6.14. Role of Initial Conditions in SDOF Response

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two main components of initial conditions?

   Hint

   Think about what defines the starting point of motion.

2. 2.

   Define homogeneous response in your own words.

   Hint

   Focus on free motion versus forced motion.

3. 3.

   What is the role of initial conditions in SDOF response?

   Hint

   Consider how motion begins and evolves.

4. 4.

   True or False: Initial conditions can always be assumed to be zero in earthquake engineering.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Reflect on aftershocks and their impact.

5. 5.

   An SDOF system has a mass of 10 kg, a stiffness of 2000 N/m, and initial displacement of 0.1 m with a velocity of 2 m/s. Derive the equations governing this system's motion over time.

   Hint

   Use differential equations to represent the motion and apply initial conditions directly.

6. 6.

   Verify how the response of an SDOF system will differ with zero initial conditions versus specific initial conditions during an earthquake simulation.

   Hint

   Pay attention to how momentary differences can lead to larger oscillations.