MUHAMMAD NOOR AZAM

2009995639

RESULT

DAMPED OSCILLATION

Frequency, f
(Hz)
Amplitude, X
(mm)
Frequency, f
(Hz)
Amplitude, X
(mm)
Frequency, f
(Hz)
Amplitude,
X (mm)

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

6.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

0.5

6.8

7.0

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.8

8.0

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

8.6

8.8

9.0

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

2.5

5.0

12.5

10.0

3.0

1.5

1.3

UNDAMPED OSCILLATION

Frequency, f
(Hz)
Amplitude, X
(mm)
Frequency, f
(Hz)
Amplitude, X
(mm)
Frequency, f
(Hz)
Amplitude,
X (mm)

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

6.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

0.5

6.8

7.0

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.8

8.0

1.5

1.5

1.7

1.8

1.8

2.0

2.0

8.6

8.8

9.0

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

3.5

5.0

16.0

12.5

2.5

1.5

0.8

MUHAMMAD NOOR AZAM

2009995639
Amplitu
de, X
(mm)

12

10

Undamped condition

Damped open

Damped closed 150mm lever

0
0

10

11

Graph of Amplitude versus Frequency for both condition.

12

13

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Frequency, f
(Hz)

MUHAMMAD NOOR AZAM

2009995639

SAMPLE CALCULATION
Theoretical Values
Given the values:
1. k = 3000 N/m
2. c = 5 Ns/m
3. m = 1680 g

Undamped:

f1

1
(k /m)
2

1
(3000 /1.68)
2

6.725 Hz

f2

=
=

Damped:

1 k
c 2
(
)
2 m 2m

2
1 3000
5
(
)
2 1.68
2 x 1.68

6.72 Hz

PERCENTAGE ERROR

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MUHAMMAD NOOR AZAM

2009995639
Experimentally, the natural frequencies obtained were 12.5 and 16.0 Hz for damped and
undamped condition respectively. Hence the percentage of error can be calculated:
Damped condition:

Percentage of error

=
=
=

t h eoretical valueexperimental value

t h eoretical value
6.729.0
6.72

x 100%

x 100%

- 33.93 %

Undamped condition:

Percentage of error

=
=
=

**

t h eoretical valueexperimental value

t h eoretical value
6.7259.0
6.725

x 100%

x 100%

- 33.83 %

Note: The negative sign does not taken accounted as the main concern is only the
magnitude.

DISCUSSION

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MUHAMMAD NOOR AZAM

2009995639
This experiments objective was simply to investigate the phenomenon of resonance.
The theoretical value of natural frequency was calculated earlier before this experiment was
done. This was to predict the frequency where the resonance would occur. Hence, this
experiment was able been run more quickly. Also, before starting the experiment, a table for
recording the result (amplitude and frequency) as can be seen in result section, has been
design to ensure smooth and well prepared experiment can be done.
From the result obtained, as recorded in the table, amplitude versus frequency graph
was plotted. As can be seen, the lines behavior shows a pattern. Clearly, the more damping
effect, the lower amplitude response will be at resonance. The amplitude response is zero in the
early stage. As the frequency approaches the natural frequency, the amplitude increases
gradually. This happened for both conditions. When the frequency reaches the natural
frequency, amplitude value is at its highest. This is where the resonance occurred which the
ratio of driving frequency to natural frequency of the system is equals to 1. This has results in
critical condition. An acutely vibration with maximum amplitude occurred at this point.
Theoretically, if this condition to be avoided, a driving force near the natural frequency should be
avoided. Also, the spring constant, k or the mass of the system, m should be altered so that the
natural frequency can be changed. From the graph also, the amplitude experience sudden
decrease approaching zero after the natural frequency. The explanation of this tremendous drop
is both systems simply did not have time to respond.
Theoretically, the resonance should occur when the frequency of exciter and the beam
equals to the natural frequency of the system. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.
Theoretical values of natural frequency for both conditions are not the same as experimentally
obtained. Damped condition, as example, have theoretical value of 6.72 Hz while
experimentally, the natural frequency is 9. Same case happened for undamped condition (6.725

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MUHAMMAD NOOR AZAM

2009995639
Hz theoretically & 9 Hz experimentally). This maybe the result of some errors occurred during
the experiment.
One of the errors might occur is parallax error. This error is unavoidable when measuring
the amplitude response. In earlier stages, the amplitude is as small as an ordinary ruler could
not measure it accurately. A sharper marker should be used instead of the current one so that its
amplitude can be measured more accurately. Other than that, the frequency was not increased
correctly as the control unit is so sensitive. Hence, the value might increase incorrectly at certain
points.

CONCLUSION
Overall, this experiment can be said as successful in a way and not in another. The
system behavior acted correctly according to theory of resonance. The amplitude reaches
maximum value when the driving frequency equals to natural frequency. Without damper, the
amplitude is even higher. Unfortunately, the natural frequency calculated theoretically is different
with the experimental value due to several errors which have been discussed earlier.
The knowledge of resonance is vital especially when it comes to designing or inventing
things such as car, building, bridge, etc. The needs to know the natural frequency of the system
has become necessary so that failure can be avoid. For countries, such as Japan and
Indonesia, the understanding of resonance is even more essential as they have to deal with
earthquakes which occur so often. Hence, continuous and extensive study should be done in
order to decrease the risk of failure to occur.

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