University of Trinidad and Tobago,

San Fernando Campus.

Title:
Laboratory Report
Determining the spring constant and natural oscillation of a system.

Course Title:
Dynamics of Machines
MACH 2001 SF 11

Submitted to:
Mr. Deochan Maharaj
Department of Mechanical Engineering

By:
Adrian Ali
Student I.D (74833)

Date: 22nd March, 2020.

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 Table of Content

1.0 ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 OBJECTIVE..........................................................................................................................................3
1.2 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................3

2.0 EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS...............................................................................................................4

2.1 EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION..........................................................................................................4
2.2 PROCEDURE.......................................................................................................................................5

3.0 RESULTS............................................................................................................................................5
3.1 GRAPHS..............................................................................................................................................6

4.0 DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................................7
4.1 PRECAUTIONS....................................................................................................................................8
4.2 SOURCES OF ERROR...........................................................................................................................8

5.0 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................8

6.0 REFERENCES.....................................................................................................................................9

7.0 APPENDIX A....................................................................................................................................10

7.1 APPENDIX B....................................................................................................................................10

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1.0 ABSTRACT

For this lab report, experimental tests were conducted to calculate the spring constant and therefore, determine
the natural oscillation of the rigid beam member used. From the data collected, a spring constant of 29.42 N/mm
was calculated. Subsequent calculations were derived based on the accuracy of the spring constant value. As such,
the natural oscillation system was determined, having a theoretical periodic time of 0.127 s and frequency of 7.87
Hz, while having an experimental periodic time and frequency of 0125 s and 8 Hz respectively.

1.1 OBJECTIVE

The primary aims of this laboratory experiment(s) are:

a. To determine the spring constant of a spring.

b. To determine the of the natural oscillation of the system.

1.2 INTRODUCTION

The measurement of spring constants is used to evaluate the stiffness of springs denoted by the letter ‘k’ (for this
experiment ‘k’ is substituted with ‘c’).

Springs work on the basis of Newton’s 3 rd law of motion, having a ‘reactive’ force. Therefore, if a spring undergoes
a degree of deflection a restorative force is generated within its structure. Additionally, the relationship between
the restoring forces and displacement, Hooke’s law, supports the theory that the restoring force of a spring is
directly proportional to the magnitude of displacement exhibited. This is known as the ‘spring constant’ and can be
expressed as:
F
k=
x

Similarly, the spring constant can also be explained as the ratio the restoring force to the deviation from the
position of equilibrium. Elasticity is another variable taken into consideration as it gauges the ability of an object to
regain its original shape after distortions.

Free vibrations on an elastic body are referred to as natural oscillations and, can be defined as the natural
frequency a system tends to oscillate in the absence of driving or damping force. In these systems, the elastic body
is deflected out of its position in equilibrium, oscillating about until it returns to a point of ‘rest’ due to the
presence of an internal or external damping. For this experiment it is assumed that the beam oscillates in one
plane of motion when deflected from its position of equilibrium.

In a mass spring system with a mass (‘m’) and a spring constant (‘k’), the natural frequency can be calculated as:

k
ω=
√ m

When determining the product of harmonic oscillations with the natural angular frequency ‘ω’ (natural frequency
‘f’):

3 c a2 1 3 c a2
ω=
mL 2
∨f =
2π √ m L2

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2.0 EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS

1. Universal vibration tester (TM 150 Universal Vibration System).

2. Calibrated weights (0.5kg incrementations).

Table #1: dimensions and weight(s) used to conduct experiment.

Item No. Mass (kg) Value Unit Symbol
1 Mass of beam. 1.68 Kg m
2 Length of beam. 730 mm L
3 Distance from pivot. 500 mm a

2.1 EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION

The following diagrams illustrate the general setup for experiments a. and b. (refer to Appendix B):

Diagram #1: (a.) equipment layout when determining the spring constant.

Diagram #2: (b.) equipment layout when determining the natural oscillation of the system.

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2.2 PROCEDURE

A rigid beam (length 730mm) was installed into the mechanism by attaching one end of the beam to the bearing
shaft (locating bearing) situated perpendicular to the frame section. The opposite end of the beam was fastened to
the adjustable spring mount approximately 500mm away from the starting pivot point (bearing shaft) using the
threaded stem and spring assembly, ensuring the beam member was aligned horizontally.

Fitting of the chart plotter was carried out by installing the module at the opposite end of the locating bearing,
perpendicular to the frame section. The gridded chart paper was then warped around the rotating drum of the
chart plotter and tensioned appropriately. The pen holder was then attached to the outer end of the beam
member ensuring that the tip of the pen was vertically aligned with the center of graph paper.

After the establishing the initial configuration of the testing apparatus, two (2) independent experiments were
performed to determine; a. the spring constant and b. the natural oscillation of the bar. As such, parts a. and b. of
the experiment were conducted using the following method(s);

a. Determining the spring constant: the measurement plate was precisely aligned with the threaded stem of the
spring mount to the 100mm mark (caliper gauge reading). The spring was then vertically loaded by suspending
weights of 0.5kg incrementations closest to the base of the threaded stem. The degree of deflection was
recorded for each weighted incrementation. The data collected was used to plot a ‘Force vs Displacement’
graph and all subsequent calculations (Table #2).

b. Determining the natural oscillation of the system: supply power was turned on to the control unit used to
rotate the cylindrical drum of the chart plotter (rotation speed of 20mm/s). The system was deflected out of
its position of equilibrium by gently pulling down on the rigid beam member. The resulting oscillations of the
was then graphed on the chart plotter until vibration of the beam ceased. The data collected was then used
for calculations and comparative analysis of theoretical results (Table #3).

Note: testing apparatus and experimental procedures were executed with reference to the ‘Gunt Hamburg’s
Experimental Instruction Manual’.

3.0 RESULTS

Table #2: shows the specific force and elongation values used for calculations.
Experiment No. Mass (kg) Force (N) Deflection (mm) Elongation (mm)
1 0 0 0 0
2 0.5 4.90 2 2
3 1.0 9.81 3.5 3.5
4 1.5 14.71 5 5
5 2.0 19.61 7.25 7.25
6 2.5 24.52 8 8
7 3.0 29.42 10 10

Table #3: calculated values from experiment.

Spring Constant
Experiment No. Calculations Periodic Time (s) Frequency (Hz)
(N/mm)
Theoretical 0.127 7.87
1 2.942
Experimental 0.125 8

Note: refer to Appendix A for calculations.

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3.1 GRAPHS

Graph #1: data plotted on a ‘Force vs. Elongation’ graph to determine spring constant.
12

10
f(x) = 0.33 x + 0.21

8
Force (N)

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Elongation (mm)

Graph #2: time graph obtained using plotter.

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4.0 DISCUSSION

a. Determining the spring constant:

Based on the rationale of Hooke’s law; the restoring force displayed by a spring is directly proportional to its
degree of displacement. From this theory, an incremented and controlled weight was suspended from a spring
attached to a rigid beam member, simulating a downward force being applied. For each incrementation of weights
used (0.5kg) a corresponding degree of linear displacement was observed, denoted by the its distance from the
initial point of equilibrium. This data was used to plot a ‘Force vs. Elongation’ diagram shown by Graph #1. A ‘best
fit’ line was drawn connecting the points together providing the gradient of the line.

The illustration of Graph #1 supports the assumption proposed by Hooke’s law giving proportionality between the
force exerted on the spring and its measurement of elongation. Calculating the gradient of this line was the
therefore the method used when determining the dynamic of the spring constant ‘k’ (2.942 N/mm).

Although there is a linear relationship between the load and elongation the graph does not intercept the y-axis at
zero, as such, it is assumed the spring requires and initial load to overcome its spring tension at rest.

b. Resolving the natural oscillation of the system:

Free vibrations occur naturally when no energy has been added to a vibrating system. Although the vibration is
initiated by the input of energy by an external force, these initial vibrations subside as the energy is dissipated over
time since, the innate forces returns the body its position of rest (equilibrium).

In this experiment, natural oscillations occur resulting from the restoring force of the spring. As characteristic with
a spring, an elastic body, any distortion that occurs will produce a force or torque directly proportional to its
displacement. Additionally, any vibrations exhibited by the spring would be generated with-in two degrees of
freedom (it is assumed that the system oscillates in one linear plane for this experiment). This is referred to as
‘simple harmonic motion’ characterized by a sinusoidal graph when displacement is plotted against time.

The equation of motion is established by using the moment equilibrium about the fulcrum point (bearing shaft)
and spring constant. This produces the harmonic oscillations with the natural angular frequency ‘ω’ and natural
frequency ‘f’ and thus deriving the periodic time ‘T’ (time taken to complete one cycle of vibration).

By deducing the spring constant (2.942 N/mm), a theoretical periodic time of 0.127 s and frequency 7.87 Hz was
calculated. The experimental periodic time and frequency of 0.125 s and 8 Hz was calculated from the graph
generated for this experiment (refer to Graph #2). A minor variance was observed when comparing both the
theoretical and experimental values. This discrepancy can be attributed to the equipment setup as the spring-
loaded pen may have made too much contact with the graph paper, imposing additional frictional forces within
the system.

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4.1 PRECAUTIONS

To minimize the possibility errors when conducting the experiment, the following preventative measures were
taken:

 Experiment was conducted in a controlled manner within the confines of the laboratory to reduce the
influence of external variations (frictional forces and vibrations).

 To reduce human errors and inaccuracies in the data collected, readings gauged off the calliper were taken at
eye level.

 To reduce excessive damping there should be minimal surface contact between the tip of the spring-loaded
scribing pen and graph paper.

4.2 SOURCES OF ERROR

Although all necessary precautions were taken to minimize errors when conducting the experiment variables that
may have resulted in experimental deviations include:

 Placement of the weight: ideally, the load of the system (weights) should be directly suspended underneath
the spring. Adjusting suspension point closer to or further away from the fulcrum point would yield differing
results in the experimental data collected.

 Parallax error: this should be a factor taken into consideration if the calliper gauge reading was not taken at
eye level when measuring the degree of deflection exerted by the spring.

 Planar motion: an assumption was made that the system’s vibration occurred in one linear plane motion,
however, external factors such as turbulent air drafts and vibration of counter top surfaces may have
influenced the natural oscillations in two planes of motion.

 Driving and damping forces: although natural oscillations occur in the absence of secular variations, driving
and damping forces due to external vibrations and frictional due to air resistance (drag forces) were not taken
into consideration.

 Accuracy of sinusoidal graph: the pen used to scribe the graph should only make slight contact with the graph
paper as the friction between these surfaces may excessively damp the oscillating system. Additionally, errors
may occur when gauging the distances between each wave-length from the graph plotted.

 Deviancies in calculations: possible discrepancies may have occurred when calculating the theoretical and
experimental values for periodic time and frequency resulting from the estimated value used as the spring
constant.

5.0 CONCLUSION

Upon completion of this experiment calculations showed that the spring possessed a spring constant of 29.42
N/mm. Furthermore, natural oscillation system was determined having a theoretical periodic time of 0.127 s and
frequency of 7.87 Hz. A minimum variance was noted when comparing the experimental periodic time and
frequency, calculated as 0125 s and 8 Hz respectively.

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6.0 REFERENCES

1. Electronic Source (downloadable pdf document)

Gunt Hamburg: TM 150 Universal Vibration System Experimental Manual.
Website: https://www.academia.edu/35174802/Experiment_Instructions_TM150_Universal_Vibration_System

2. Electronic Source (downloadable pdf document)

Donald C. Peckham (2005): Hooke’s Law and a Simple Spring. Laboratory Report.
Website: http://it.stlawu.edu/~koon/classes/221.222/221L/SampleFormalLab.pdf

3. Electronic Source (online publication)

Vibrations and Waves (2012): Frequency and Period of a Wave. The Physics Classroom.
Website: https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/Lesson-2/Frequency-and-Period-of-a-Wave

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7.0 APPENDIX A

Table #4: formulas used to derive calculations in Table #3.

Force F=Mass∗Gravity
( M 2−M 1)∗g
k=
Spring constant ( x2−x 1 )
1 3 k a2
Theoretical Frequency
f=
2π √
m L2
m L2
Theoretical Periodic Time
T =2 π
√
3 k a2
λ
T=
Experimental Periodic Time v

Note: units have been converted to ‘meters’ when calculating the periodic time and frequency

7.1 APPENDIX B

Diagram #3: Gunt Hamburg Universal Vibration Tester (TM 150).

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