Genesis M. Torio Engr.

Luisito
Tolentino
BSME 2P

Vibration Engineering Activity 1

1. Define Periodic Motion

Periodic motion refers to the repetitive movement of an object or system that repeats at regular
intervals over time. In periodic motion, the object or system returns to its initial position and velocity
after a fixed period of time, called the period. This type of motion is common in many natural
phenomena and can be observed in various contexts, such as the swinging of a pendulum, the
vibrations of a guitar string, the motion of planets around the sun, or the oscillations of atoms in a
solid.

One key characteristic of periodic motion is its predictability—the motion follows a regular pattern,
allowing for precise mathematical description and prediction of future behavior. This predictability is
often described using mathematical functions such as sine or cosine functions in the case of simple
harmonic motion.

Periodic motion can vary in complexity, from simple harmonic motion, where the restoring force is
directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium, to more complex forms such as damped
oscillations or forced oscillations, where external factors influence the motion.

2. Define Periodic Vibration

Periodic vibration is a specific type of periodic motion that involves the repetitive back-and-forth or
oscillatory movement of an object or system around a stable equilibrium position. In periodic
vibration, the object or system experiences a cycle of motion that repeats at regular intervals over
time.

Vibrations occur when an object or system is displaced from its equilibrium position and then
returns to it due to a restoring force. This restoring force is typically provided by factors such as
elasticity, gravity, or inertia, depending on the specific characteristics of the system.

Periodic vibrations are characterized by their periodicity—their ability to repeat the same motion
over and over again in a predictable manner. Examples of periodic vibrations include the swinging of
a pendulum, the oscillation of a guitar string, or the vibration of atoms in a crystal lattice.

Understanding periodic vibrations is crucial in various fields, including engineering, physics, and
music, as they play a fundamental role in the behavior of mechanical systems, the propagation of
waves, and the production of sound.

3. Define Hooke’s Law

Hooke's Law is a fundamental principle in physics that describes the behavior of elastic materials,
specifically the relationship between the force exerted on an elastic object and the resulting
deformation or displacement caused by that force.

Mathematically, Hooke's Law is often expressed as:

F=−kx

Where:

F is the force applied to the object,

k is the spring constant (a measure of the stiffness of the material),

x is the displacement or deformation from the object's equilibrium position.

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by an elastic material is directly proportional to the
amount of deformation or displacement from its equilibrium position, as long as the deformation is
within the material's elastic limit. Additionally, the force exerted by the material is always directed
opposite to the direction of displacement.

This law is named after the 17th-century English scientist Robert Hooke, who first formulated it in
1676. Hooke's Law is applicable to various systems and materials, including springs, rubber bands,
and solid objects like metals, as long as they exhibit elastic behavior.

4. Define Simple Harmonic Motion

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion that occurs when a restoring force is
proportional to the displacement of an object from its equilibrium position and is directed towards
that position. In simple terms, it's the back-and-forth oscillatory motion of an object around a stable
equilibrium point, where the acceleration of the object is directly proportional to its displacement
from the equilibrium position and is directed towards that position.

Key characteristics of Simple Harmonic Motion include:

Restoring Force: The force acting on the object is proportional to the displacement from the
equilibrium position and is directed towards that position. This force is what causes the object to
oscillate back and forth.

Periodic Motion: The motion repeats itself over regular intervals of time. The object moves back and
forth in a periodic manner, crossing the equilibrium position multiple times.

Uniform Period: The time taken for one complete oscillation, known as the period (T), remains
constant regardless of the amplitude of the oscillation.

Simple Relation between Displacement and Acceleration: The acceleration of the object (a) is
directly proportional to its displacement (x) from the equilibrium position and is in the opposite
direction to the displacement. This relationship can be described by the equation a=−ω2x, where ω
is the angular frequency of the oscillation.
Examples: Simple harmonic motion can be observed in various physical systems, including the
oscillation of a pendulum, the motion of a mass on a spring, and the vibration of a guitar string.

Simple Harmonic Motion is a fundamental concept in physics and finds applications in numerous
fields, including mechanics, wave theory, and electrical engineering.

5. What is Amplitude

In vibration engineering, amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or magnitude of motion

exhibited by an oscillating or vibrating object from its equilibrium position during a cycle of motion.

The amplitude provides a measure of the intensity or strength of the vibration and is typically
expressed in units of length (e.g., meters, millimeters) for linear motion or in units of angular
measure (e.g., degrees, radians) for rotational or angular motion.

For example, in the case of a simple pendulum swinging back and forth, the amplitude would be the
maximum angle reached by the pendulum from its vertical position. Similarly, for a mass attached to
a spring undergoing simple harmonic motion, the amplitude would be the maximum distance the
mass moves from its equilibrium position.

In vibration analysis and engineering, understanding and measuring the amplitude of vibrations are
essential for assessing the performance, stability, and safety of mechanical systems. Excessive
amplitudes can indicate potential problems such as resonance, structural fatigue, or component
failure, while controlled amplitudes may be desirable for specific applications such as in machinery
or transportation.

6. What is Period

In vibration engineering, the period refers to the time it takes for a vibrating or oscillating object to
complete one full cycle of motion. It is a fundamental parameter that describes the timing or
frequency of the vibration.

Mathematically, the period (T) is defined as the reciprocal of the frequency (f) of the vibration and is
expressed in units of time, such as seconds:

T=f1

Where:

T is the period,

f is the frequency.

In simple harmonic motion, where the motion is periodic and follows a sinusoidal pattern, the period
represents the time taken for the object to move from one extreme of its motion (e.g., maximum
displacement from equilibrium) to the opposite extreme and back again.

Understanding the period of vibrations is crucial in vibration engineering for various reasons:
Characterization of Vibrations: The period helps characterize the timing and duration of vibration
cycles, which is essential for analyzing and understanding the behavior of vibrating systems.

Frequency Analysis: Since frequency (f) and period (T) are inversely related, knowing one parameter
allows the determination of the other. Frequency analysis is often used to identify and analyze the
natural frequencies of mechanical systems, which can have significant implications for their stability
and performance.

Design and Control: Engineers may design or control mechanical systems to operate at specific
frequencies or periods to optimize performance, reduce vibrations, or avoid resonance, which can
lead to structural damage or instability.

Overall, the period is a fundamental concept in vibration engineering that plays a crucial role in the
analysis, design, and control of vibrating systems and structures.

7. What is Frequency

In vibration engineering, frequency refers to the rate at which a vibrating or oscillating object
completes one full cycle of motion within a unit of time. It is a fundamental parameter that describes
the speed or rate of vibration.

Mathematically, frequency (f) is defined as the number of cycles or oscillations per unit of time and
is typically measured in hertz (Hz), where one hertz represents one cycle per second:

f=T1

Where:

f is the frequency,

T is the period.

In simple terms, frequency indicates how rapidly or frequently a vibration occurs. Higher frequencies
correspond to faster vibrations, while lower frequencies correspond to slower vibrations.

Frequency is a crucial concept in vibration engineering for several reasons:

Characterization of Vibrations: Frequency helps characterize the nature and behavior of vibrating
systems. Different types of vibrations, such as mechanical vibrations, acoustic vibrations, or
electromagnetic vibrations, can have distinct frequency ranges associated with them.

Frequency Analysis: Frequency analysis is used to identify and analyze the natural frequencies of
mechanical systems. Understanding the frequency content of vibrations can provide insights into the
dynamic response and behavior of structures and machinery.

Resonance and Stability: Frequencies play a critical role in resonance phenomena, where the natural
frequency of a system matches an external force or excitation frequency. Resonance can lead to
amplified vibrations and potentially damaging effects, so understanding and controlling frequencies
are essential for maintaining stability and safety in engineering systems.

Design and Control: Engineers often design or control mechanical systems to operate at specific
frequencies or to avoid critical resonance conditions. This optimization can help improve
performance, reduce vibrations, and enhance the overall reliability and longevity of mechanical
structures and equipment.

Overall, frequency is a fundamental parameter in vibration engineering that influences the behavior,
performance, and safety of vibrating systems and structures.

8. Why do we study vibration?

Engineers study vibrations for several reasons. Understanding vibrations is crucial in various
engineering fields, such as mechanical, civil, aerospace, and structural engineering. Vibrations can
affect the performance, safety, and longevity of structures, machines, and systems. By studying
vibrations, engineers can design structures and machines to withstand and minimize the effects of
vibrations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability. Additionally, the study of vibrations is essential
for developing vibration isolation and control techniques, which are important in various
applications, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery.

9. What are the important concepts in periodic motion?

Several important concepts are central to understanding periodic motion:

1. Period: The period is the time it takes for a system to complete one full cycle of motion. It is
the fundamental parameter that describes the timing of the periodic motion.
2. Frequency: Frequency is the rate at which the system completes one full cycle of motion
within a unit of time. It is the reciprocal of the period and is measured in hertz (cycles per
second).
3. Amplitude: Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or magnitude of motion
exhibited by the system from its equilibrium position during a cycle of motion. It provides a
measure of the intensity or strength of the vibration.
4. Restoring Force: The restoring force is the force that acts on the system and drives it back
towards its equilibrium position when displaced. In simple harmonic motion, this force is
directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium and is directed towards the
equilibrium position.
5. Equilibrium Position: The equilibrium position is the stable point around which the system
oscillates. It is the position where the net force acting on the system is zero.
6. Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): SHM is a specific type of periodic motion where the
restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position
and is directed towards that position. Many systems exhibit simple harmonic motion under
certain conditions.
7. Phase: Phase describes the position of the system within its cycle of motion at a given point
in time. It is often measured in terms of angles or fractions of a cycle.
8. Damping: Damping refers to the dissipation of energy from a vibrating system over time,
leading to a decrease in the amplitude of motion. Damping can be either viscous (due to
friction) or structural (due to internal material properties).
 9. Resonance: Resonance occurs when the frequency of an external force matches the natural
frequency of a system, leading to amplified vibrations. Resonance can have beneficial or
detrimental effects depending on the context.
10. Forced Oscillations: Forced oscillations occur when a system is subjected to an external
periodic force, causing it to oscillate at a frequency determined by the driving force rather
than its natural frequency.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing and predicting the behavior of systems
undergoing periodic motion and for engineering applications where periodic motion plays a
significant role.