Module Code - Title:
ME4117
-
VIBRATION ANALYSIS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
ME4112
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To develop an understanding of the role of vibration analysis in structural design.
To apply the techniques of modal analysis and the finite element method to solve structural vibration problems.
Syllabus:
Single degree of freedom systems. Free response. Springs in series and in parallel. Logarithmic decrement. Forced response to harmonic excitation. Excitation by an unbalanced rotor. Response to periodic excitation. Fourier series. Impulse response. Response to arbitrary excitation.
Free and forced response of two and multi-degree of freedom systems. Use of the modal superposition method. Use of the finite element method.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
1. Determine the natural frequency and free-vibration response of a structure/system modelled with one degree of freedom.
2. Determine the forced-vibration response to harmonic, out-of-balance rotor, or support motion inputs for a structure/system modelled with one degree of freedom.
3. Determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes for a system undergoing synchronous motion when modelled with two or more degrees of freedom.
4. Determine the steady-state response of a structure/system with two degrees of freedom to initial displacements and velocities.
5. Working in teams, determine using the SolidWorks Simulation the first three or four natural frequencies and mode shapes of vibration of an engineering structure/component, its impulse and frequency response to prescribed inputs, and write a report analysing the results obtained.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
None
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
None
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Module will be taught using formal lectures. Concepts presented will be re-inforced with assigned laboratory work and tutorial work. Working in teams, given a picture of an engineering structure/component, students will be asked to determine using SolidWorks Simulation software its first three or four natural frequencies and mode shapes, its impulse and frequency response to prescribed inputs, and write a report analysing the results obtained.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Griffin, P. (2026)
Vibration Analysis Lecture Notes
, University of Limerick Print Room
Rao, S.S. and Griffin, P. (2018)
Mechanical Vibrations 6th Edition SI. ISBN : 9781292178608
, Pearson Education
Other Relevant Texts:
Inman, D.J. and Singh, C.S. (2013)
Engineering Vibration 4th Edition. ISBN: 9780273768449
, Pearson Education
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
philip.griffin@ul.ie