7.1. Definition of Free Vibration

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is free vibration?

   Hint

   Think about what happens when a system is not affected by external forces.

2. 2.

   Can a Single Degree of Freedom system have more than one mass?

   Hint

   Focus on the definition of SDOF.

3. 3.

   What affects the natural frequency of an SDOF system?

   • Mass only
   • Stiffness only
   • Both mass and stiffness

   Hint

   Look for relationships between mass and stiffness.

4. 4.

   True or False: Free vibration requires external forces to occur.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the conditions required for free vibration.

5. 5.

   A mass of 5 kg is attached to a spring with a stiffness of 200 N/m. Calculate the natural frequency and describe its implications for free vibration.

   Hint

   Use the natural frequency formula carefully.

6. 6.

   Consider a mass-spring system that oscillates with a natural frequency of 4 rad/s. If the mass is doubled, what will be the new natural frequency?

   Hint

   Analyze the effect of mass on natural frequency.