CHAPTER 11 FORCED VIBRATION (SINGLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEM)

In this chapter, the steady state response of harmonically excited single degree of freedom
systems will be discussed. Simpler phasor diagram method will be used to obtain the steady state
response. Response due to rotating unbalance, whirling of shafts, vibration isolations will also
be discussed.

Steady state response due to Harmonic Oscillation:

Consider a spring-mass-damper system as shown in figure 1. The equation of motion of this
system subjected to a harmonic forcing F sin t can be given by

mx + kx + cx = F sin t

(1)

where, m, k and c is the mass, spring stiffness and damping coefficient of the system.

m 2 X
c X

F t

kX

Reference line
Figure 2: Force polygon

Figure 1 Harmonically excited system

The steady state response of the system can be determined by solving equation (1) in may
different ways. Here a simpler graphical method is used which will give physical understanding
to this dynamic problem. From solution of differential equations it is known that the steady state
solution (particular integral) will be in the form
x = X sin(t )

(2)

As each term of equation (1) represents a forcing term viz., first term represent the inertia force,
second term the spring force, third term the damping force and term in the right hand side is the
applied force, one may draw a close polygon as shown in figure 2 considering the equilibrium of
the system under the action of these forces. Considering equation (2),

spring force = kX sin( t )

damping force = c X cos(t )

190

inertia force = m 2 X sin(t )

From Figure 2

( k m ) + ( c )
2

c
= tan
k m 2
F
k
=
2
2
m 2 c
1 k + k

k
=
F

2
tan =

(3)

1
2
1 + 2
n

k
m
cc = 2mn = Critical damping
c
=
= damping factor or
cc
damping ratio
c c c c

= = 2
cc k
n
k
cc 2mn 2n
2
=
= 2 =
k
k
n
n

n =

(4)

(5)
2

1
n
As the ratio F / k is the static deflection (Xo)f the spring, Xk/F =X/X0 is known as the

magnification factor or amplitude ratio of the system. Figure 3 shows the magnification ~
frequency ratio and phase angle ( )~ frequency ratio plot. It is clear that for undamped system
the magnification factor tends to infinity when the frequency of external excitation equals natural
frequency of the system. But for underdamped systems the maximum amplitude of excitation has
a definite value and it occurs at a frequency

< 1. For frequency of external excitation very

n

less than the natural frequency of the system, with increase in frequency ratio, the dynamic
deflection (X) dominates the static deflection (X0), the magnification factor increases till it
reaches a maximum value at resonant frequency after which the magnification factor decreases
and for very high value of frequency ratio (say

> 2 , the vibration is very much attenuated.

n

One may observe that with increase in damping ratio, the resonant response amplitude decreases.

191

Figure 3: Magnification factor ~ frequency ratio and phase angle ~frequency ratio for different
damping ratio.
So for a underdamped system the total response of the system which is the combination of
transient response and steady state response can be given by

x ( t ) = x1e n t sin

1 2 n t + 1 +

F0
k

sin (t )
2

1 + 2

n n
2

(6)
2

It may be noted that as t , the first part of equation (6) tends to zero and second part
remains. From phase angle ~frequency ratio plot it is clear that, for very low value of frequency
ratio, phase angle tends to zero and at resonant frequency it is 900 and for very high value of
frequency ratio it is 1800.
192

Example 1: Find the resonant frequency ratio (value of frequency ratio for which the steady
state response will be maximum) for a spring-mass-damper system.
Solution: The steady state solution for a single degree of freedom system can be given by

X=

( m ) + ( c )
2

K
2

2
2

1 + 2
n n

K
=
where, r =
.
2
2
n
1 r 2 + ( 2 r )

X will be maximum if the denominator is minimum.

2
d
2
Hence
1 r 2 ) + ( 2 r ) = 0
(
dr
d
Or,
1 + r 4 2r 2 + 4 2 r 2 ) = 4r 3 4r + 8 2 r = 0
(
dr

Hence,

r=0

For r = 1 2 2 ,

r 2 = 1 2 2 or, r = 1 2 2

or,

X max =

(1 1 + 2 )
2

=
=

(7)

+ 4 2 (1 2 2 )

K
=
4
4 + 4 2 8 4

K
4 4 4
2

K
2 1 2

So the peak magnification factor = =

(8)
1
2 1 2

which occur at a frequency ratio of

r = 1 2 2 . Hence for underdamped system, it occurs when the external excitation frequency
is slightly less than the natural frequency.

Example 2: An air compressor of mass 100 kg mounted on an elastic foundation. It has been
observed that, when a harmonic force of amplitude 100N is applied to the compressor, the

193

maximum steady state displacement of 5 mm occurred at a frequency of 300 rpm. Determine the
equivalent stiffness and damping constants of the foundation.
Sol: The air compressor can be represented as a spring mass damper system as shown in figure
below.

X = Steady state displacement = 5 mm

F = Forcing amplitude = 100 N

max = frequency for max displacement =

2 x 300
= 10 rad/s.
60

We have to determine Keq and Ceq.

The system can be modeled as a single dof system as shown in the above figure and the steady
state solution can be given by

X=

m 2 X

( m ) + ( c )
2

K
2

1 + 2
n n

F
K
=
2
2
1 r 2 + ( 2 r )
2

c X

X will be maximum if the denominator is minimum.

2
d
2
Hence
1 r 2 ) + ( 2 r ) = 0
(
dr
d
Or,
1 + r 4 2r 2 + 4 2 r 2 ) = 4r 3 4r + 8 2 r = 0
(
dr

194

KX

Or,

r=0

or,

For r = 1 2 2 ,

r 2 = 1 2 2 or, r = 1 2 2

X max =

(1 1 + 2 )
2

=
=

+ 4 2 (1 2 2 )

K
=
4
4 + 4 2 8 4

K
4 4 4
2

K
2 1 2

So given

K
n2 = =
M
100
2 1 2

10
=
= 1 2 2
Also, r =
n

100
100
5 10 3 =
2 1 2
X max = 5 103 =

10000 2
= 1 2 2

100
10000 2
or, =
=
5 103 2 1 2
1 2 2

and

or,

1
4
=
2
2 (1 2 ) (1 2 2 )

or, 1 + 4 4 4 2 4 ( 2 4 ) = 0
or, ( 4 + 4 ) 4 ( 4 + 4 ) 2 + 1 = 0

or, 101.4091 4 101.4091 2 + 1 = 0

or, =
2

101.4091

(101.4091)

4 (101.4091) (1)

2 101.4091
= 9.9603 x 10-3 or =0.0998

104 2
104 2
=
=
=
2
2
1 2 ( 0.0998 )
10 1 2 1 2
=100.7 x 103 N/m. = 100.7 KN/m.
100 10 3

C = 2 0.0998 100

100.7 103
100

where

C
= 2n
m

195

= 633.396 N.S/m Ans.

Rotating Unbalance
One may find many rotating systems in industrial applications. The unbalanced force in such a
system can be represented by an eccentric mass m with eccentricity e, which is rotating with
angular velocity as shown in Figure 4.
Inertia force of rotating
and nonrotating parts
2
= ( M m) 
x + m 2 ( x + e sin t )
t

Damping
force = cx

Spring
force = kx
Figure 4. Vibrating system with rotating unbalance.

Figure 5. Freebody diagram of the system

Let x be the displacement of the nonrotating mass (M-m) from the static equilibrium position,
then the displacement of the rotating mass m is x + e sin t.
From the freebody diagram of the system shown in figure 5, the equation of motion is
2

( M m) x + m 2 ( x + e sin t ) + kx + cx = 0 =0
t
..

(9)

or M x + kx + c x = me 2 sin t
(10)
2
This equation is same as equation (1) where F is replaced by me . So from the force polygon
as shown in figure 6
me 2 = {( M 2 + k ) 2 + c 2 } X 2

or, X =

me 2

(k M 2 ) 2 + (c ) 2
X
m / M
or,
=
e
k
c
( 2 )2 + ( )2
M
M

(11)

M2 X

(12)
(13)

c X

me 2 t

kX

Reference line
Figure 6: Force polygon
196

 / n

2 2
(1 ( ) 2 ) 2 + (
)
n
n

2
n
and tan =
2
1 ( )
n
So the complete solution becomes
or,

X M
=
e m

(14)

(15)

x(t ) = x1ent sin( 1 2 n t + 1 ) +

me 2
(k M 2 ) 2 + (c 2)

sin(t )

=0
= 0.01

=0
=1

Figure 7:

MX
plot for system with rotating unbalance
~
me n

=0

=1

Figure 8 Phase angle ~ frequency ratio plot for system with rotating unbalance
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It may be noted from figure 8 that, for a system with very very low damping, it is very unsafe to
run the machine near the natural frequency ratio greater than 2, the system vibration reduces to

X = me / M and phase angle tends to 1800.

Whirling of shaft:

Whirling is defined as the rotation of the plane made by the bent shaft and the line of the centre
of the bearing. It occurs due to a number of factors, some of which may include (i) eccentricity,
(ii) unbalanced mass, (iii) gyroscopic forces, (iv) fluid friction in bearing, viscous damping.
B

(b)

(a)
Figure 9: Whirling of shaft

Consider a shaft AB on which a disc is mounted at s. G is the mass center of the disc, which is at
a distance e from s. As mass center of the disc is not on the shaft center, when the shaft rotates, it
will be subjected to a centrifugal force. This force will try to bend the shaft. Now the shafts
neutral axis, which is represented by line ASB, is different from the line joining the bearing
centers AOB. The rotation of the plane containing the line joining bearing centers and the bend
shaft (in this case it is AOBsA) is called the whirling of the shaft.
Considering unit vectors i, j, k as shown in the above figure 9(b), the acceleration of point G can
be given by

aG = aS + aG / S

198

= 
r r 2 e 2 cos(t ) i + r e 2 sin(t ) + 2 r  j

(16)

which is acting along radial direction k, which will give rise to restoring torque, assuming a
viscous damping for a to be acting at S. The EOM in radial direction

m 
r r  2 e 2 cos(t ) + kr + C r = 0

(17)

m r + 2r e2 sin(t ) + cr = 0

(18)


r+

k
c
r +  2
m m

2
= e cos(t )

(19)

r + r + 2 r  = e 2 sin(t )
m

(20)

Considering the synchronous whirl case, i.e.,  =

So, = ( t )

(21)

is a phase angle between e and r.

Taking  = 
r = r = 0 , from equation (19)
(

k
2 ) = e 2 cos
m

(22)

c
r = e 2 sin
m

(23)

&

=> tan =

n =

k
m

m
k
( 2)
m

2
=

and =

1
n

(24)

c
ce

199

cos =

m
2

k
c
2
+
m
m

(25)

Now equation (22) reduces to

k
2

m

e 2
k
2
2

=
=
r
e

2
2
2
m

k
c
2
(n 2 2 ) + (2
)

n
m
m

r=

me 2
(k m ) + ( c
2 2

r
or, =
e

1 + 2

n n

2
tan =

(27)

2 2

2 / n 2
2

(28)
2

1
n

(26)

(29)

The eccentricity line e=SG leads the displacement line r = OS by phase angle which depends
on the amount of damping and the rotation speed ratio / n . When the rotational speed equals
to the natural frequency or critical speed, the amplitude is restrained by damping only. From
equation (29 at very high speed >> n , 1800 and the center of mass G tends to approach
the fixed point O and the shaft center S rotates about it in a circle of radius e.

200

Support Motion:
Many machine components or instruments are subjected to forces from the support. For example while
moving in a vehicle, the ground undulation will cause vibration, which will be transmitted, to the
passenger. Such a system can be modeled by a spring-mass damper system as shown in figure 10. Here
the support motion is considered in the form of y = Y sin t , which is transmitted to mass m, by spring
(stiffness k ) and damper (damping coefficient c ). Let x be the vibration of mass about its equilibrium
position.

mx

c( x y )
Figure 10: A system subjected to support motion

k ( x y)

Figure 11: Freebody diagram

Now to derive the equation of motion, from the freebody diagram of the mass as shown figure 11
..

m x = k ( x y ) c( x y )

(30)

let z=x-y

(31)

..

..

..

m z + kz + c z = m y = m 2 y sin t

(32)

m z + kz + c z = m 2 y sin t

(33)

As equation (33) is similar to equation (1), solution of equation (33) can be written as
z = Z sin(t )

Z=

(34)

m 2 y
(k m ) + (c )
2 2

and tan =

c
k m 2

(35)

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If the absolute motion x of the mass is required, we can solve for x = z + y. Using the
exponential form of harmonic motion

y = Yeit

(36)

z = Zei ( t ) = ( Ze i )ei t

(37)

x = Xei ( t ) = ( Xe i )ei t

(38)

Substituting equation (38) in (30) one obtains

{m(Ze

) 2 + k ( Ze i ) + ci ( Ze i )} ei t = m 2Yei t

(39)

Ze i (k m 2 + ic ) = m 2Y

(40)

m 2Y
k m 2 + ic

(41)

Ze i =

x = ( Ze i + Y )ei t

(42)

k m 2 + ic + m 2 i t
x=(
)Ye
k m 2 + ic
= X (cos i sin )eit

(43)

The steady state amplitude and Phase from this equation are

X
k 2 + (c )2
=
Y
(k m 2 ) 2 + (c )2

(44)

mc 3
k (k m 2 ) + (c ) 2

(45)

tan =

2
1+

n
X

=
2
Y
2 2 2
1 +

n n

(46)

202

 =0
= 0.05
= 0.1

=1

=1
=0

Figure 12: Amplitude ratio ~ frequency ratio plot for system with support motion

=0

=1

Figure 13: Phase angle ~ frequency ratio plot for system with support motion
From figure 12, it is clear that when the frequency of support motion nearly equal to the natural
frequency of the system, resonance occurs in the system. This resonant amplitude decreases with
increase in damping ratio for

< 2 . At
= 2 , irrespective of damping factor, the mass
n
n

vibrate with an amplitude equal to that of the support and for

> 2 , amplitude ratio becomes

n

less than 1, indicating that the mass will vibrate with an amplitude less than the support motion.
203

But with increase in damping, in this case, the amplitude of vibration of the mass will increase.
So in order to reduce the vibration of the mass, one should operate the system at a frequency
very much greater than

2 times the natural frequency of the system. This is the principle of

vibration isolation.

Vibration Isolation:

In many industrial applications, one may find the vibrating machine transmit forces to ground
which in turn vibrate the neighbouring machines. So in that contest it is necessary to calculate
how much force is transmitted to ground from the machine or from the ground to the machine.

Figure 13 : A vibrating system

Figure 13 shows a system subjected to a force

F = F0 sin t

and vibrating with

x = X sin(t ) . This force will be transmitted to the ground only by the spring and damper.

Force transmitted to the ground

Ft = ( KX ) + (c X )
2

2
= KX 1 +

(47)

It is known from equation (3) that for a disturbing force F = F0 sin t , the amplitude of resulting
oscillation
X=

F0 / K

(48)

2 2
[1 ( ) 2 ]2 + (
)
n
n

204

Substituting equation (48) in (47) and defining the transmissibility TR as the ratio of the force
transmitted Force to the disturbing force one obtains
2

Ft
=
F0

2
1+

n
2
2 2 2
1 +

n n

(49)

Comparing equation (49) with equation (46) for support motion, it can be noted that
TR=

Ft
X
=
F0
Y

(50)

When damping is negligible

TR =

1
2

1
n

to be used always greater than

n

(51)

Replacing n2 = g /
TR =

(52)

(2 f )
1
g
2

To reduce the amplitude X of the isolated mass m without changing TR, m is often mounted on a
large mass M. The stiffness K must then be increased to keep ratio K/(m+M) constant. The
amplitude X is, however reduced, because K appears in the denominator of the expression
X=

F0 / K

(53)

2 2

[1 ( ) 2 ]2 + (
)
n
n

205

Ft
F0

Figure 14: Transmissibility ~frequency ratio plot

Figure 14 shows the variation transmissibility with frequency ratio and it can be noted that
vibration will be isolated when the system operates at a frequency ratio higher than

2.

Equivalent Viscous Damping:

In the previous sections, it is assumed that the energy dissipation takes place due to viscous type of
damping where the damping force is proportional to velocity. But there are systems where the damping
takes place in many other ways. For example, one may take surface to surface contact in vibrating
systems and take Coulomb friction into account. Also in many cases energy is dissipated in joints also,
which is a form of structural damping. In these cases one may still use the derived equations by
considering an equivalent viscous damping. This can be achieved by equating the energy dissipated in the
original and the equivalent system.
The primary influence of damping on the oscillatory systems is that of limiting the amplitude at
resonance. Damping has little influence on the response in the frequency regions away from resonance. In
case of viscous damping, the amplitude at resonance is

X =

F0
F
= 0
c n 2 k

(54)

For other type of damping, no such simple expression exists. It is possible to however, to approximate the
resonant amplitude by substituting an equivalent damping Ceq in the foregoing equation.
The equivalent damping Ceq is found by equating the energy dissipated by the viscous damping to that of
the nonviscous damping with assumed harmonic motion.

206

CeqX 2 = Wd

(55)

Where Wd must be evaluated from the particular type of damping.

Structural Damping:
When materials are cyclically stressed, energy is dissipated internally within the material itself.
Experiments by several investigators indicate that for most structural metals such as steel and aluminum,
the energy dissipated per cycle is independent of the frequency over a wide frequency range and
proportional to the square of the amplitude of vibration. Internal damping fitting this classification is
called solid damping or structural damping. With the energy dissipation per cycle proportional to the
square of the vibration amplitude, the loss coefficient is a constant and the shape of the hysteresis curve
remains unchanged with amplitude and independent of the strain rate. Energy dissipated by structural
damping can be written as

Wd = X 2

(56)

Where is a constant with units of force displacement.

By the concept of equivalent viscous damping

Wd = X 2 = ceq X 2

or, ceq =

(57)

Coulomb Damping:
Coulomb damping is mechanical damping that absorbs energy by sliding friction, as opposed to
viscous damping, which absorbs energy in fluid, or viscous, friction. Sliding friction is a constant value
regardless of displacement or velocity. Damping of large complex structures with non-welded joints, such
as airplane wings, exhibit coulomb damping.
Work done per cycle by the Coulomb force Fd

Wd = 4Fd X

(58)

For calculating equivalent viscous damping

CeqX 2 = 4Fd X

(59)

From the above equation equivalent viscous damping is found

ceq =

4 Fd
X

(60)

Summary
Some important features of steady state response for harmonically excited systems are as follows-

207

The steady state response is always of the form x (t ) = X sin(t ) . Where it is having same
frequency as of forcing. X is amplitude of the response, which is strongly dependent on the
frequency of excitation, and on the properties of the springmass system.
There is a phase lag between the forcing and the system response, which depends on the
frequency of excitation and the properties of the spring-mass system.
The steady state response of a forced, damped, spring mass system is independent of initial
conditions
In this chapter response due to rotating unbalance, support motion, whirling of shaft and equivalent
damping are also discussed.

Exercise Problems
1. An underdamped shock absorber is to be designed for a motor cycle of mass 200Kg. When the
shock absorber is subjected to an initial vertical velocity due to a road bump, the resulting
displacement-time curve is to be as indicated in fig(b). Find the necessary stiffness and damping
constants of the shock absorber if the damped period of vibration is to be 2 s and amplitude x1 is
to be reduced to one-fourth in one half cycle (i.e x1.5=x1/4). Also find the minimum initial
velocity that leads to a maximum displacement of 250 mm.
2. Develop equation of motion for a spring mass system with Coulomb damping.
3. An electronic instrument of mass m= 8kg is placed on four elastic support pad of special rubber.
The force displacement curve of each pad is given by F = (5x+1000x2)*103. Determine the spring
constant between the instrument and ground in the vertical direction.
4. A machine of 100kg mass is supported on springs of total stiffness 700 KN/m and has an
unbalanced rotating element, which results in a disturbing force of 350N at a speed of 3000
rev/min. Assuming a damping factor of = 0.20 , determine (a) its amplitude of motion due to
the unbalance, (b) the transmissibility, and (c) the transmitted force.
5. Find the steady state response of the spring mass damper system to a force

F = 5 sin 4t + 10 cos 4t .
6. If the steady state response of a linear system to a force of F = 5 sin 2t is 4 sin( 2t + 0.25) , what
will be the response if a force of F = 10 sin 2t will act on it..
Computer Assignment
1. Develop a general-purpose program, to find the free vibration response of a viscously damped
system. Use the program to find response of a system with m= 450 Kg, K= 26519.2, c= 1000.0,
x0 =0.539657, v0(initial velocity)=1.0.
2. Find the free vibration response of a critically damped and over damped system with the above
mentioned values of m and k.

3. Plot magnification factor vs. frequency ratio and |X/Y| or |Ft/F0| for different values of

208