INTRODUCTION

Free vibration is vibration that takes places when a system oscillates under the
action of forces inherent in the system itself. The system under free vibration will vibrate at one
or more of its natural frequencies, which are properties of the dynamics system establish by its
mass and stiffness distribution.

Natural frequency is free vibrations of an elastic body are called natural vibrations and
occur at a frequency called. Natural vibrations are different from forced vibrations which happen
at frequency of applied force (forced frequency). If forced frequency is equal to the natural
frequency, the amplitude of vibration increases manifold. This phenomenon is known as
resonance.

To find natural frequency there are some equation that can be used, but the most common
used equation or formula used is as shown,

The formula is used to determine how much the frequency that can be produce in one complete
cycle of wavelength.
OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to ;

1. Determine the spring constant (k)

2. Determine the natural frequency (f)
LIST OF APPARATUS

Vibration apparatus which includes:

1. Base
2. Carriage
3. Adjuster
4. Helical spring
5. Guide roller
6. Additional mass
7. Guide columns
8. Mechanical recorder
9. Ruler
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Procedure 1: To determine the spring Constant K.

1. Fit paper & Plotter pen

2. Remove weight from carriage.
3. Use adjuster to set carriage such that plotter pen is on 20 mm line on chart paper.
4. Loud Spring by placing weight on carriage.
5. Briefly start recorder after each weight is added.
6. The stepped curve obtained from which the individual steps can be read.

Procedure 2: To determine natural frequency

1. Fit plotter pen.

2. Attach chosen additional mass and secure with knurled nut.
3. Use adjuster to set height of carriage such that stylus is centered on the paper.
4. Start recorder.
5. Deflect carriage downwards by hand and allow to oscillate freely until its comes to
rest.
6. Stop recorder.
7. Repeat experiment with other additional mass.
Experiment 1
VIBRATION APPARATUS
1. To determine the Spring Constant (K)
Bil. Mass (kg) Deflection Extention (-20)
1. 2 31.0 11.0
2. 4 42.0 22.0
3. 6 52.5 32.5
4. 8 64.0 44.0
5. 10 74.5 54.5

2. To determine the Natural Frequency (F)

Bil. Mass (kg) Total Mass (kg)
1. 1.25 1.25
2. 2.00 3.25
3. 4.00 5.25
6.00 7.25
4. 8.00 9.25
5. 10.00 11.25
 Extension of Deflection (mm) Against Mass of Load(kg)
60
Extension
(mm) y = 10.9x + 0.1
50

40

30 m=10.9kg/mm

20

10

0
2 4 6 8 10
Load (kg)