Q1.

For the mass-spring system as shown, the distances

AB and BC between the hinges A, B and C are equal
(i.e. AB = BC). The mass of the wheels of the trolley,
link AC and springs k1 and k2 are very small and
negligible. It is assumed that at the initially static
equilibrium of the system, link AC is in vertical
position and both springs are neither stretched nor compressed.
(i) Draw the free body diagrams for the link AC and the trolley,
(ii) Derive the equation of motion using Newton’s 2nd law, and
(iii) If k1 = k2 = 3kN/m, m = (10 + Q) kg where Q is the last digit of your student number, calculate
the natural frequency of the system.

Q2. A uniform rigid bar of mass m and length l pivots at one end and is
rigidly connected to a circular disk of mass M and moment of inertia J
(about the center of the disk) at the other end. The spring stiffness is k
and the damping constant is c. It is assumed that the rotation angle θ(t)
of the system is small.
(i) Draw free body diagram, and
(ii) Derive the equation of motion for the system,
Q3. A small sports car can be modeled as a single-degree-freedom system. The car deflects the
suspension system under its own weight 0.02 m. The suspension is designed to be underdamped with
damping ratio 0.5. If the car has a mass of 1500 kg (a Porsche Boxster),
(i) calculate the damping and stiffness constants of the suspension system,
(ii) calculate the damped natural frequency and damped period,
(iii) if three passengers totaling (200 + Q) kg are sitting in the car (where Q is the last digit of your
student number), will the damping ratio of the car be changed? If yes, how will the damping ratio
be affected?

Q4. The free vibration response curve of an electric motor of weight 1000N mounted on a foundation is
shown below. Please find:
(i) the spring constant and damping constant of the foundation,
(ii) the undamped and damped natural frequencies of the electric motor, and
(iii) the displacement response x (t) of the motor.