NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL

Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

Vibrations practical workbook

Physics 3

second year
2024/2025

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

Introduction
Vibrations or oscillations of mechanical systems represent one of the most important areas of study in physics.
Indeed, almost all systems have the ability to vibrate, and most can vibrate freely in different ways. Examples
abound in our daily lives: a swinging pendulum, a plucked guitar string, or even a car bouncing on its springs.
These movements range from the tiniest, like the fluttering of a mosquito’s wings, to colossal phenomena such as
earthquakes.
Vibrations occur when a system is displaced from its equilibrium position due to energy supplied by an external
source. A restoring force, or a conservative force, often associated with a potential energy component like a spring,
acts to return the system to its equilibrium position. The main objectives of studying vibrations are to understand
their impact on the performance and safety of systems, and to control their effects.
The course constitutes the first part of the "Vibrations and Waves" program, taught in the second year of
preparatory classes. It aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of vibratory motions. The course
is divided into five chapters. The first chapter covers generalities on oscillations, introducing basic definitions and
concepts of vibrations. The second chapter focuses on free oscillatory motion, presenting the Lagrange-Euler
formalism and second-order linear differential equations in single-degree-of-freedom systems. The third chapter
addresses damped oscillatory motion. The fourth chapter discusses forced motion, covering the phenomenon of
resonance and the concept of impedance. The fifth chapter deals with oscillatory motion in systems with multiple
degrees of freedom, introducing the phenomenon of beating and the concepts of resonance and anti-resonance.
in this section of the practical work, which encompasses all the chapters covered in the course, it is divided into
three laboratory sessions(TPs): The first TP deals with free and forced oscillations of a single-degree-of-freedom
system: RLC circuit. The second TP focuses on free oscillations of a two-degree-of-freedom system, and the third
TP is dedicated to forced oscillations of a two-degree-of-freedom system.
The main objectives of the Vibrations and Waves Practical Work:
The main goal of the Vibrations and Waves Laboratory is to provide students with the opportunity to apply the
theoretical concepts studied in class, focusing on low-amplitude oscillations in one or two degrees of freedom,
whether free or forced. Students will need to develop essential skills such as correctly setting up an electrical circuit
and analyzing free oscillations in an RLC circuit, understanding various oscillation regimes and factors influencing
damping. Additionally, they will explore forced oscillations, learn to visualize resonance and anti-resonance
phenomena, plot associated curves, and evaluate the quality factor of the circuit under forced conditions. Students
will also observe the phenomenon of beats, interpret experimental results, compare them to theoretical values, and
draw relevant conclusions.

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

Lab1: FREE AND FORCED OSCILLATIONS OF A SINGLE DEGREE OF

FREEDOM SYSTEM

Objectives of this Lab

 Study of Free and Forced Oscillations in an RLC Circuit with a Single Degree of Freedom
 Experimental determination of the pseudoperiod, damping factor, and total resistance of the circuit
 Experimental determination of the resonance frequency of the RLC circuit and comparison with its
theoretical value
 Study of the amplitude of the voltage across the capacitor as a function of the input frequency
 Determination of the bandwidth and quality factor
1-FREE AND FORCED OSCILLATIONS OF A SERIES RLC CIRCUIT
1-1-. Free Oscillations of a Series RLC Circuit
We have the RLC circuit shown in Figure 1. When switch S is closed, the electrical charges stored in the capacitor
discharge into the inductor L and the resistor R, resulting in free oscillations within the circuit. The resistor causes
energy dissipation, which leads to a gradual decrease in the amplitude of the oscillations. This energy dissipation is
responsible for the damping of the oscillations, reducing their intensity over time until the circuit returns to an
equilibrium state.

Figure 1: RLC Circuit in Free Oscillations with 1 Degree of Freedom (SDOF)

By applying Kirchhoff's loop law : 𝑈𝑐 + 𝑈𝐿 + 𝑈𝑅 = 0

If we denote by q(t) the charge as a function of time t, the differential equation describing the RLC circuit in the
d 2 q(t) dq (t) q(t)
free oscillation regime is given by: L dt 2
+ R dt
+ c
=0

This equation is a second-order linear differential equation with constant coefficients. The terms in the equation
correspond respectively to the energy stored in the inductor, the energy dissipation by the resistor, and the energy
stored in the capacitor.
To analyze the oscillations of the RLC circuit, we start with the characteristic equation associated with the
differential equation:
1
Lr 2 + Rr + c = 0 ……….. (1)

Where r represents the roots of the characteristic equation.

4L
The discriminant of this equation is: ∆= R2 −
c

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

Depending on the value of the discriminant, three distinct cases can be observed:
𝐋
a) Overdamped Response : ∆> 𝟎 → 𝑹 > 𝟐 𝐂

The roots of the characteristic equation are real numbers 𝑟1 and 𝑟2

The general solution to equation (1) is: q t = Aer 1 t + Ber 2 t
Where A and B are constants.
In this case, the damping is strong enough to prevent continuous oscillations. The system may exhibit a rapid
decrease in amplitude without periodic oscillations. The circuit stabilizes with a progressively decreasing
exponential amplitude.

Figure 2: Evolution of the charge in the overdamped response

𝐋
b) Critically Damped Response: ∆= 𝟎 → 𝐑 = 𝟐 𝐂

−Rt
The solution in this case is of the form: q(t) = A + B. t exp⁡( 2L )

Figure 3: Evolution of the charge for the critically damped response

𝐋
c) Underdamped Response : ∆< 𝟎 → 𝑹 < 𝟐 𝐂

The roots of the characteristic equation 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 are complex conjugates. The solution is

q t = Aer 1 t + Ber 2 t
Where : r1 = −δ + jω𝑑 et r2 = −δ − jω𝑑
(−δt) cos(ωd t + φ)
It can be written in the form : q(t) = qm exp⁡
This case indicates that the system exhibits periodic oscillations whose amplitude decreases exponentially due to
damping. The oscillations are noticeable, but their intensity gradually diminishes until they disappear.

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

Figure 4: Evolution of the load in the underdamped response

Logarithmic Decrement:
The logarithmic decrement is an essential tool for quantifying and understanding the damping of oscillations in a
dynamic system.
Definition
The logarithmic decrement D is the natural logarithm of the ratio between two successive amplitudes of an
oscillation cycle. Formally, it is given by:
1 q t 2π
D = ln ou Td =
n q(t + nTd ) ωd
q(t) is the initial amplitude of the oscillation,
𝑞(𝑡 + 𝑛𝑇𝑑 ) is the amplitude after nnn pseudo-periods,
nnn is the number of Underdamped-periods after which the amplitude 𝑞(𝑡 + 𝑛𝑇𝑑 ) is measured.

1-2- Forced Oscillations of a Series RLC Circuit

When the switch S is replaced by a generator that delivers a time-varying voltage, forced oscillations occur in the
circuit. Specifically, if the generator provides a sinusoidal voltage, the RLC circuit will be subjected to forced
oscillations with the same frequency as the applied voltage. (Figure 5)

Figure 5: RLC Circuit in Forced Oscillations

d2q dq q
The equation of the circuit is: L dt 2 + R dt + c = Vm exp⁡
(jωt)

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

V(t) = Vm exp j ω t :Is the applied voltage.

The general solution to this equation is of the form: q t = qh t + qp (t)

qh t is the solution to the homogeneous equation, and qp (t) is the particular solution with the non-homogeneous
term. It can be written in the form: q(t) = q0 ω expj(ωt + t )
Study of the Amplitude
The amplitude of the potential difference across the capacitor is:
Vm
Vc =
(1 − LCω2 )2 + R2 C2 ω2

𝑑𝑉
The derivative 𝑑𝜔 is zero for two values of ω:

a- ω=0 (direct current, solution to be rejected)

2LC −R 2 C 2
b- ω2m = 2L 2 C 2

2𝐿
This last value is only possible if the numerator is positive, which gives the condition : 𝑅 < 𝐶

𝑉𝑐 then presents a maximum: this is the resonance phenomenon

2𝐿
If 𝑅 > 𝐶
, the resonance phenomenon disappears, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Evolution of 𝑽𝒄 for an 𝑹𝑳𝑪 circuit in forced oscillations

Resonance
If the frequency of the generator matches the natural frequency of the circuit, the phenomenon of resonance will be
observed, where the oscillations will be strongest. It's as if the circuit is "in tune" with the frequency of the
generator.
Outside of resonance, the oscillations are less significant because the impedance of the circuit increases, resisting
the current more.
2𝐿
In the case where 𝑅 < 𝐶
, we define the bandwidth of the circuit: it is the range of values of the driving angular

frequency Ω, within the interval ω1 , ω2  , such that the amplitude 𝑉𝑚 (Ω)of the output voltage takes values between
V m ()
2
and Vm  .

r is the resonance angular frequency

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

ω1 and ω2 are the cutoff frequencies (the corresponding cutoff frequencies can also be used: 𝑓1 and 𝑓2 . Thus, we
have:
B = 𝜔2 − 𝜔1

It can be demonstrated that B = 𝜔2 − 𝜔1 = 2𝛿, where δ is the damping factor.

𝜔0 𝜔0
We also define the quality factor 𝑄 of the circuit as Q = = . A system is more heavily damped if the quality
𝐵 2𝛿

factor is small.

Figure 7 illustrates the concept of determining the bandwidth.

Figure 7: Experimental determination of the bandwidth

EXPERIMENTATION
• Equipment used :
 Low-frequency generator
 Variable resistance box
 Capacitor
 Inductor
 Oscilloscope
 Electrical wires
1. Free Oscillations of a Series RLC Circuit
Set up the circuit as shown in Figure 1. Use an oscilloscope to measure the potential difference. Replace switch S
with a low-frequency generator (LFG) producing a square signal. Choose a relatively low frequency, between 100
and 1000 Hz, and use an inductance of 24 mH and a capacitor of 0.01 μF.
Note: Before powering the circuit, ensure that your setup is verified by your professor.
Underdamped response
Set 𝑅 = 0𝛺 . In this case, damping is ensured by other resistances present in the circuit, such as those from the
generator, Inductor, and Electrical wires.

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA

 NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL
Department of Integrated Preparatory Classes

 Measure the Underdamped -period experimentally and the damping factor 𝛿, then calculate the total sum
of the resistances in the circuit.
 Next, with a resistance 𝑅 𝑜𝑓 100 𝛺, repeat the measurements of the Underdamped -period and the
damping factor δ. Verify whether these experimental values align with the theoretical predictions.
Critically Damped Response: :
The Critically Damped Response is experimentally observed when damping is low enough that the circuit's
response becomes purely exponential. To determine this critical regime:
 Start with a relatively high resistance (e.g 10 kΩ) and gradually reduce it.
 Note the resistance value where the response becomes exponential, and compare this to the theoretical
value.
Conclusion?
2. Forced Oscillations of a Series RLC Circuit
Set up the circuit according to Figure 5, using an inductance L=24 mH and a capacitor C=0.01μF.

 Plot the curves representing the amplitude of the voltage across the capacitor C as a function of the input
signal frequency e(t) for two different damping values ( 𝑅 = 0𝛺 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅 = 100𝛺).
 Determine the experimental resonance frequencies and compare them with the theoretical values.

For accurate results, vary the input signal frequency by reducing the intervals around resonance, taking at least four
measurements on each side of the maximum amplitude 𝑉. Measure the amplitude of the response across C relative
to e(t) from the oscilloscope. Ensure that the input signal amplitude e(t) remains constant, readjusting it if
necessary.
 From the amplitude curves, determine the bandwidth for each resistance value and deduce the
corresponding quality factors. Finally, draw a conclusion based on your results.

Physics 3, ENP (2024-2025) Dr F.GUERZA, Dr I. DJOUADA