Much of modern engineering involves structures that move dynamically or have parts which move dynamically, e.g. automotive/aerospace structures, gas turbines used to propel aircraft or rotating components in machine tools. Even seemingly static structures such as buildings, bridges and grandstands are subjected to dynamic forces such as earthquakes, wind and human-induced dynamic loads such as walking or jumping.

This module will provide you with basic knowledge and understanding how engineering structures respond to dynamic loading and how they can be designed to avoid adverse effects on them relevant to their dynamic behaviour. Particular emphasis will be given to theoretical concepts of single- (SDOF) and multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems which form foundations of general structural dynamics in broad areas of mechanical and civil engineering. The module will then make use of these theoretical concepts to analyse specific but common problems in mechanical and civil engineering to illustrate the general approach.

This module is suitable for all Engineering students who have taken the prerequisite ENG1002 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, and ENG2012 Structural Behaviour modules.

To develop concepts of SDOF and MDOF systems and apply them to a range of real life structural dynamics problems problems including vibration measurement and control. These are aligned to key research and consulting activities of the College and hence the teaching will be informed by recent developments in these areas. The presented material will be supplemented by real world case studies as appropriate.

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

1 Comprehend fundamental theory of free and forced vibration of single and multi-degree of freedom systems

2 Analyse numerical modelling of dynamics problems

3 Experiment using the measurement of structural dynamic properties and performance

4 Develop numerical simulation of engineering problems involving structural dynamics

5 Ability to measure vibration signals from engineering structures

6 Ability to interpret and rationalise real-life vibration problems and perform their assessment

7 Develop problem solving and demonstrate independent learning skills

8 Use data analysis

9 Enhance report writing
 

1. Introduction to dynamics systems

• What is dynamics and why is it important (with examples)
• Basic definitions
• Describing oscillatory motion
• Dynamic Properties of Physical systems
• Dynamic Loads

2. Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) systems

• Introduction
• Equation of motion
• Free vibration
• Response to dynamic loads

3. Multiple degree of freedom systems

• Introduction to MDOF systems
• Equations of motion of MDOF systems
• Free vibration of MDOF systems
• Vibration analysis of 2DOF systems
• Response of MDOF systems to dynamic loads

4. Continuous systems

• Introduction – continuous systems
• Vibration of beams
• Vibration of thin plates

5. Practical applications:

• Vibration serviceability problem in civil engineering structures
• Tuned mass damper (TMD)
• Seismic analysis of shear frame structures

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

Reading list for this module: