9.3 - Free Vibration Response of Undamped SDOF System to Unit Impulse
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Understanding Impulse Response
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we are going to discuss the free vibration response of an undamped SDOF system when subjected to a unit impulse. Can anyone tell me what a unit impulse is?
Is it just a very short force applied for a brief moment?
Exactly! It’s modeled mathematically by the Dirac delta function, δ(t). Now, when we apply this force, we need to consider the equation of motion. Can anyone recall the general equation for an SDOF system?
It’s mx¨(t)+cx˙(t)+kx(t)=F(t), right?
Correct! But since we’re focusing on the undamped case, c = 0. So our equation simplifies. What do we get?
mx¨(t) + kx(t) = δ(t)!
Right! Now, what does this equation represent? Think about the system's response after the impulse.
It shows how the system will oscillate without any damping.
Exactly! And the solution to this gives us the impulse response function!
Deriving the Response Function
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now that we have our simplified equation of motion, how do we find the system's response over time?
We integrate it to find the velocity and position functions, right?
Exactly! Starting with the initial conditions just before the impulse, we have x(0−) and ẋ(0−) both equal to zero. Now, how does this affect our calculations?
It means that right before the impulse, the system is at rest.
Correct! After the impulse, we find that ẋ(0+) = 1/m. What does this tell us about the system's initial velocity?
"It shows that the system starts moving immediately after the impulse!
Application of the Impulse Response
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Finally, let’s dive into why understanding the impulse response is critical in earthquake engineering. Why might we want to know how structures respond to unit impulses?
Because earthquakes can create sudden forces just like impulses!
Exactly! By predicting how a structure responds to such sudden changes, engineers can design safer buildings. Can anyone explain how this knowledge assists in design?
We can optimize the structure's ability to absorb and dissipate energy.
Great point! Also, what could happen if a structure is poorly designed?
It could fail during an earthquake!
Exactly! That's why our understanding of impulse response is fundamental in ensuring structural integrity during seismic activity.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section details the simplified equation of motion for an undamped SDOF system, derived from applying a unit impulse, leading to the impulse response function as a representation of the system's dynamics. It explains how to calculate the initial conditions and derive the motion equation, ultimately leading to the displacement response.
Detailed
Free Vibration Response of Undamped SDOF System to Unit Impulse
In this section, we explore the dynamics of an undamped Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) system when subjected to a unit impulse. When the damping coefficient (c) is set to zero, the governing equation of motion simplifies to:
$$
m x¨(t) + k x(t) = δ(t)$$
Here, $$ω_n = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$$ represents the natural frequency of the system. Given the initial conditions just before the impulse:
- $$x(0-) = 0$$
- $$ẋ(0-) = 0$$
Upon integrating the equation around the impulse, we deduce that:
$$ẋ(0+) = \frac{1}{m}$$
For the response of the system for time $$t > 0$$, we find that:
$$x(t) = \frac{1}{m ω_n} sin(ω_n t)$$
This function is crucial as it accurately represents how the system will oscillate after experiencing an impulsive force. The significance lies in its application in predicting real-world behavior of structures under seismic loads.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Introduction to Free Vibration Response
Chapter 1 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
When damping c=0, the equation simplifies to:
mx¨(t)+kx(t)=δ(t)
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the scenario where damping in the system is zero (c=0). When we have no damping, the equation that governs the motion of the system (which is a Single Degree of Freedom or SDOF system) reduces to a simpler form. This indicates that only the mass (m) and stiffness (k) are active in defining the vibrational characteristics of the system when it responds to a unit impulse input, represented as δ(t).
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a swing that is pushed (the impulse) without any frictions or forces slowing it down (no damping). The swing will oscillate back and forth indefinitely following the push as long as it is not subjected to any other forces, similar to how a system behaves under the conditions described in this equation.
Initial Conditions Before Impulse
Chapter 2 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Initial conditions just before impulse:
- x(0−)=0
- x˙(0−)=0
Detailed Explanation
Before the impulse is applied at time t=0, we define the initial conditions of the system. Both the displacement x(0−) and the velocity x˙(0−) are set to zero. This means the system is at rest and not displaced prior to the application of the impulse, which helps us understand how the system starts to move in response to the impulse at t=0.
Examples & Analogies
Think of pushing a stationary child on a swing. Before pushing, the child is not moving at all, and the swing is perfectly vertical (x=0). This setup creates a clear starting point for the swing's motion once the push (impulse) is given.
Integrating the Governing Equation
Chapter 3 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Integrating the equation over a small interval around t=0:
Z 0+ Z 0+ Z 0+
mx¨(t)dt+ kx(t)dt= δ(t)dt
0− 0− 0−
Detailed Explanation
To analyze how the impulse affects the system, we integrate the governing equation over a small time interval just before and after the impulse. This integration helps us determine how the velocity of the system changes immediately after the impulse is applied. The Dirac delta function allows us to focus on the instant effect of the impulse on the system.
Examples & Analogies
This is like measuring how much a basketball bounces after being hit by a hand. By observing a tiny moment right before and after the hit, we can directly understand the impact of the push.
Impulse Response Calculation
Chapter 4 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
m[x˙(0+)−x˙(0−)]=1⇒x˙(0+)=
m
Detailed Explanation
This expression comes from the results of the integration and tells us how the velocity just after the impulse (x˙(0+)) relates to the mass (m). Solving this gives the initial velocity of the system immediately after the impulse is applied. This is crucial for understanding the starting conditions for the free vibration response.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine the moment after you hit a volleyball with your hand. The force (impulse) applied by your hand gives the ball its velocity. If you know how hard you hit it (mass), you can predict how fast the volleyball will be traveling immediately after the hit.
Free Vibration Response Equation
Chapter 5 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Then, the free vibration response for t>0:
x(t)= sin(ω t)
mω n
Detailed Explanation
After calculating the initial conditions and impacts of the impulse, we derive the equation for the system's free vibration response for any time after t=0. The presence of the sine function indicates that the system will oscillate indefinitely at its natural frequency (ωn), which is determined by the system's mass and stiffness. This formula embodies how the system behaves under free vibrations after being disturbed by the impulse.
Examples & Analogies
This resembles how a perfectly elastic band that is stretched and then released would oscillate back and forth. No matter how it's disturbed, it keeps returning to a steady rhythm defined by its material properties.
Conclusion of Free Vibration Response
Chapter 6 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
This is the impulse response of an undamped SDOF system.
Detailed Explanation
The final statement summarizes that the derived equation represents the complete response of an undamped SDOF system subjected to an impulse. This is foundational in understanding how various structures would react to sudden forces in practical situations, particularly in engineering contexts.
Examples & Analogies
In terms of construction, understanding this response is similar to knowing how a bridge reacts when a heavy truck suddenly drives over it. Engineers must be able to predict the vibrations to ensure safety and stability.
Key Concepts
-
Impulse: A short-duration high-intensity force.
-
Unit Impulse Function (δ(t)): Mathematical representation of an impulse.
-
Free Vibration Response: The response of a system to initial conditions without external forces.
-
Natural Frequency (ω_n): The frequency of oscillation of the system due to its mass and stiffness.
Examples & Applications
An undamped SDOF system subjected to a unit impulse exhibits sinusoidal motion as its response.
A building designed to withstand seismic forces uses impulse response functions to forecast how it will behave during an earthquake.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When the impulse strikes, it gives a jolt, so watch the system, it starts to bolt.
Stories
Imagine a child on a swing suddenly pushed. The swift motion, like an impulse, starts the swing into motion!
Memory Tools
I.P.S. - Impulse, Position, State - things to remember about the tree of mechanics.
Acronyms
SDOF - Single Degree of Freedom - think of one way it swings!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Impulse
A force of very large magnitude acting over a very short period of time.
- Unit Impulse Function
A mathematical representation of an impulse, denoted as δ(t).
- SDOF System
Single Degree of Freedom system, a simplified model of dynamic systems.
- Natural Frequency (ω_n)
The frequency at which a system oscillates when not subjected to any external force.
- Impulse Response Function
The output of a system when an impulse is applied, representing the system's dynamic characteristics.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.