VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF DISCRETE ONE

AND TWO DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEMS

Technical Advisor: Dr. Daniel S. Stutts
Revision: September 25, 2000

9.1

OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the natural frequencies of a one and a two degree of freedom systems under forced
vibration.
2. To nd the damping parameter of the two systems and understand how that parameter aects the
system.
3. To determine the eects of external damping by a dashpot in the two degree of freedom system.

9.2

BACKGROUND

The two systems studied in this lab represent examples of the simplest dynamical systems which might
be encountered in engineering practice. Although each system is composed of continuous elements (spring
steel strips, and aluminum blocks), the nature in which theses elements are combined allows the combination to be modeled as a discrete system[1]. That is, a system whose motion may be accurately described
in terms of a nite number of discrete degrees of freedom. In spite of the simplicity of these systems,
however, much useful information can be gained from their study. In fact, the behavior of continuous
(innite degree of freedom systems) can usually be well modeled by the behavior of a nite number of
discrete one-degree-of-freedom (DOF) systems. This is the principle behind modal analysis, which is used
constantly in industry to minimize noise emitted by, or prevent fatigue failure in structures.
The principal experimental tool used to study the vibration of structures is the spectrum analyzer.
The spectrum analyzer decomposes the temporal response of a system into its harmonic components. In
other words, a systems time response may be composed of many dierent frequency components, and a
spectrum analyzer separates each of these, and displays the magnitude of each with respect to its individual
frequency. This decomposition is accomplished using an algorithm called the Fast Fourier Transform or
FFT. This algorithm will not be discussed here, but there are many reference books available on the subject
for those who are interested in learning more [2]. There are many benets in representing the response of
a system in the frequency domain, but one of the most important is that the frequency components which
contribute the greatest amplitude to the overall response may be determined. These frequency components
may then be avoided, or the system modied such that they no longer cause a problem.
The motion of a vibrating structure is conveniently measured by a device called an accelerometer [3]
which transduces the local acceleration of the structure. This signal may then be integrated twice to
produce the local displacement of the object.

9.3

MODELING OF A FORCED ONE DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEM

A one-DOF system can be represented by a simple system consisting of a mass, a spring and a damper (see
Figure 1). One practical example which may be modeled as shown in Figure 1 is the so-called vibration
isolation system. Such a system consists of a package, the motion of which is denoted x2 , often a machine
or an electronic system, coupled to some vibrating substrate denoted by x1 . The damping and stiness
parameters are chosen such that the package will receive the lowest possible level of vibration for the given

x2

x1
K
M
B

Figure 1. Idealized model of a single degree of freedom system.

frequency.
In the following analysis, a means to determine the amount of damping present in a vibration isolation
system will be established for the simple model shown in Figure 1. It should be noted that this is only an
approximate model even for the simple laboratory system it represents.
Applying Newtons second law to the simple system in Figure 1, we obtain the equation of motion
Mx
2 = B(x 2 x 1 ) K(x2 x1 ).

(1)

Letting z = x2 x1 allows the following substitutions into Equation (1):

x2 = z + x1 z = x2 x1
x 2 = z + x 1 z = x 2 x 1
x
2 = z + x
1 z = x
2 x
1 ,

where x0 is the amplitude of input displacement. Thus, Equation (1) becomes

M z + B z + Kz = M x
1 .

(2)

Since we are using a sine wave generator to drive the motion of the rst body, x1 , we have
x1 = x0 sin t

(3)

x 1 = x0 cos t
x
1 = x0 2 sin t.
Hence, Equation (2) becomes
K
B
z +
z = x0 2 sin t.
(4)
M
M
Equation (5) may be recast into a canonical form in terms of the dimensionless damping constant, ,
and the undamped natural frequency, n
z +

z + 2n z + n2 z = x0 2 sin t,

(5)

B
K
, and n = M
.
where 2n = M
The steady-state solution to Equation (5) may readily found using the
so-called phasormethod. In
 jt 
e
, where j = 1. Hence,
the phasor method, we note,
from
Eulers
relationship,
that
sin
t
=
Im
 jt 
, and thus
substitution of sin t = Im e

z(t) = ZIm ejt

(6)

into Equation (5), and solving for Z yields

x0 r 2 ej
x0 2 ej

=
,
Z= 2
(n 2 )2 + 4 2 n2 2
(1 r 2 )2 + 4 2 r 2
where, r =

(7)

is the ratio between the forcing and natural frequency, and

arctan

2r
2
1r

180 + arctan

2r
1r 2

if r 1
if r > 1

(8)

The steady-state solution may thus be written as

z(t) = |Z| sin(t ).

(9)

Note in Equation (7) that Z is a complex constant which is here cast in polar form. Note also that
this method readily extends to systems of harmonically forced ordinary dierential equations. For more
information on the phasor method, see D. S. Stutts, The Phasor Method for Analysis of Harmonically
Forced Systems which may be found at http://www.umr.edu/stutts/Phasor.pdf [4].
A transfer function between the output amplitude, |Z|, and the input amplitude, x0 , may be dened
as
(r) =

r2
|Z|
=
.
x0
(1 r 2 )2 + 4 2 r 2

(10)

The transfer function, (r) is called the transmission ratio, since it provides a measure of the displacement
transmitted between the vibrating substrate, or base, and the mass.
The value of r where (r) is maximum may be found by taking the derivative of Equation (10) with
respect to r, setting the result to zero, and solving for rmax . This is a rather tedious operation by hand
but easily done using MapleTM . The result may be found to be
1
.
rmax = 
1 2 2

(11)

The reader should note that Equation (11) is valid only for 0 < 1/ 2.
Substitution of rmax into Equation (10) yields the maximum value of
max =

1
,
2 1 2


(12)

which may be inverted to obtain the dimensionless damping constant



max max max 2 1

.
2max

(13)

The reader should note that Equation (13) is one of four roots
of a quartic equation, but is the only valid
one, since the others are either negative, or result in 1/ 2.

Equation (13) provides a means to measure the dimensionless damping constant for systems modeled
as shown in Figure 1. The maximum value of the transfer function, max , may be computed from the
measured maximum displacements, x2 , and x1 = x0

 

 x2 x1   x2 x0 



,
max = 
= x

x
1

(14)

where x2 , and x0 are obtained by integrating the respective accelerometer signals twice (using equipment
supplied with the accelerometers), and connecting the two signals to the spectrum analyzer. The spectrum
analyzer will show the spectral content of the two signals, which consist primarily of the single forcing
frequency, so the respective amplitudes of the two signals may be easily obtained and used to compute
max , which may then be substituted into Equation (13) to obtain . This must be done for a range of
frequencies, as described in the Data Acquisition Procedure, in order to obtain the maximum transmission
ratio.

9.4

MODELING OF A FORCED TWO DEGREE OF FREEDOM (2DOF) SYSTEM

y(t)

x2

x1
K2

K1
M1

M2

B1

B2

Figure 2. Idealized model of a two degree of freedom system.

The two degree of freedom system with displacement input shown in Figure 2 may be modeled as (you
should convince yourself of this)


M1
0

0
M2

x
1
x
2

B1 + B2
+
B2

B2
B2

x 1
x 2

K1 + K2
+
K2

K2
K2

x1
x2

K1 y(t) + B1 y(t)

(15)

The system of equations described in Equation (15) is coupled in both the stiness and damping terms.
This is usually described as static and dynamic coupling respectively. While it is usually possible to measure the mass and stiness parameters, the equivalent viscous damping parameters are much harder to
measure. This is because a 2DOF system can move in more than one way, and the measured damping is a
function of which mode or combination of modes the system is vibrating in. Intuitively, it stands to reason
that the two dampers (in Figure 2) would supply greater damping force if M1 , and M2 were moving in
the opposite direction than if they were moving in the same direction. Why? Because the relative velocity
between the two masses would be greater, and since the damping force is proportional to velocity, it too
must increase. Note as well that the restoring force supplied by the springs would also be greater, and
hence, the absolute speed at which the masses pass through their equilibrium positions would be increased
due to the greater resultant acceleration. When you examine (play with) the 2DOF system pictured in
Figure 3, you will nd that this rather seat-of-the-pants engineering description is fairly accurate.
Since the damping parameters are dicult to measure, and we dont know them a priori, lets gure out
what the system undamped natural frequencies should be. We will do this by assuming that B1 = B2 = 0.
We saw in the section on single degree of freedom systems that for light damping, the undamped natural
frequency is not too far from the frequency of maximum response (see Equation (11), so it is reasonable to
expect a similar result in 2DOF systems [5,6]. Assuming free, undamped vibration, Equation (16) becomes
4

M1
0

0
M2

x
1
x
2

K2
K2

K1 + K2
K2

x1
x2

K1 y(t)
0

(16)

Assuming a harmonic solution of the form

x1
x2

A1
A2

ejt ,

(17)

where A1 and A2 are constants, yields



K1 + K2 M1 2
K2

K2
K2 M2 2

A1
A2

0
0

(18)

From linear algebra, we know that Equation (18) can only be valid for nontrivial A1 and A2 , if the
determinant of the coecient matrix vanishes


det

K1 + K2 M1 2
K2

K2
= 0.
K2 M2 2

(19)

Equation (19) results in the characteristic, or frequency equation

M1 M2 4 (M1 K2 + M2 (K1 + K2 )) 2 + K1 K2 = 0.

(20)

Solving Equation (20) yields



1,2 =

(M1 K2 + M2 (K1 + K2 ))

(M1 K2 + M2 (K1 + K2 ))2 4M1 M2 K1 K2

,
2M1 M2

(21)

where choosing the minus sign yields the rst natural frequency and choosing the plus sign yields the
second natural frequency.

9.5

EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE DIMENSIONLESS VISCOUS

DAMPING PARAMETER

Equation (13) provides one way to determine the dimensionless viscous damping parameter. The drawback
to this method is that you must provide a sinusoidal excitation force, so you need a signal generator, you
must be able to accurately measure the amplitude of the response and determine the natural frequencies,
so you probably need a spectrum analyzer or something similar. This is a lot of equipment! Another way
to measure damping is the so-called logarithmic decrement method. With this method, all you require is
a strip-chart recorder. Of course, you still need a transducer to measure the response, so hang on to the
accelerometers.
A typical free response of an underdamped second-order system is shown in Figure 3. In this hypothetical single degree of freedom system, whose total free response is given by x(t) = e0.2t cos(10t), we
note that there are seven peaks (labeled on the graph) before t = 4 seconds. This corresponds to seven
complete cycles or periods of motion. As you can see from the gure, each successive peak is lower than
the previous one. This decay in amplitude is governed by the indicated exponential envelope, e0.2t . Since
this hypothetical system is a second-order, single degree of freedom system, we know that its equation of
motion may be written in the usual canonical form:
x
+ 2n x + 2 x = 0.

(22)

From our
knowledge of linear systems, we know that Figure 3 represents a system where n = 0.2,
and d = n 1 2 = 10, where d is the so-called damped natural frequency. Hence, our hypothetical
system has an undamped natural frequency of n = 9.998 radians per second, and a dimensionless damping
5

1
2
-0.2 t

cos(10 t)
-0.2 t

4
5
6
7

0.5

t
0

10

0.5

- e-0.2 t

Figure 3. Typical free response of an underdamped system.

parameter of = 0.02, or 2% of critical ( = 1) damping.
In general, the amplitude of a second-order system at the kth peak at time tk is given by
x(tk ) = xk = x1 etk ,

(23)

where x1 is the initial amplitude. Thus, at the rst peak, tk = t1 = 0, and x(0) = x1 . Similarly, at the
third peak,
x(t3 ) = x3 = x1 et3 = x1 e2Td ,

(24)

since there are two damped natural periods (Td ) between the rst and third peaks. Hence, the ratio of the
rst peak to the kth peak is given by
x1
= e(k1)Td ,
xk

(25)

but
Td =
Hence,

2
2

=
.
d
n 1 2

2(k1)

x1
= e(k1)Td = e 12 .
xk

(26)

(27)

Taking the natural log of Equation (27), we obtain

x1
ln
xk

2(k 1)
= 
= ,
1 2

(28)

where is called the logarithmic decrement. Solving equation (28) for yields

.
= 2
+ 4(k 1)2 2

(29)

Thus, by measuring the amplitude of any two sequential peaks, and computing the logarithmic decrement, we may use Equation (29) to obtain the system dimensionless damping parameter. Note also that we
may easily measure the damped natural frequency by measuring the distance along the time axis between
any two peaks on the strip-chart. Knowing the speed of the strip-chart recorder, we can calculate d , and
given , we can solve Equation (26) for n .

9.6

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

A schematic of the one degree of freedom apparatus is provided in Figure 4. The forced vibration will be
provided by a shaker, which is driven by a sine wave function generator. The system is attached to the
shaker plate and then forced into motion. The motion is sensed using two accelerometers, one attached to
the base and one attached to the upper portion of the system.
x2

Accelerometers

x1 = x 0 sin t

Figure 4. Schematic of single degree of freedom system.

The accelerometers pass their signals through conditioners which can be set to select displacement,
velocity, or acceleration. The signals then enter a spectrum analyzer, where the frequency response in
voltage output from the accelerometers may be read.
Comparison of the signal from the accelerometer attached to the excited support with that from the
accelerometer attached to the mass reveals the location of the system natural frequency. Examination of
Equation (11) reveals that at n (for small ), the ratio of the output displacement to the input
displacement is maximum. Hence, the natural frequency may be detected by sweeping through the excitation frequencies until the maximum dierence between the input amplitude, and the output amplitude
is encountered. However, if there is signicant damping present, rmax is no longer approximately equal to
unity. In fact, when there is signicant damping, rmax > 1, so max > n . A similar setup is used for the
two degree of freedom system as shown in Figure 5.

9.7
9.7.1

DATA ACQUISITION PROCEDURE

One Degreee of Freedom System

1. Familiarize yourself with the equipment.

2. Place the one degree of freedom system on the shaker plate and insure that the accelerometers are in
place and all cables are connected. If there are any problems ask your lab instructor for assistance.
3. Set the frequency on the sine wave generator to 25.0 Hz.
4. Set the frequency range to x1.
5. Set the amplitude on the signal generator to its minimum setting, and make sure the amplitude knob
on the power amplier is no higher than 2.
6. Turn the equipment on. Slowly increase the amplitude setting on the frequency generator until x2
accelerometer is indicating about 2 volts.
7

7. Run the experiment at this low setting for approximately 5 min. to warm up the grease.
8. Adjust the frequency center point on the spectrum analyzer so that the waves are centered on the
screen.
9. Adjust the trigger level one spectrum analyzer (if required).
10. Slowly increase the frequency of excitation until you observe the maximum voltage output from the
x2 accelerometer. Make sure that this value is not greater than 4.5 volts to obtain the most accurate
readings.
11. Read x1 and x2 .
12. Increase the frequency from 30 Hz to 40 Hz in increments of 1.0 (11 data points) and from 45 Hz to
60 Hz in increments of 5.0 (4 data points) noting x1 and x2 at each step.
13. Remove the accelerometers and the system from the shaker plate.
x1

Mass 1

x2

Mass 2

Dash pot
Accelerometers

Base

y(t)

Figure 5. Schematic of two degree of freedom system.

9.7.2

Two Degree of Freedom System

1. Attach the two degree of freedom system (see Figure 5 to the shaker plate and insure that the
accelerometers and cables are in place.
2. Set the frequency range to x1.
3. Turn the frequency generator on and set it to 25 Hz.
4. Set the amplitude on the signal generator to its minimum setting, and make sure the amplitude knob
on the power amplier is no higher than 2.
5. Slowly increase the amplitude setting on the frequency generator until the x1 accelerometer is indicating about 2 volts.
6. Run the experiment at this low setting for approximately 5 min. to warm up the grease, then set the
excitation frequency to 5 Hz.
8

7. Slowly increase the excitation frequency from 5 to 10 Hz, and estimate the frequency of greatest
transmission ratio. This is approximately the rst natural frequency.
8. Repeat step 3 from 10 to 25 Hz to estimate the second natural frequency.
9. Turn o the frequency generator, the amplier and the Spectrum Analyzer.
10. Attach the cable from the upper accelerometer (x1 ) of the two degree system to the strip chart
recorder and then turn the recorder on.
11. Set the recorder for 20 V full scale and 60cm/min. speed.
12. Align the pen with the center of the strip.
13. Set the strip chart recorder to RECORD and then excite the system by pulling the top out toward
you, deecting the top no more than about one-half inch, and then releasing it. Hold the base (x1 )
while doing this to stabalize it.
14. Allow the system to oscillate unhindered until it stops.
15. Stop the strip chart recorder.
16. Turn everything o, remove the accelerometers from the system, and then remove the system from
the shaker plate.

9.8
9.8.1

DISCUSSION
One Degree of Freedom System

1. Plot the transmission ratio verses frequency and determine the frequency of maximum transmission
ratio.
2. Use Equation (13) to compute .
3. Use Equation (11) and the frequency of maximum transmission ratio determined in step 1. above to
determine the undamped natural frequency, n .
4. What is the physical signicance of the limitation of 0 < < 12 in Equation (11)? To discover this,
it may be helpful to plot Equation (10) with respect to r for various values of within the above
range.
9.8.2

Two Degree of Freedom System

1. Calculate the damping ratio for one dashpot setting using the log decrement method.
2. Find the fundamental and secondary natural frequencies of the system and then compare them to
the theoretical values obtained using Equation (21) and the mass and stiness parameters provided
by your instructor.
3. List as many sources of energy loss which are applicable to this system that you can think of. Are
any of them truly viscous in nature?
4. How does the air-pot dier from a viscous damper?

5. Using the model of the two degree of freedom system given by Equation (15), and assuming negligible
damping (B1 = B2 = 0) and harmonic forcing of the form y(t) = Y0 sin t, determine the ratio of
K2 /M2 which minimizes x1 . Hint: apply the phasor method by setting

x1
x2

X1
X2

Im ejt ,

(30)

substituting
into Equation (15) with B1 = B2 = 0, and solving for x1 (t). Recall that sin t =


Im ejt , so the system of ordinary dierential equations given in Equation (15) reduces to an
algebratic equation with unknowns X1 and X2 . Discuss at least one practical application of this
result.
6. Sketch the two mode shapes that this system is capable of, and label each according to its frequency.
You may use the simple approach described in the lecture.

9.9

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Meirovitch, L. (1980), Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics, Rockville, Maryland,

U.S.A., Sijtho & Noordho.
2. Press, W. H., Flannery, B. P., Teukolsky, S. A., and Vetterling, W. T. (1988), Numerical Recipes
in C, Cambridge University Press.
3. Meirovitch, L.(1986), Elements of Vibration Analysis, McGraw Hill.
4. Stutts, D. S., The Phasor Method for Analysis of Harmonically Forced Systems, (1999) Electronic
publication, http://www.umr.edu/stutts/Phasor.pdf.
5. James, M. L., Smith, G. M., Wolford, J. C., and Whaley, P. W. (1989), Vibration of Mechanical
and Structural System with Microcomputer Applications, New York, Haper & Row.
6. Rao, S. S. (1990), Mechanical Vibrations (2nd ed.) Addison-Wesley.

9.10

INSTRUCTORS NOTES

Required Items:
1. Two Accelerometers
2. Two Signal Integrators with cables for accelerometers
3. Frequency Generator
4. Power Amplier
5. Shaker
6. Spectrum Analyzer
7. Strip Chart recorder (must be able to be set for 60cm/min. speed)
8. One and Two degree of freedom systems
9. Wrenches
3/16 Allen for 2 degree system
9/64 Allen for 1 degree system
10

 1/4 in. Wrench for attaching dashpot to two DOF system and mounting both systems on the
shaker plate
10. Flat-headed screwdriver

Useful Settings:
1. Spectrum Analyzer
Set the trigger level so that the pointer is between the L and E which are nearest the plus sign.
This allows the best sampling.
Use the Time Average function, with intervals of four seconds to sample data.
If the trigger hangs-up, adjust the sensitivity on channel A and restart until it begins sampling
shaker plate.
If an Overload occurs, adjust the sensitivity (HIGHER) until the overload warning stops. Then
resample the data Do not use overload data as it will be incorrect.
2. Power Amplier
Make sure the amplitude knob is set at the mid point of its range.
3. Strip Chart Recorder
Set speed for 60cm/min.
Set range for 20 V full-scale.
Center the pen in the middle of the strip on the 50 line.

11