Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology

Faculty of Engineering Technology,

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

LABORATORY REPORT
CONTROL LABORATORY

Subject Name and Code ENGINEERING

BNJ 37301
LABORATORY IV
Title of Experiment CONCEPT OF FREE VIBRATION

Course Code BNJ 37301 Section 2

Semester and session Semester 1 Session 1 2020/21

Lecturer/Instructor/Tutor’s 1. Dr. Siti Aida Binti Ibrahim

Name
Group Members Matric
Assessment
No.
Faiz Hakimi Bin Mohamed CN180149
1. Theory (C2) 10 %
Fatin Nurina Binti Mohamad AN180224 Observation (P3)
2. Khair 15 %
Rafidah Binti Ibrahim AN180106 Results (P2)
3. 20 %
Nur Ain Arina Binti Johan AN180240 Calculation (P4)
4. 10 %
Ahmad Akmal Bin Idris CN180049 Discussions (C4)
5. 25 %
Date of Experiment Conclusion (C2)
15 %
References (C1)
5%
Date of Submission
TOTAL 100%
15 DECEMBER 2020
TOTAL COGNITIVE 55%
Approved stamp
TOTAL 45%
PHYSCOMOTOR
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

LABORATORY : MECHANICS MACHINES LAB. 2.C.01.034

TOPIC : CONCEPT OF FREE VIBRATION

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this experiment is to understand the principle of free vibration in

pendulum. A further objective is to obtain the validation of simple pendulum theory and
to observe the comparison of oscillation time (s) in terms of two differences pendulum
and differences of the length.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this experiment, students should be able to,
1. Understand the operating principle and application of the pendulum.
2. Understand the concept of vibration.
3. Applied the concept of vibration into experiment
4. Proof of identical results between experiment & theoretical

1. THEORY

Free vibration also is a vibration that takes place when a system oscillates under the action of
forces inherent in the system itself. The system under free vibration will vibrate at one or more of
its natural frequencies, which are properties of the dynamics system established by its mass and
stiffness distribution. Vibrations are oscillations in the equilibrium position of a mechanical or
structural system. Vibrations are caused when an element of inertia is moved from its place of
equilibrium because of an energy imparted by an external force to the system. The element is
pushed back into equilibrium by a restoring force, or a conservative force formed in a potential
energy element. If work is done on the block, potential energy is produced in the spring to displace
it from its equilibrium position. The spring force pushes the block into balance when the block is
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

released, with the potential energy being converted to kinetic energy. This transfer of energy is
continuous in the absence of non-conservative forces, allowing the block to oscillate around its
equilibrium position. The moment of gravity force forces the particle, the pendulum bob, back to
equilibrium as the pendulum is released from a position above its equilibrium position with
potential energy being converted to kinetic energy. In the absence of non-conservative forces, the
vertical equilibrium position will oscillate around the pendulum.

Free-Vibration, Undamped

Consider a body mass m supported by a spring of stiffness k, which has negligible inertia. Let a
downward displacement from the static equilibrium position be given to the mass (m) and released.
The mass will be at a distance of x from the position of equilibrium at some point (t) and the spring
force (kx) acting on the body will tend to return it to its position of equilibrium. By assuming the
vertical direction forces and assuming motion around the position of the static equilibrium.

Free-Vibration, Damped

Consider the body mass m supported by the stiffness k spring and attached to the dash pot, the
resistance of which may be considered proportional to the relative velocity. Let a downward
displacement from the equilibrium position be given to the mass m and released. The mass will be
at a distance x from the equilibrium position at some time (t). The spring force (kx) acting on the
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

body will tend to restore it to its equilibrium position and the damper force tending to oppose
𝑑𝑥
motion will be 𝑐 where the c is the viscous damping coefficient.
𝑑𝑡

The experiment was divided into two main parts. Steel bob and wooden bob attached to rope was
used in the first part to get the time for 1 oscillation and 20 oscillations with different length of the
𝑇2
rope. Time for the 1 oscillation was then calculated using the theory formula . g. Rod
(2𝜋)2

pendulum and thread pendulum bob was used in second part to get the average reading with two
different length, which are 400mm and 800m. The theoretical time for 1 oscillation was calculated
2 𝐿
using the theory formula, 𝑇 = 2𝜋√3 ∙ 𝑔 .
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

2. OBSERVATION

From the observation of the first experiment, the controlled variable is the thread of length. The
length of the thread given in the experiment is 0.16 m, 0.26 m, 0.36 m, 0.46 m, and 0.56 m. While
for the manipulating variable is the type of bob which is the steel bob and wooden bob. Lastly, the
responding variable is the time for 1 and 20 oscillations per second.

Based on the results obtained, the higher the length of thread, the longer the time per oscillations.
Moreover, the weight of the bob is inversely proportional to the time taken for one oscillation.
Since the weight of steel bob is higher than the wooden bob, the higher the weight of the bob, the
shorter time taken for 1 oscillation.

From the data obtained for experiment 2, there were two different pendulums used in this
experiment which is rod pendulum and thread pendulum with attached wooden bob. The procedure
was the same as the first experiment but with 400mm of length of the thread. Thus, the longer the
thread length, the longer the time for one complete oscillation. However, the time for 20
oscillations for the 400 mm rod pendulum is longer than the thread pendulum wooden bob. There
might be some error while conducting this experiment that will be discussed in the discussion part.
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

3. RESULT & DATA COLLECTION

Experiment 1
Thread Length Time for 1 oscillation, Time for 20 oscillations,
(m) T1(s) T20(s)
Steel bob Wooden bob Steel bob Wooden bob
0.16 0.91 0.85 18.82 18.47
0.26 1.06 1.03 23.09 22.66
0.36 1.25 1.19 26.97 26.15
0.46 1.39 1.34 30.19 29.53
0.56 1.51 1.48 33.00 32.72

Table 3: Data Experiment 1

Graph of Time for 1 oscillation

2

1.5

0.5

0
0.16 0.26 0.36 0.46 0.56

Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Steel bob

Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Wooden bob
Linear (Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Steel bob)
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Experiment 2
Reading Time for 1 oscillation, Time for 20 oscillations,
(800 mm) T1(s) T20(s)
Rod pendulum Thread Rod pendulum Thread
pendulum pendulum
Wooden bob Wooden bob
Reading 1 1.47 1.56 27.57 34.22
Reading 2 1.25 1.44 27.96 34.90
Reading 3 1.35 1.50 27.86 34.62
Average
1.36 1.50 27.80 34.61
Reading

Graph of time for 1 oscillation

2
1.47 1.56 1.44 1.5 1.5
1.5 1.35 1.36
1.25
Axis Title

0.5

0
Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Average Reading
Axis Title

Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Rod pendulum

Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Thread pendulum Wooden bob
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Reading Time for 1 oscillation, Time for 20 oscillations,

(400 mm) T1(s) T20(s)
Rod pendulum Thread Rod pendulum Thread
pendulum pendulum
Wooden bob Wooden bob
Reading 1 1.31 1.35 32.72 27.78
Reading 2 1.34 1.50 32.75 27.84
Reading 3 1.40 1.38 32.72 28.80
Average
1.35 1.41 32.73 28.14
Reading

Graph of time for 1 oscillation

1.55
1.5
1.5
1.45
1.4
1.4
1.35 1.38
1.35 1.34
1.3
1.31
1.25
1.2
Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3

Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Rod pendulum

Time for 1 oscillation, T1(s) Thread pendulum Wooden bob
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

4. CALCULATION

For experiment 1;

𝑇2
According to the theory formula, 𝑙 = (2𝜋)2 ∙ 𝑔, the theoretical time for 1 oscillation for:

When 𝑙 = 0.16𝑚
𝑇2
0.16 = ∙ (9.81)
(2𝜋)2
𝑇 = 0.80𝑠

When 𝑙 = 0.26𝑚
𝑇2
0.26 = ∙ (9.81)
(2𝜋)2
𝑇 = 1.02𝑠

When 𝑙 = 0.36𝑚
𝑇2
0.36 = ∙ (9.81)
(2𝜋)2
𝑇 = 1.20𝑠

When 𝑙 = 0.46𝑚
𝑇2
0.46 = ∙ (9.81)
(2𝜋)2
𝑇 = 1.36𝑠

When 𝑙 = 0.56𝑚
𝑇2
0.56 = ∙ (9.81)
(2𝜋)2
𝑇 = 1.50𝑠
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

For experiment 2 (800mm);

2 𝐿
According to the theory formula, 𝑇 = 2𝜋√3 ∙ 𝑔, the theoretical time for 1 oscillation for:

When 𝑙 = 800𝑚𝑚
= 0.8𝑚

2 0.8
𝑇 = 2𝜋√ ∙
3 9.81

= 1.46𝑠

For experiment 2 (400mm);

2 𝐿
According to the theory formula, 𝑇 = 2𝜋√3 ∙ 𝑔, the theoretical time for 1 oscillation for:

When 𝑙 = 400𝑚𝑚
= 0.4𝑚

2 0.4
𝑇 = 2𝜋√ ∙
3 9.81

= 1.04𝑠

Average time

Average time = total reading

a) Thread length 800mm

Time for 1 oscillation

Rod pendulum = 1.47+1.25+1.35

= 1.36s
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Thread pendulum wooden bob = 1.56+1.44+1.35

= 1.50s

Time for 20 oscillation

Rod pendulum = 27.57+27.96+27.86

= 27.80s

Thread pendulum wooden bob = 34.22+34.90+34.62

= 34.61s

b) Thread length 400mm

Time for 1 oscillation

Rod pendulum = 1.31+1.34+1.40

= 1.35s

Thread pendulum wooden bob = 1.35+1.50+1.38

= 1.41s

Time for 20 oscillation

Rod pendulum = 32.72+32.75+32.72

= 32.73s
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Thread pendulum wooden bob = 27.78+27.84+28.80

= 28.14s
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

5. DISCUSSION

From the graph, we can see at the initial segment of the experiment where we possessed to discover
the energy for one oscillation for some given length, a line of best fit was drawn for the plotted
directions. A straight line with a slight curve line shows that the relation is directly proportional
between the theoretical time for one oscillation, T and the length of the thread. The near scattering
of the points shows that the random error was less in the experiment. From the graph plotted, the
𝑇²
value of time for one oscillation, T is found by substituting in the equation, 𝑙 = (2𝜋)² . 𝑔, with the g

is the gravitational force, g = 9.81 m/s. From the data collected and the above graph, it can be
found that as the length of the thread increases, the time for one oscillation also increases, allowing
the slope of the line to be plotted.

From the reported data, we can note that as the thread length increases, the time taken to complete
1 oscillation also increases regardless of whether steel bob or wooden bob is being used. The same
for the 20 oscillations period taken. It means the time for 1 oscillation, 𝑇1 (s) is perpendicular to
the thread length (m). From Experiment 2 at Table 4, by using the pendulum 800 mm thread, the
average time reading for 1 oscillation, 𝑇1 for both the rod pendulum and the thread pendulum
wooden bob is the same as 1.44s which is marginally less than the theoretical result, 1.46s. While
the time taken for 20 oscillations is 27.50s and 32.42s respectively. For table 5, 400mm tread of
pendulum is used. The time for 1 oscillation, 𝑇1 for rod pendulum is 1.13s and 1.07s for thread
pendulum wooden bob. The experimental results of both pendulum are slightly more than the
theoretical result which is 1.04s.

However, we need to more be careful during conducting this experiment. If not, without
considering the angle of degree it will affect our angle result have some error. Besides that, parallax
error also can be happen if student consistence giving a same force during the experiment occur.
In order to determine the general consistency and the accuracy of the trial, a few guidelines should
be applied for the research. Opposite the scale to dodge parallax blunder, we can position our view.

By analyzing the graph obtained during both experiments, we can observe that the time taken for
both pendulum to complete 1 oscillation also decreases when the thread length decreases. The
shorter the length of the thread, the shorter the time for 1 total oscillation, and vice versa.
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

6. CONCLUSION

We can see from this lab that the wooden pendulum is faster than the iron pendulum. This is
because we can associate it with time and weight. The time required for the pendulum to make a
perfect oscillation is increased when the weight of the pendulum is increased.

We can see from this lab that the longitude of the string also plays a role. This is because we
observe when we run the experiment that the time taken for the pendulum to make an oscillation
is increased when the length of the string is increased. So, we can say that making one oscillation
takes more time, because the pendulum needs more force to move.

Finally, we can see from this lab that the iron rod is faster than the string in order to make a
complete oscillation. We can say that because the string has an elastic and the weight is needed to
keep the string straight in order to make an oscillation, while the iron rod remains straight and can
make the oscillation faster. Therefore, the experiment is considered successful and the objective
of the experiment is achieved although it might be some errors occur when we conducting this
experiment. Disturbances during the experiment may also contribute to the vastly average errors.
The vibration concept is very important as it is the periodic motion of a body or system of
connected bodies displaced from a position of equilibrium
 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Faculty of Engineering Technology,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

7. REFERENCE

1. Chapter 2 Basic Vibration Theory by Ralph E. Blake. Retrieve 14/03/2020 from,

https://engfac.cooper.edu/pages/tzavelis/uploads/Vibration%20Theory.pdf
2. Vibration Free Vibration and Forced Vibration W. Brian Rowe, in Principles of Modern
Technology (Second Edition), 2014. Retrieve 14/03/2020 from,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780323242714/principles-of-modern-grinding-
technology
3. Introduction to dynamics and vibration, by School of Engineering Brown University.
Retrieve 14/03/2020 from,
https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Engineering/Courses/En4/Notes/vibrations_free_un
damped/vibrations_free_undamped.htm
4. Roslan Abd Rahman, Che Abas Che Ismail, Mohd Yunus Abdullah. (2001), Mekanik
Mesin, 3rd Edition, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor darul Takzim.
5. A.R Zamri (n.d.). Vector Dynamics and Vibration. University of Technology MARA,
UiTM.