The solution to Eq. (2.2.1) subject to the initial conditions of Eq. (2.1.

2) for systems with

Example
A free vibration test is conducted on an empty elevated water tank such as the one in Fig.
A cable attached to the tank applies a lateral (horizontal) force of 16.4 kips and pulls the
tank horizontally by 2 in. The cable is suddenly cut and the resulting free vibration is
recorded. At the end of four complete cycles, the time is 2.0 sec and the amplitude is 1 in.
From these data compute the following: (a) damping ratio; (b) natural period of undamped
vibration; (c) stiffness; (d) weight; (e) damping coefficient; and (f) number of cycles
required for the displacement amplitude to decrease to 0.2 in.
Example
The weight of water required to fill the tank of previous example is 80 kips. Determine the
natural vibration period and damping ratio of the structure with the tank full.
PROBLEMS
1 A heavy table is supported by flat steel legs (Fig. P2.1). Its natural period in lateral vibration
is 0.5 sec. When a 50-lb plate is clamped to its surface, the natural period in lateral vibration
is lengthened to 0.75 sec. What are the weight and the lateral stiffness of the table?

2-

3-