Engineering Vibrations I:

Introduction: Single-Degree-of-
Freedom Systems

Dr. Wayne Whiteman

Principal Academic Professional and Director
of the Office of Student Services
Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

Lesson 1
Module 1 Learning Outcomes
• Describe the practical importance of studying
vibration as an advanced topic of engineering
systems in motion
• List the major topics in the course
Engineering Mechanics
Topics
Why Study “Vibration?”
• Some vibrations are desirable, for
example in acoustics, or high
frequency oscillations, like musical
instruments or other desired noises.
• However, usually vibrations are
undesirable motion in bodies or
structures, and can induce stresses
that may cause structural, vehicle, or
machine failure.
Examples of “Vibration”
• Automobile or other vehicle suspension
systems
• Tire imbalance vibration
• Fuselage panels or other parts of fixed-
wing aircraft vibrating in response to
engine noise
• Helicopter vibrations
• Building or other structural vibrations
resulting from earthquakes
Examples of “Vibration”
• Rotating imbalances in machinery,
engines, and motors
• Undesirable high frequency vibration
noise; for example brake squeal
• Maritime vessel vibration due to wave
action; for example Liberty Ships from
World War II
• Health effects of vibration; for example
jackhammers and chainsaws
• Torsional/twisting vibrations
• As simple as vibration of a food blender
Vibration Course Sequencing
Engineering Vibrations I:
Introduction: Single-Degree-of-Freedom Systems

Engineering Vibrations II:

Applications: Single-Degree-of-Freedom Systems

Engineering Vibrations III:

Multiple-Degree-of-Freedom Systems

Engineering Vibrations IV:

Continuous, Distributed Systems
Engineering Vibrations
INPUT ACTUAL SYSTEM VIBRATIONS

Single-degree-of –freedom Simplifying Assumptions:

(SDOF) •Lumped Characteristics
Multiple degree-of-freedom •Linearity
(MDOF) •Constant Parameters
Initial Conditions
Free (Transient) Vibration
and/or
Applied Force PHYSICAL MODEL
•Harmonic TEST/COMPARE
(Masses, Springs, Dampers)
•Base Excitation
•Rotating Imbalance
•Convolution Integral Update Model
if necessary
Physical Laws:
•Newton/Euler Equations
•Lagrange’s Equations
(Energy Methods)

MATHEMATICAL RESPONSE
INPUT
MODEL SOLUTION
Differential Equation Transient (Free)
of Motion (DEOM) Steady-State (Forced)
Module 1: Summary
• Describe the practical importance of
studying vibration as an advanced topic
of engineering systems in motion
• List the major topics in the course

My emphasis will be on understanding the

principles of engineering vibrations rather than
on extensive computational/computer work

Let’s get started!