Harmonic Motion

(related to harmony (the pleasing/smooth/continuous effect))

• Harmonic motion: is a simplest type of periodic motion in which the motion is repeated at
equal time intervals. Examples can be motion of simple pendulum and spring-mass oscillator. A
harmonic motion can be represented mathematically by a smooth, continuous function of sine or
cosine. In SHM the acceleration is always proportional to displacement.
• Remember: If a given motion x(t) is harmonic it must satisfy that ẍ = -ω2x.

or

x = A sin(ωt+φ)

• Notice the similarity b/w

UCM and SHM. In both
cases the point reciprocates
on its amplitude axis. Note
x = Acosωt also represents
harmonic motion.
 Displacement, velocity
and acceleration are
rotating vectors in
vibration.

• If a motion is harmonic than

velocity and acceleration will also
be harmonic with the same
ẋ= = ωA sin(ωt+π/2) frequency ω but different
amplitudes and phase angle.

ẍ= = ω2A sin(ωt+π)
Phase Angle of Displacement (φ):
In vibrations phase is the angle that measures how much the displacement (x) of the mass lags or
leads the peak value of the amplitude at an instant when the motion is observed. + 1 cycle
equb

Other Important terms are: equb equb

1) Cycle -
2) Frequency (f) in Hz or c/s (Also, ω = 2πf)
3) Amplitude = Maximum magnitude
4) Time period = time required to complete one
cycle of vibration (1 cycle = 2π rad = s).

(linear analogy: s = vt)

It is also the difference in angle

(radian) by which one vector (or
harmonic motion) lead or lags the
other vector (harmonic motion).
 Representing Harmonic Motion
1 ) Vector Format Harmonic motion can be represented by a rotating vector OP of
magnitude A. This vector rotates at angular velocity ω.
We can write,
X = OP = x + y = Acosθ + Asinθ = A (cosθ + sinθ) (θ = ωt)
2) Complex number Format
Harmonic motion can also be written in terms of a complex
number or a complex vector because the sine and cosine
functions are related to complex number by Euler’s equation.

X = a + ib
more convenient

X = A(cosθ + isinθ) = Aeiθ = Aeiωt

A = (a2+b2)1/2 & θ = tan-1 (b/a)
= A(cosωt + isinωt) = Acosωt + iAsinωt

= iωAcosωt + i2 ωAsinωt
= - ωAsinωt + iωAcosωt

= - ω2Acosωt + iω2Asinωt
 Addition of Harmonic Motions
(@ same frequency different amplitudes)
Since vectors can be represented by complex numbers we can perform vector mechanics on
harmonic motions.
Remember:
If θ = angle b/w two given
harmonic motions X1 & X2 .
α = angle b/w resultant
motion X and motion X1.
A2 ωt = angle b/w X1 & real
A axis.
θ
A1 A = amplitude of resultant
motion X.
A1 = amplitude of X1.
A2 = amplitude of X2.
*Parallelogram law is valid*
Useful Formulas: Resultant Motion:
 Addition of Harmonic Motions
(@ slightly different frequencies same amplitudes)
Applications:
• Some times machines or different elements within a single machine can exhibit a phenomena of “Beat”
which is addition of two harmonic motions with close frequencies.
• Phenomena of beat can also take place in 2DOF systems & MDOF systems when masses starts to
vibrate with similar frequencies. (It will than become a mode of vibration) • In general beat
• Electric power houses. vibrations will occur
when the difference in
• Large floating structures on ocean (artificial Islands). frequencies is within
20%.
It can be reduced by following maintenance checks, providing vibration isolation or changing the operating
speeds of closely placed machines
Therefore,

(δ is a small quantity)
Adding: cos(-θ) = cosθ
A B • Varying amplitude = 2Xcos(δt/2) ( amplitude is now twice
the individual amplitude)
• Beat frequency = δ (difference of the two frequencies)
Recall: cos A + cos B = 2coscos • Frequency of motion x(t) =

= (ωt+ωt+δt)/2 = ωt+δt/2 = t

= (ωt-ωt-δt)/2 = -δt/2
Decibel (dB)
• Unit for measuring the intensity of sound pressure level or simply sound level.
• It is the logarithmic ratio of vibration quantities like displacement, velocity, acceleration and
pressure. It measures the relative increase or decrease in a vibration quantity respect to some
reference. [+ve dB→ measured value is high & -ve dB→ measured value is less]
• Can be used in areas like acoustics, optics, electronics, digital imaging and video.

dB = 20Log X = measured quantity

Xo = reference value

• Ratio of loudest sound

Sound Proof Construction: to weakest sound heard
• Double glazed glass windows by humans = 1
trillion !!!
with vacuum.

• Wall mounted acoustic panels

(mostly fiber glass but foam
rubber & animal furs &
feathers are also used)

• In general thicker and denser

material provide better sound
proofing but can be costly.