ME 4506: Mechanical Vibrations

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of mechanical vibrations, which are important for design and analysis of mechanical and structural systems subjected to time-varying loads. The objective of the course is to expose the students to mathematical modeling and analysis of such systems Topics covered include: formulation of the equations of motion using Newton’s Laws, D’Alembert’s Principle and energy methods; prediction of natural frequency for single-degree-of-freedom systems; modeling stiffness characteristics, damping and other vibrational properties of mechanical systems; basic solution techniques by frequency response analysis and convolution integral methods. Examples may include analysis and design for transient passage through resonance; analysis and design of vibration measurement devices; introductory rotordynamics. The course is mainly focused on analysis of single-degree-of-freedom systems, however a basic introduction into multidegree-of-freedom systems is also presented. Computer-based project may be suggested.