VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 1

VIBRATIONS PRACTICAL LAB REPORT

SIMPLE PENDULUM
BY
AICHA EUGENE
EN292-0662/2009

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL, MANUFACTURING AND
MATERIALS ENGINEERING
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Presented on 24
th
July 2014
Commenced on 10
th
July 2014










VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 2
ABSTRACT

This lab focuses on experimentally obtaining the relationships between variables involved with
torsional load to circular cross-section rod of mild steel. The variables that were focused on
included applied torque, angular deflection, and length of rod, polar moment of inertia and the
shear modulus. The apparatus that were used to get the data from the torsion testing machine set-
up were the steel rule and vernier calipers. By measuring the applied torque with respect to the
angle of twist, the shear modulus, shear stress at the limit of proportionality, and failure
conditions were found. The results found within this experiment were somewhat inaccurate. The
shear modulus for mild steel specimen was determined to be 80.3 G Pa, which contains nearly
2.95% error when compared against the standard 78 G Pa. There are a multitude of reasons for
the discrepancy between the theoretical and calculated values of the modulus of rigidity for the
mild steel specimen this experiment. One was that perhaps the test specimen wasnt of a
consistent diameter. A varying diameter throughout the length of the test specimen would
interfere with an accurate calculation by varying the polar moment of inertia; J. Instances of a
varying J value would yield unique G values. Other sources of error present in this experiment
included the fact that the indicated angles were only read to the nearest half degree. This
limitation prevented an accurate measurement for the angle of twist of a specimen under torsion
According to the graphs however, the experiment was very successful. A good correlation could
be seen between the values of TL and J . Overally, this lab was very helpful in visualizing such
a difficult topic like torsion. The apparatus helped with the understanding of the relationship
between the force and angle of twist, modulus of rigidity and polar moment.













Table of Contents

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 3
Title Page .......................................................................................................................... 1
Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 2
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. 3
List of Figures ................................................................................................................... 3
1 Objectives of Experiment ......................................................................................... 4
2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 5
3 Background information ........................................................................................... 5
4 Materials and Methods .............................................................................................. 9
4.1 Torsion Test Specimen ..................................................................................... 9
4.2 Equipment and Apparatus ................................................................................. 9
4.3 Set up diagram .................................................................................................. 9
4.4 Test Sample Installation .................................................................................. 10
4.5 Procedure ........................................................................................................ 11
4.6 Precautions ...................................................................................................... 11

5 Results ..................................................................................................................... 12
6 Analysis of Results ................................................................................................. 13
7 Discussion ............................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Calculations............................................................................................. 14
7.2 Comments .............................................................................................. 14
7.3 Torsion failures ...................................................................................... 15
7.4 Error analysis and Recommendations .................................................... 14

8 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 17
References ....................................................................................................................... 18

List of Figures
Fig. 1: Torsion in cylindrical bar[Ref. 2] .....5
Fig. 2: Relationship between torque and angle of twist[Ref. 2].....6
Fig. 3: Torsion of a solid bar[Ref.4] ..................6
Fig. 4: Relationship between modular shear stress and shear strain[Ref. 6]..8
Fig. 5: Torsion specimen..9
Fig. 6: Details of torsion testing machine .................................................................. .. .10
Fig. 7: Types of failure in torsion ................................................................................... 16



List of Tables
Table 1: Specimen Results ......12
Table 2: Torsion testing machine readings..6
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 4

1. Objectives
In this experiment, the objectives are:
To examine the relationship between the period of a simple pendulum and its amplitude.
To determine the relationship between the pendulum period and the length of the
pendulum if the amplitude is small enough that the variation with amplitude is
negligible.
To measure the gravitational field strength

1) To determine the relation between the period (T) of oscillation of a simple
pendulum with verify 3 types of different specimens.
2) To determine the center of gravity of a connecting rod, as well as the radius of
gyration about the center of gravity by using compound pendulum.
3) Determine the mass moment of inertia, (I
g
& I
o
) by oscillation and manual
calculation.
This experiment aims at studying the behaviour of both simple and compound pendulums, in order to realise the following objectives:
1) The independence of the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum from its mass.
2) The relationship between the period of oscillation and its length.
3) The determination of the value of the gravitational acceleration g, to be compared with the known standard value.


2. Introduction

The length of a pendulum is the distance between the pivot point and the center of the bob. The
amplitude is the angle that is formed by the length when the bob has been raised. Gravitational
forces accelerate the bob downwards. The mass of the bob is measured in grams, it does not
affect the period of the pendulum. The period of the pendulum is the total amount of time it takes
the pendulum to complete one complete cycle, which is to return to the point where it started.
The displacement in this case would be zero

I- Introduction:

Simple pendulum is simply a concentrated mass m attached to one of the ends of a mass-less cord of length l, while the other end is
fitted as a point of oscillation, such that the mass is free to oscillate about that fixed point in the vertical plane. The compound pendulum differs
from the simple one in that it has a mass distribution along its length -that is its mass is not concentrated at a given point-, therefore it has a mass
moment of inertia I about its mass centre.
Any rigid body that has a mass m, and mass moment of inertia I and suspended at a given distance h from its centre of gravity represents a
compound pendulum.
It should be realised in the derivation of the governing equations, that the angle
of oscillation of the pendulum, simple or compound, should be small.



VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 5
3. Background Information
The schematic representation of the simple pendulum is shown in Figure-1.1-a,
which consists of a small ball of mass m suspended by a mass-less cord of length l.
The system is given an initial small angular displacement O, and as a result the
pendulum oscillates in the vertical plane by a time varying angle u(t) with the vertical
direction.

Figure-1.1 Schematic representation of the
(a)simple pendulum
The dynamic equilibrium equation (equation of motion) corresponding to the
tangential direction of motion of the concentrated mass yields:

0 sin = + mg ml

(1)

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 6
Assuming small magnitude for the angle u, so that u u ~ sin , and simplifying eqn-1
leads to the equation:

0 = + u u
l
g

(2)


Let the motion defined by the function u(t) be a simple harmonic motion defined as
t t
n
e u sin ) ( O = , where e
n
is the natural frequency of the pendulum. Substituting for u in
eqn-2 and simplifying gives e
n
as:

l
g
n
= e (3)

The period of oscillation t, is defined as the time required to complete one full cycle of
motion or one oscillation. By observing the function u(t), the period t is given as:

g
l
n
t
e
t
t 2
2
= =

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 7
Physical pendulum
In this case, a rigid body instead of point mass - is pivoted to oscillate as shown in the
figure. There is no requirement of string. As a result, there is no tension involved in this
case. Besides these physical ramifications, the working of compound pendulum is
essentially same as that of simple pendulum except in two important aspects:

- Gravity acts through center of mass of the rigid body. Hence, length of pendulum
used in equation is equal to linear distance between pivot and center of mass
(h).
- The moment of inertia of the rigid body about point suspension is not equal to
mL
2
* as in the case of simple pendulum. The time period of compound
pendulum, therefore, is given by :

- In case we know MI of the rigid body, we can evaluate above expression of
time period for the physical pendulum. For illustration, let us consider a
uniform rigid rod, pivoted from a frame as shown in the figure. Clearly, center
of mass is at a distance L/2 from the point of suspension :
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 8

h= L/2
Now, MI of the rigid rod about its center is:

We are, however, required to evaluate MI of the rod about the point of suspension, i.e.
O. Applying parallel axes theorem,

Putting in the equation of time period, we have:

The important thing to note about this relation is that time period is still independent of
mass of the rigid body. However, time period is not independent of mass distribution of
the rigid body. A change in shape or size or change in mass distribution will change MI
of the rigid body about point of suspension. This, in turn, will change time period.


Further, we should note that physical pendulum is an effective device to measure g.
As a matter of fact, this device is used extensively in gravity surveys around the world.
We only need to determine time period or frequency to determine the value of g.
Squaring and rearranging,

Point of oscillation

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 9
We can think of physical pendulum as if it were a simple pendulum. For this, we can
consider the mass of the rigid body to be concentrated at a single point as in the case of
simple pendulum such that time periods of two pendulums are same. Let this point be at
a linear distance Lo from the point of suspension. Here,

The point defined by the vertical distance, "L
o
, from the point of suspension is called
point of oscillation of the physical pendulum. Clearly, point of oscillation will change if
point of suspension is changed.






4. Materials and Methods:

4.1 Torsion test specimen

Figure 5: Torsion specimen

4.2 Equipment and apparatus

Suggested Equipment List

The Lab Kit included
Electronic balance
Thread or dental floss
T-bracket or corner brace
Metric measuring tape
C-clamp
Corrugated cardboard for protecting door
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 10
Lead fishing weight
Metre stick
Protractor
Stop watch or watch with second hand.
1) Wooden pendulum
2) Vee support, cylindrical support
3) Ruler
4) Stopwatch












The apparatus used
for the experiment.


4.3 Set-up diagram
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 11

Figure 6: Schematic diagram showing details of torsion testing machine [2]

The SM1 testing machine could apply torque up to 30Nm. The torque was applied manually via
a 60:1 reduction gear box. The torque is reacted to by a torsion bar whose displacement relative
to the displacement arm is measured by a linear potentiometer connected to a TQ digital Torque
meter. Angular rotation was applied to one end of the specimen by means of a reduction gear,
protractor being provided to measure this rotation and torque developed in the specimen was
balanced and measured on the other side of the specimen. Protractor scales were then used to
provide an accurate measurement of the angle of torque.

4.4. Test specimen installation

The lower clamp on the right side of the machine allows for the lateral movement of the input
shaft to accommodate samples of various lengths. With this clamp loosened, the input shaft was
slid to the right enough to allow the sample to fit between the input shaft and the pendulum shaft.
The sample was then installed into the socket on the input shaft. After firmly tightening the
clamp on the input socket, the input shaft was slid towards the pendulum shaft until the sample
was far enough into the other socket. Because the end of the sample was hex shaped, the hand
crank had to be rotated to allow the sample to align with the clamp on the pendulum shaft. The
lower clamp and the socket clamp were tightened on the pendulum shaft. Normally, for the
circular cross section rods, the length is the length of the circular area while for the hexagonal
cross section rods, the length is the distance between the clamps of the apparatus, which needed
to be measured and recorded.

4.5 Procedure

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 12
1. The dimension for the wooden pendulum is taken ( thickness, width and length )
2. Vee support is inserted into the hole of the wooden pendulum.
3. The wooden pendulum is hanging at the testing apparatus to swing it.
4. The wooden pendulum was swing from right at 15
o
, and time for 10 complete
cycle was taken.
5. Step 4 was repeated for swinging the pendulum from left.
6. Step 2 to 5 was repeated for cylindrical support for another hole of wooden
pendulum.

Steel and plastic balls are used separately in this experiment as follows:

1) Attach the cord to the steel ball at one end, and attach the other end to the main frame.
Record the length of the cord l.
2) Displace the ball form its neutral position by a small amount, and then release it to
oscillate freely. Measure and record the time T required to complete ten oscillations.
3) Adjust the cord length to a new value and repeat step-2.
4) Repeat Step-3 six more times so that eight pairs of l and T are recorded.
5) Replace the steel ball with the plastic ball and repeat steps-1 through 4.




4.6 Precautions

1. Readings were noted at a perpendicular view to eliminate parallax error.
2. Dimensions of the specimen were measured very carefully
3. The Angle of twist was accurately measured for the corresponding value of Torque.

5. Results

6. VI - Collected Data:
7.
8. Part One- Simple Pendulum:
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 13
9.
10. Table-1.1 Collected data for the simple pendulum part
11.
12.
13.
14. Part Two- Compound Pendulum:
15.
16. l = cm
Trial Steel Ball Plastic Ball
l (cm) T (second) l (cm) T (second)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 14
17.
18. Table-1.2 Collected data for the compound pendulum part
Trial h (cm) T (second)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 15
24.
25.
26. VI I - Data Processing:
27.
28. Part One- Simple Pendulum:
29.
Use eqn-4:
g
l
t t 2 =
Evaluate the theoretical
period t
Theor
corresponding
to each length l.
The values of t
Theor
are to be
compared with the
experimental values t
Exper
.

Square both sides of
eqn-4 to get:
g
l

2 2
4 =

Draw t
2
versus l as shown
in Figure-1.2.
Slope =
g
2
4t

g is found and compared
to the standard value.


Analysis of results

Table-1.3 Data processing analysis for the simple pendulum part
Steel Ball
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 16
Trial l
(cm)
t
Exper

(second)
t
Theor
(second)
(t
Exper.
)
2
(second)
2
t Percent
Error ()
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8


Table-1.4 Data processing analysis for the simple pendulum part
Plastic Ball
Trial l
(cm)
t
Exper

(second)
t
Theor
(second)
(t
Exper.
)
2
(second)
2
t Percent
Error ()
1
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 17
2
3
4
5
6
7
8


Table-1.5 Data processing results for the simple pendulum part.
Quantity
Slope from
Figure-1.2:
g (m/s
2
) Percentage
Error of g ()
Steel Ball
Plastic Ball




VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 18
30. Discussion of results

30.1 Calculations

SAMPLE OF CALCULATIONS:

Experimental Result







For
Point T
1
T
2

1 14.65 14.1
2 14.5 14.0
3 14.5 14.1
Average 14.53 14.07


1 period of oscillation , T
1
= 14.53 / 10
= 1.453 s
T
2
= 14.07 / 10
= 1.407 s
Point 1


(1.453)
2
= (2 )
2
( L
1
/ 9.81 )
L
1
= 0.5246 m
Point 2



(1.459)
2
= (2 )
2
( L
2
/ 9.81 )
L
2
= 0.529 m






Component 1 Component 2 Component 3

Component 1 Component
Point
Point

g
L
T
1
2t =
g
L
T
2
2
2t =
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 19






So, Total volume, V
T
= V
1
( V
2
+ V
3
)
= 640 ( 45 + 4.9 )
= 590.1 cm
3
Given mass, m = 0.6 kg

Density, = m / v
total
= 0.6 kg / 590.1 10
-6

= 1016.78 kg/m
3
To obtain the mass for each component,
m
1
= v m
3
= v
= 1016.78 (64010
-6
) = 1016.78 (4510
-6
)
= 0.6507 kg = 0.0458 kg

m
2
= v
= 1016.78 (4.910
-6
)
= 4.982 10
-3
kg





X= 73 cm




= 15

r
G
= x (L
2
x) / (L
1
+ L
2
- 2x)
= 0.73 ( 0.529 0.73 ) / ( 0.5203 + 0.529 - 1.46 )
= -0.1467 / -0.4107
= 0.3572 m

to obtain I
0
:



At point 1
(T
1
)
2
= (2 )
2
( I
01
/ mgr
G
)
3
Length 80cm 1cm
Height 1cm 45cm
Width 8cm 1cm
Volum
e
640cm
3
45cm
3
Component 2
Diameter 2.5cm
Height 1cm
Volume 4.9cm
3

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 20
(1.453)
2
= (2 )
2
( I
01
/ 0.6 9.81 0.3572)
I
01
= 0.1124 kg.m
2

At point 2
(T
2
)
2
= (2 )
2
( I
02
/ mgr
G
)
(1.407)
2
= (2 )
2
( I
02
/ 0.6 9.81 0.3572 )
I
02
= 0.1054 kg.m
2




To obtain I
G
:


Thus, I
G
= mr
G
(L r
G
)
At point 1
I
G1
= mr
G
(L
1
r
G
)
= (0.6)(0.3572)(0.5203-0.3572)
= 0.035 kg.m
2

At point 2
I
G2
= mr
G
(L
2
r
G
)
= (0.6)(0.3572)(0.529-0.3572)
= 0.0368 kg.m
2

Theoretical Result





Area (A
1
) = 73 8 Area (A
2
) =

Area (A
3
) = 45 1
= 584 cm
2
= 3.142(1.25)
2
= 45cm
2
= 4.909cm
2

Total area, A
t
= A
1
( A
2
+ A
3
)
= 534.091 cm
2





L
1
= (I
G1
+ mr
G
) / mr
G

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 21
Hanging at point 1
8cm


Y 73cm


*Height = 1cm
Y =

= 36.5 (A
1
) 15(A
3
).25(A
2
) - 50.
A
t

= 19037.36 / 534.091
= 35.644 cm

To obtain I
o,

Moment of Inertia :



For component 1
I
01
= 1/12 ( mh
1
2
) + md
1
2

= 1/12 (0.65070.8
2
) + (0.6507(0.365)
2
)
= 0.1214 kg.m
3


For component 2
I
02
= 1/4 mr
2
2
) + md
2
2

= 1/4 (4.982 10
-3
0.0125
2
) + (4.982 10
-3
0.0125
2
)
= 9.730510
-7
kg.m
3
For component 3

I
03
= 1/12 ( mh
3
2
) + md
3
2
= 1/12 ( 0.04580.45
2
) + ( 0.04580.505
2
)
= 0.01245 kg.m
3

So,
I
o,total
= I
01
+ I
02
+ I
03

= 0.1214 - 9.730510
-7
- 0.01245


= 0.10895

kg.m
2

I
o,total
= I
G
+ md
2
Thus, I
G
can be obtain
I
G
= I
o,total


- md
2

= 0.10895 (0.6)(0.35644
2
)
= 0.03272 kg.m
2
Percentage Error

%
I
0
= I
G
+ md
2

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 22

At point 1 :
I
01
= 0.1115 kg.m
2
(experiment)
= 0.10895

kg.m
3
(theory)
So,
Percentage error = 0.1115 0.10895 x 100%
0.1115
= 2.287%


7.2 Comments
During the experiment, we found out there are errors identified that affects the results.
The value k is different compare to the theoretical value because of errors as below;
- Human error This experiment is conducted by human so there must be some
error in terms of readings and procedure. Parallax error is one of the most
common errors in conducting the experiment and then, the handling of stopwatch
timing is not accurate.
- Device error The apparatus used is not reliable because one of the parts of
the apparatus (protractor) is gone but the angle still can be obtained by using the
protractor which is drawn by pencil.
- Environment factors This factor slightly can be taken as a minor cause of the
error. The experiment been ran out in a very conducive laboratory but
possibilities of the present of blowing wind must be considered.

Analysis
The mass of the pendulum does not affect its period because mass does not affect its
acceleration due to gravity. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth is a
constant 9.8 meters per second squared, which is not affected by the mass of the object being
accelerated in any way. This has been proven by Galileos experiment when he dropped two
different masses from a tower, and they fell at the same time. This also holds true for pendulums,
the mass does not therefore affect the period, and is not present in the period formula. We had to
divide the time by 50 vibrations as to get the average time of one period, due to the fact that our
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 23
experiment included friction from the air. We called one cycle a vibration rather than a period
because the air friction kept the bob from reaching the same point again, it never completed a
true period. In a vacuum chamber, with ideal conditions, we would never need only one vibration
in order to calculate the period, because our amplitude would never change. During the trial, the
amplitudes fell, due to air resistance. The period of the pendulum is determined by length of the
string and acceleration due to gravity. If we were to go to the moon where the acceleration due to
gravity would be smaller the period of the pendulum would increase, there would be less
acceleration so it would move slower. To test the effect of different mass on the motion of the
pendulum, I would set up two pendulums. They would be in the same gravitational field, and in a
vacuum but would have different masses of bobs. They would be released from the same height,
and I would expect them to have the same period, and therefore swinging motion.

7.4 Error Analysis

In the torsion testing it was discovered through the use of the sample that ultimate shear stress
(USS) was approximately 72.43% of ultimate tensile stress (UTS). It was also found that the
small error margin in modulus of rigidity-2.95% was due to some irregularities in the
experiment. During the course of the experiment, the torsion machine malfunctioned between
data points 17 and 19 and the hand wheel could go back to the opposite direction of rotation
adjusting the reading and affecting the subsequent ones. There was slippage for some unknown
reason, and the machine immediately began reading roughly higher than it previously had been
reading. For this reason, the data from points 17 through 25 have been adjusted downward
linearly. The raw data and associated shear graph can be seen in the results section.

The experimental modulus of rigidity was reasonably close to its published value. The
experimental proportional limit, however, was not as close, and there existed a very large amount
of error with the experimental ultimate shear stress. As it is known there was a machine
malfunction prior to reaching USS, it is possible that our linear adjustment to these values was
not sufficient. Given both experimental USS and the proportional limit were off by more than
20%, it is also possible that the machine had not been functioning properly for a longer period of
time than was obviously visible between data points 19 and 24. Also, as noted in the experiment,
even with both degree indicators tightened, the 6 degree wheel and the 360 degree wheel did not
agree on angular measurement. For example, when 30 degrees had been achieved on the 6
degree wheel, the 360 degree wheel did not read 30 degrees as well.

VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 24
Another possible cause for the calculated value for the modulus of rigidity, being 2.95% different
from the accepted value for mild steel was perhaps the test rod specimen wasnt of a consistent
diameter. A varying diameter throughout the length of the test specimen would interfere with an
accurate calculation by varying the polar moment of inertia; J. Instances of a varying J value
would yield unique G values. Other sources of error present in this experiment include the fact
that the indicated angles were only read to the nearest half degree. This limitation prevented an
accurate measurement for the angle of twist of a specimen under torsion.

Improvements for this experiment are in order. From an educational point of view, the
experiment would be more interesting if the calculated modulus was used to identify the test
material. Another improvement would be to have clearly identified test specimens. As seen with
the discrepancy in theoretical and experimental G values for the mild steel, it is difficult to
perform this experiment successfully without the proper materials present. As noted, the
equipment lacked a torsiometer for accurate angle of twist measurement. One final improvement
that should be made to this experiment would be to use a strain gage and Hookes Law to
calculate the modulus of rigidity. The use of precise, digital instruments would also increase the
attractiveness of an experiment

Conclusion

The purpose of this lab, which was to measure the period of a pendulum and to measure the
acceleration due to gravity that is causing the pendulums movement, was achieved because of
the low reported present error, of 5%. Some sources of error include air friction, and the friction
of the rope, as well as the fact that the string was not attached to the center of the pendulum.
During this lab we learned about pendulums, the parts that make them up, and the different
things that affect their behavior.

From this experiment, we obtained the experimental value is slightly differs to the
theoretical value. From the discussion above, we found out the reading is not accurate.
Minimize the parallax error (reading been taken parallel to the eyes). The experiment is
best conducted in a vacuum. Precising the value by taking readings more than 2 or 3
times (during handling the stopwatch) and get the average. To obtain a better
experiment result, a new set of apparatus must be replaced with the unreliable one.
Since the percentage error is less than 15%, we can conclude the experiment is
succeed and the objective of the experiment is achieved.
REFERENCES
VIBRATIONS LAB REPORT: SIMPLE PENDULUM 25
- Engineering Mechanics Dynamics, 11
th
Edition In SI Units by R.C Hibbeler
Publisher : Pearson Prentice Hall
- http://cnx.org/content/m15585/latest/