Coursework Problem 2: MDOF Systems

A three-storey frame shown in Figure 1 is subjected to the harmonic force { f ( t )} :

m1=4000 kg
x1

EI EI

3m
m2=8000 kg
x2
EI
3m
EI

m3=8000 kg
x3

2EI
6m

2EI

Figure 1

 f1 ( t )   9870 
{ f ( t )} =  f 2 ( t ) =  2882  sin ( 2π ft ) [ N ] , f = 4.0 Hz .
 f ( t )  −8182 
 3   

Modal damping ratios for the system are: ζ 1 = 1.0%, ζ 2 = 0.2%, ζ 3 = 1.5% .

Using NDOF and EI=4.5x106 Nm2 answer following questions.

Question 1: Calculate natural frequencies and unit normalised mode shapes.
Question 2: Determine modal masses. Check the obtained modal mass for the 3rd mode by hand.
Question 3: Plot the forced response of the system in the first 15 s. How is this phenomenon
called:
a) Transient response,
b) Beating response,
c) Resonant response?
Explain your answer referring to the relationship between the excitation frequency and
natural frequencies of the system.