Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME 7360 Theory of Vibration

Assignment 6
Due on: November 12, 2015

1. Determine the first two natural frequencies and mode shapes of a three-mass can-
tilever beam model, with each mass being m3 where m is the total mass of the beam.
Assume that the masses are lumped at a distance of x = L3 , x = 2L
3
and x = L from
the fixed end, with the flexural rigidity of the beam being EI. Compare these with
the exact natural frequencies of a cantilever beam and comment.

2. Find the first two natural frequencies of a clamped-clamped beam using a two-mass
lumped model, with each mass being m3 placed at a distance of x = L3 and x = 2L3
from the left end. Let the beam flexural rigidity be EI. Compare the frequencies
obtained with the exact value and comment on your answer.

3. For the cantilever problem (Problem 1) obtain the first two natural frequencies
using the Galerkin weighted residual method. Use appropriate trial functions and
calculate the error when compared with the exact values.