5.6. Damped and Undamped Systems

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define undamped free vibration.

   Hint

   Think about systems that keep moving indefinitely.

2. 2.

   What is the role of a damping ratio?

   Hint

   It can be categorized into three types.

3. 3.

   What is the equation for undamped free vibration?

   Hint

   Recall the standard form of motion equations.

4. 4.

   True or False: Damping always reduces the amplitude of vibration.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about energy loss in systems.

5. 5.

   Explain how different damping ratios would affect the design and choice of materials in a seismic structure.

   Hint

   Consider the repercussions of oscillation in real-world scenarios.

6. 6.

   Analyze a lightly damped system with a damping ratio of 0.2 tasked with withstanding an earthquake. What issues may arise?

   Hint

   Reflect on examples of buildings with poor performance in quakes.