A-5-6. Figures 5-58(a) shows a mechanical vibratory system.

When 2 Ib of force (step input) is applied

to the system, the mass oscillates, as shown in Figure 5-58(b). Determine m, b, and k of the system
from this response curve. The displacement x is measured from the equilibrium position.

Solution. The transfer function of this system is

Since

we obtain

It follows that the steady-state value of x is

Hence

Note that M, = 9.5% corresponds to 5 = 0.6.The peak time t , is given by

The experimental curve shows that t , = 2 sec.Therefore,

3.14
w , = ----- = 1.96 rad/sec
2 X 0.8

(P(2-lb force)
t
Figure 5-58
(a) Mechanical
vibratory system;
(b) step-response
curve.

Chapter 5 / Transient and Steady-State Response Analyses

 Since w2, = k l m = 20/rn, we obtain
20 20
m=-=--- - 5.2 slugs = 166 Ib
wi. 1.96~
(Note that 1 slug = 1 lb,-sec2/ft.) Then b is determined from

4-5-7. Consider the unit-step response of the second-order system

The amplitude of the exponentially damped sinusoid changes as a geometric series. A t time
t = t,=.rr/w,, the amplitude is equal to e-(ul",l)n. After one oscillation, o r at
t = t , + 2.rr/w,, = 3n/w,,, the amplitude is equal to e-(""wg1)3"; after another cycle of oscillation, the
The logarithm of the ratio of successive amplitudes is called the logarithmic
amplitude is e-(u;"~)5".
decrement. Determine the logarithmic decrement for this second-order system. Describe a method
for experimental determination of the damping ratio from the rate of decay of the oscillation.
Solution. Let us define the amplitude of the output oscillation at t = t , to be x,, where
t, = t, + ( i - 1 ) T ( T = period of oscillation). The amplitude ratio per one period of damped
oscillation is

Thus, the logarithmic decrement 6 is

It is 3 function only of the damping ratio j . Thus, the damping ratio j can be determined by use
of the logarithmic. decrement.
In the experimental determination of the damping ratio 6 from the rate of decay of the oscil-
lation, we measure the amplitude x , at t = t , and amplitude x, at t = t , + ( n - l ) T .Note that
it is necessary to choose n large enough so that the ratio o x,/x, is not near unity.Then

Hence

Example Problems and Solutions