153 kN/m. Determine (a) the amplitude of motion of B, (b)
it’s phase relationship to the motion of E and (c) the amplitude of the force
acting on the dashpot.

K
20 cm

A B

E YE

15 cm 60 cm

(69) Find the natural frequency for the system shown in the Fig. below. Given
that the ring mass is m and its radius R and the mass of the bar DOE is also m.
Neglect the mass of the arm CBA (CB AB)

25
 R R
R

O
D E

A
2R
R

C B

(70) A gas turbine rotates at 2000 rpm. It is found that the turbine rotor suffers
from the vibration of unbalance of 0.2 kg at a radius of 15 cm of sinusoidal
form. The response of the rotor is transmitted to the bearing and then to the
supporting structure of the system. If the turbine is placed on foundation of
four props, each prop is considered as a spring of 4 kN/mm stiffness coefficient
and the mass of the turbine is 1500 kg. It is required to find:- (a) the natural
frequency of the turbine, (b) the general solution of the vibrating system and
(c) if the displacement of the turbine mass measured from the equilibrium
position is 5 mm at 5 second and the velocity of the turbine mass is 2 mm/sec,
What is the displacement of the turbine mass at 10 seconds?

(71) A disc of radius R is rotating with constant angular velocity ω about its
center O. A pendulum of mass M is connected by a string of length r at point B
as shown in the Fig. below. Find the natural frequency of the pendulum using
Lagrange’s equation.

26
 ω R

φ B

r
θ

(72) For the system shown in the Fig. below, the uniform beam of mass m with
an end mass m is supported by two springs of stiffness K. Choose x and θ
coordinates at the center of gravity of the beam and find the natural
frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes.

K K

c.g
m m

0.25L 0.25L 0.5L

27
(73) A uniform slender bar of mass 3 kg is hinged at O and has a horizontal
position under the action of masses m A =1 kg, m B =4 kg, the spring whose
R R R R

stiffness is 320 N/cm and the dashpot whose damping coefficient is 20.8
N.sec/cm as shown in the Fig. below. The bar is excited by giving the mass A a
harmonic motion 𝒀𝒀𝑨𝑨 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟓𝟓 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 where Y A in cm and t in seconds.
R R

Determine:- (a) the damped natural frequency, (b) the amplitude of motion
and its phase angle and (c) the ratio between the first and third cycles of
motion.
C

O mB
0.5L 0.25L 0.25L

mA

(74) An instrument for measuring small amplitudes of displacement is shown in

the Fig. below. The crank can be considered weightless while the mass of the
body A is 0.5 kg. Knowing that the damping ratio is 0.6 and the undamped
natural frequency is 2.5 Hz, determine the damping coefficient C and the spring
stiffness K.

28
 C

60 mm 40 mm

50 mm crank
K

(75) A simple pendulum of length L and mass m is pivoted to the mass M which
slides without friction on a horizontal plane as shown in the fig. below. Use
Lagrange’s equation to determine the natural frequencies of the system.

K M

(76) An under damped shock absorber is to be designed for a motor cycle of

mass 200 kg. When the shock absorber is subjected to an initial velocity due to
a road damp, the resulting displacement-time curve is to be such that the
𝑿𝑿𝟏𝟏.𝟓𝟓 𝟏𝟏
amplitude X 1 is to be reduced to one fourth in one half cycle (i.e. = ). Find
𝑿𝑿𝟏𝟏 𝟒𝟒
R R

the necessary stiffness and damping constants of the shock absorber if the

29
damped period of vibration is to be 2 sec. Also find the minimum initial
velocity that leads to a maximum displacement of 250 mm.

(76) The peak amplitude of a single-degree-of freedom system under harmonic

excitation is found to be 5 cm. If the undamped natural frequency of the
system is 10π rad/sec and the amplitude of the harmonic force is five times the
spring constant, find (a) damping ratio, (b) the amplitude of the system at
frequency 20π rad/sec.

(77) For the system shown in the fig. below, find the equation of motion and
determine the natural frequency.

K1
m1

Jo Kt (torsional
b
Spring)
K2 m2

(78) Using Lagrange’s equation, find the characteristics equation of the system
shown in the Fig. below and specify the type of coupling.

30
 K K
2m

mass less
c

L Kt ( torsional spring )

(79) A thin plate of area A and weight W is attached to the end of a spring and
is allowed to oscillate in a viscous fluid as shown in the Fig. below. If τ 1 is the R R

natural period of undamped oscillation (i.e. with the system oscillating in air )
and τ 2 is the damped period with the plate immersed in the fluid, show that:-
R R

𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
𝝁𝝁 = �(𝝉𝝉𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 − 𝝉𝝉𝟐𝟐𝟏𝟏 ) where the damping force of the plate is F d = μ(2A)v, 2A
𝒈𝒈𝒈𝒈𝝉𝝉𝟏𝟏 𝝉𝝉𝟐𝟐
R R

is the total surface area of the plate and v is its velocity.

31
(80) A rigid uniform bar of mass m and length L is pinned at o and suspended
by a spring and viscous damper as shown in the Fig. below. Determine an
expression for:- (a) undamped natural frequency and (b) critical damping.

C K

o
m
a
L

(81) Using the energy method show that the natural period of oscillation of the
𝑳𝑳
fluid in the U-tube manometer shown in the Fig. below is 𝝉𝝉 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 � where L
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐

is the length of the fluid column.

32
(82) An airfoil section is to be tested in a wind tunnel as shown in the Fig.
below. If the center of gravity has a distance e ahead of the point of support.
Determine the characteristic equation and specify the type of coupling.

Take m=12 kg, e=70 cm, J c . g =6.5 kg.cm2, K=70 kN/m and K t =65 kN/m and find
R R R R P P R R

the natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes.

o m, Jo c.g

Kt
e

(83) A solid disc of diameter 30 cm and mass 10 kg is attached to the end of a

solid 3-cm diameter, 1-m long steel shaft ( E= 200 GPas and G= 80 GPas). A
torsional vibration absorber consist of a disc attached to a shaft that is then
attached to the primary system. If the absorber disc has a mass of 3 kg and a
diameter of 10 cm, what is the required diameter of a 50-cm long absorber
shaft to eliminate steady state vibrations of the original system excited at 500
rad/sec?

(84) A 35-kg machine is attached to the end of a cantilever beam of length 2 m,

elastic modulus 210 GN/m and moment of inertia 1.3*10-7 m4. The machine
P P P P

operates at 180 rpm and has a rotating unbalance of 0.3 kg.m. It is required the
following:- (a) what is the required stiffness of an undamped absorber of mass
5 kg such that the steady state vibrations are eliminated at 180 rpm?, (b) with
the absorber in place what are the natural frequencies of the system? and (c)
for what range of operating speeds will the steady state amplitude of the
machine be less than 8 mm?

33
(85) What is the required stiffness of an undamped dynamic vibration absorber
whose mass is 5 kg to eliminate vibrations of 25-kg machine of natural
frequency 125 rad/sec when the machine operates at 110 rad/sec?

(86) A 50 kg lathe machine mounted on an elastic foundation of stiffness 4*105 P P

N/m has a vibration amplitude of 35 cm when the motor speed is 95 rad/sec. It

is proposed to attach an undamped dynamic absorber to eliminate vibrations.
With absorber in place (a) what are the natural frequencies of the system? and
what is the range around 95 rad/sec such that the steady state amplitude of
the lathe is less than 1cm?

(87) The base of an undamped spring-mass system (m &K) is given a velocity

pulse as shown in the Fig. below. If the peak response occurs at t<t 1 , find;- (a)
R R

the maximum response and (b) the response of the system for the time ranges
t<t 1 and t>t 1 .
R R R R

Vo

t1 t
(88) The base of an undamped spring-mass system (m &K) is given a velocity
pulse as shown in the Fig. below. If the peak response occurs at t<t 1 , find;- (a)
R R

the maximum response and (b) the response of the system for the time ranges
t<t 1 and t>t 1 .
R R R R

Vo

t1 t

34
(89) For a 3-DOF system, the mass and stiffness matrices are:-
𝟐𝟐 𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟐 −𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎
[M]=m �𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟑 𝟐𝟐� [K]=𝒌𝒌 �−𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎�. The natural mode shapes are:-
𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐 𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝟎𝟎. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
ϴ 1 =�𝟏𝟏. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕� , ϴ 2 =� 𝟏𝟏 � and ϴ 3 =�−𝟎𝟎. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖�
R R R R R R

𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 −𝟐𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝟏𝟏

Verify the orthogonality relations with respect to mass and stiffness matrices.

(90) For a 3-DOF system, the mass and stiffness matrices are:-
𝟐𝟐 𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟐 −𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎
[M]=m �𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟑 𝟐𝟐� [K]=𝒌𝒌 �−𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎�. The natural mode shapes are:-
𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐 𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝟎𝟎. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
ϴ 1 =�𝟏𝟏. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕� , ϴ 2 =� 𝟏𝟏 � and ϴ 3 =�−𝟎𝟎. 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖�
R R R R R R

𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 −𝟐𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝟏𝟏

Find the orthonormal modes.

(91) For a 2-DOF system, the mass and stiffness matrices are:-
𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟐 −𝟏𝟏
[M]=m � � [K]=𝒌𝒌 � �. The natural mode shapes are:-
𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 −𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
ϴ 1 =� � and ϴ 2 =� �. Find the natural frequencies using the orthonormal
𝟏𝟏 −𝟏𝟏
R R R R

modes concept.

(92) Determine the characteristic equation of free vibration of a uniform beam

of length L fixed at one end and pinned at the other end.

(93) For a 2-DOF system, the mass and stiffness matrices are:-
𝟐𝟐 𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟑 −𝟏𝟏
[M]=m � � [K]=𝒌𝒌 � �. The natural mode shapes are:-
𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 −𝟏𝟏 𝟑𝟑
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
ϴ 1 =� � and ϴ 2 =� �. Find the natural frequencies using the
𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 −𝟑𝟑. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓
R R R R

orthonormal modes concept.

(94) A simply supported beam carrying two masses as shown in the Fig. below.
Knowing that the second moment of area of the beam section I and the
35
modulus of elasticity of the beam material is E. Estimate the fundamental
natural frequency using Rayleigh and Dunkerley method.

300 Ib
500 Ib

8 ft 5 ft 5 ft

(95) A thin disc is supported on spring-mounted bearing with vibration pickup

and stroboscope. Running at 600 rpm ccw, the original disc indicates a
maximum amplitude of 2.8 mm at 450 from a reference mark on the disc. Next
P P

a trial mass of 2 ounce is added at the rim in a position of 1350 cw from the
P P

reference mark, the new unbalance is found to be 4.3 mm at 1110 cw from the P P

reference mark and run at the same speed. Determine the position and weight
necessary to balance the original disc.

(96) A double pendulum consists of two equal masses m, hanging on

weightless string of length L each. In addition to gravity, there are two
mechanical springs of stiffness k. The equilibrium position is a vertical line s
shown in the figure below. Using Lagrange's equations set up the differential
equation of motion carefully and calculate the two natural frequencies and the
corresponding mode shapes.

Fig. (20)

36
(97) Derive the equations of motion of the system shown in the figure below
using Lagrange's equation. The circular cylinder has a mass m and radius r rolls
without slipping inside the circular groove of radius R.
x

R θ
K m, r K

(98) A circular cylinder of radius r and mass m rolls without slipping inside a
semi-circular groove of radius R. The block of mass M is supported by a
spring of stiffness K and constrained to move without friction in the
vertical guide as shown in the figure below. Using Lagrange's equation,
find the equations of motion of the system.

R
θ
r,m

(99) The flexibility matrix for the uniform beam shown in figure below is
2m m

1 B 2
A
37

L L L
 𝟕𝟕
𝑳𝑳𝟑𝟑
𝒂𝒂𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗
[a]= � 𝟓𝟓 �
𝑬𝑬𝑬𝑬
𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
𝟔𝟔

Estimate the lower limit of the natural frequency.

Hint :- Use the double integration method to find the unknown coefficients in
U U

the flexibility matrix.

(100) The flexibility matrix for the uniform beam shown in figure below is
2m m
𝟕𝟕
𝑳𝑳𝟑𝟑
𝒂𝒂𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗
[a]= � 𝟓𝟓 � 1 2
𝑬𝑬𝑬𝑬 B
𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 A
𝟔𝟔

Estimate the upper limit of

L L L
the natural frequency.

Hint :- Use the double integration method to find the unknown coefficients in
U U

the flexibility matrix.

38