College of Engineering and Design

Mechanical Engineering Department

Silliman University

Free Vibration of a Mass-Spring System

Submitted to:
Engr. Rufwin Pabu-
aya

Submitted by:
Decipolo, Jemen G.
Rostata, Natasha R.
Tañara, Thiasbel B.

November 14, 2024

 I. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In our study, we aim to investigate the principles of free vibration using a mass-spring
system. A mass-spring system is a basic yet important model in physics that demonstrates how
an object oscillates when displaced from its resting position. This oscillation is driven by the
restoring force of the spring, which follows Hooke’s Law, where the force is proportional to
the displacement of the mass. By conducting this experiment, we can observe and measure the
behavior of a mass-spring system in order to understand the concepts of oscillations and
vibrations, which are essential in various fields of engineering and physics.

Our project focuses on understanding how the mass and spring constant affect the
natural frequency of the system. We will measure the time for multiple oscillations and
calculate the period, from which we will determine the experimental frequency. By comparing
this experimental frequency with the theoretical frequency, we aim to see how closely our
results align with the expected values. This experiment allows us to apply theoretical concepts
to real-life situations and helps us understand the factors that might influence the accuracy of
the system, such as friction or measurement errors.

This mass-spring system experiment has practical applications in engineering,

particularly in systems that involve vibrations, like suspension systems in cars or earthquake-
resistant buildings. By studying this simple system, we can gain a better understanding of how
vibrations work, which will help us in future engineering designs and problem-solving.
Through this experiment, we hope to deepen our knowledge of oscillatory motion and learn
more about its applications in real-world engineering scenarios.

II. OBJECTIVES
Primary Objective:
● The objective of the project is to investigate the principles of free vibration using a
mass-spring system and determine the natural frequency of oscillation based on
varying mass and spring constant.
Secondary Objective:
● To measure the period of oscillation and calculate the experimental frequency of the
system.
● To observe how changes in the mass and spring constant affect the frequency and period
of the oscillations.
● To compare the experimental frequency with the theoretical frequency and analyze any
discrepancies.
III. DESIGN CONCEPT

IV. FABRICATION PROCEDURE

- Gathering of Materials - Collect the following materials: a helical spring (with the
appropriate spring constant), mass (such as metal weights), a ruler or measuring tape,
stopwatch, a stand or clamp to secure the spring, and a weight holder or hook.
- Setting Up the Mass-Spring System - Attach the spring securely to a fixed stand or
clamp. Ensure that the spring is vertically aligned and free to oscillate without
obstruction. Attach the mass to the lower end of the spring using a hook or weight
holder.
- Measuring and Adjusting the System - Use the ruler or measuring tape to ensure the
mass is at the correct starting position, and then displace it slightly from equilibrium.
Measure the displacement and ensure the spring is stretched or compressed properly
without overstretching.
- Conducting the Experiment - Displace the mass from its equilibrium position and
release it to allow it to oscillate. Use a stopwatch to measure the time taken for 10
complete oscillations. Repeat the measurement multiple times to ensure accuracy.
- Data Collection and Analysis - Record the time for 10 oscillations, then calculate the
period of the system and the experimental frequency. Compare these values with the
theoretical frequency derived from the spring constant and mass.
- Testing Variations - Repeat the experiment with different masses and measure how the
oscillation period and frequency change as a function of mass and spring constant.
Adjust the system accordingly for further testing.
 V. MATERIALS USED

VI. OPERATION
1. Set up the mass-spring system by attaching the spring securely to the fixed stand or
clamp.
2. Attach the chosen mass (e.g., metal weight) to the lower end of the spring using a hook
or weight holder.
3. Displace the mass slightly from its equilibrium position to start the oscillation.
4. Use a stopwatch to measure the time for 10 complete oscillations and record the result.
5. Repeat the oscillation measurement several times to ensure consistency and accuracy
in the data.
6. Adjust the mass or spring as necessary to conduct further tests with different
configurations.
7. Calculate the period of the oscillations and the experimental frequency from the
recorded data.
8. Compare the experimental frequency with the theoretical frequency to analyze the
results and identify any discrepancies.
VII. TESTING PROCEDURE

For the mass-spring system experiment, the primary objective is to determine the natural
frequency of the system and compare it with the theoretical frequency. The frequency will be
tested by varying the mass and spring constant, with measurements taken for different
configurations to assess how these factors influence the oscillation period and frequency.

1. Set Up the Mass-Spring System - Attach the spring securely to the stand or clamp and
attach the chosen mass to the lower end of the spring.
2. Displace the Mass - Gently displace the mass from its equilibrium position and release
it, allowing it to oscillate freely.
3. Measure Oscillation Time - Use a stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the mass
to complete 10 full oscillations. Record the time for each trial.
4. Repeat Measurements - Repeat the measurements several times to ensure accurate data,
and calculate the average time for 10 oscillations.
5. Adjust the Mass or Spring - Change the mass or spring constant to test different
configurations and observe their effects on the oscillation period and frequency.
6. Calculate Frequency - Calculate the period (T) and frequency (f) for each trial, and
compare the experimental frequency with the theoretical frequency derived from the
spring constant and mass.
7. Analyze Results - Document the results of each trial and analyze how changes in mass
or spring constant affect the frequency of oscillation.
8. Compare Data - Compare the experimental data with the theoretical values to assess the
accuracy of the system and identify any sources of error or deviation.