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ME 316: Vibration Engineering

ASSIGNEMENT #1
Vibration Concepts:Spring Elements

I. Assessment: Answer the questions. Provide complete solution.

1. A machine of mass M =500 kg is mounted on a simply supported steel beam of length l =2m having a
rectangular cross section (depth =0.1m,width = 1.2m) and Young s modulus E = 2.06 x 1011N/m2. To
reduce the vertical deflection of the beam, a spring of stiffness k is attached at mid-span, as shown in
Fig. 1.71. Determine the value of k needed to reduce the deflection of the beam by:

a. 25 percent of its original value.(5pts)

b. 50 percent of its original value. (5pts)
c. 75 percent of its original value. (5pts)

Assume that the mass of the beam is negligible.

2. An electronic instrument, weighing 200 lb, is supported on a rubber mounting whose force deflection
relationship is given by F(x) = 800x +40x3 where the force (F) and the deflection (x) are in pounds and inches,
respectively. Determine the following:
a. Equivalent linear spring constant of the mounting at its static equilibrium position. (5pts)
b. Deflection of the mounting corresponding to the equivalent linear spring constant. (5pts)
3. The force-deflection relation of a steel helical spring used in an engine is found experimentally.
As F(x) = 200x+50x2 +10x3 where the force (F) and deflection (x) are measured in pounds and inches,
respectively. If the spring undergoes a steady deflection of 0.5 in. during the operation of the engine, determine
the equivalent linear spring constant of the spring at its steady deflection.(10pts)

4. For items a, b and c 5pts each