Bahrain Polytechnic Mechanics of Machine Project

Coupled Pendulum
Introduction Two pendulums can be coupled by a spring to build a coupled pendulum. When initially disturbed, the coupled pendulum will exhibit a beat motion (known as beat phenomenon). In order to obtain beat motion the spring has to be of low stiffness (week spring). See Figure 1 below for illustration.

Figure 1: Coupled Pendulum.

The beat phenomenon occurs if the motion consists of two close frequencies. The coupled pendulum shown in Figure 1 is also called a two degree of freedom system that has two natural frequencies which can be made close to each other by selecting a week spring, k. Shown in Figure 1: l is the length of the pendulum bars, m is bob mass, a is the distance from the pivot point to the location of the spring on the bars, 1 and 2 represent the oscillatory motion of the coupled pendulum.

Theory Following the classical procedure to solve for the natural frequencies of the system shown in Figure 1 will lead to

The oscillatory motions 1 and 2 will be behave as harmonic motions with slowly varying amplitudes. The energy will transfer from one pendulum to the other assuming there is no loss of energy. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Exchange of Energy Between Pendulums.

1. Sketch the spring of your selection and show how you find its stiffness.

2. List the values of the parameters needed in your system. 3. Are the two frequencies close to each other?

Project Design Provide drawings, sketches or pictures of your project making note of the following points: 4. Bars: Provide a sketch of the bars and indicate the material and dimensions. 5. Design the pivot so that you minimize friction.

6. Bob masses: Their values and material. Make sure that they are identical and have smooth profile. 7. Spring: You may use a helical spring or a loop wire to provide a low stiffness. 8. Support: The coupled pendulum should be suspended on a stand and a fixed base.

Results Once the project is constructed video record the motions and provide it in a CD along with the report. Free Vibrations: 9. Give equal initial displacements to the two bob masses on the same direction and observe what happen. Describe the motion and obtain the period of oscillation. 10. Compare the measured period of oscillation with the theoretical one which is given by . Find the percentage of error and discuss the sources of possible errors.

11. Hold one mass and push the other one and release at the same time. Discuss the resulting motion. 12. What is the period of oscillations and how it compares with 13. What is the period of beat and how it compares with 14. Explain the motions phase difference. Forced vibrations: 15. Place an unbalance exciter on the system. Try placing the exciter at different points and explain the resulting motions. ( ? )?

in regard to their amplitudes as time progress and

Comments 16. List the advantages and disadvantages of your design. 17. Did your project produce beat phenomenon? Give evidence. 18. Was the method you used for measuring the period of oscillations adequate? Why?

Conclusions

19. What was the objective of your project? And was it fulfilled? 20. What is the importance of your project? 21. Give a practical example in which a beat motion may occur. Is it desired or undesired type motion?