Course Details

1. Explain the use of physical, analytical and mathematical models in a structural dynamics modelling process.
2. Explain different physical forms of Dynamic Loading (Excitation) in a Force Response analysis.
3. Discuss the term Natural Frequency in relation to a continuum and a discretized system.
4. Explain the terms Mode Shape/Eigenvector, Modal Mass, Modal Damping, and Modal Stiffness Factors.
5. Contrast mesh density requirements in static and dynamic problems.
6. Use appropriate damping idealisations and/or measured modal damping when necessary.
7. Employ an analysis system for the determination of transient response in a range of linear and nonlinear systems.
8. Evaluate the results from dynamic analyses and determine whether they are consistent with assumptions made and the objectives of an analysis.

Introduction: revision of dynamics principles.

Dynamic loads: D’Alembert’s principle and inertia forces.

Dynamic models: Single-degree-of-freedom models. Free vibrations: natural frequency, initial conditions, maximum displacements and internal forces, effect of damping, motion caused by collision or impact.

Forced vibrations: dynamic magnification factor and response spectra; harmonic loading and resonance, short-duration pulse loads, maximum displacements and internal forces. Multi-degree-of-freedom models, modal superposition, estimates of maximum displacements and internal forces using single-degree-of-freedom response spectra

Free vibrations: mass and stiffness matrices, natural frequencies and natural modes, initial conditions, Rayleigh damping. Approximation of fundamental frequency using Rayleigh’s method. Vibration caused by motion of supports, earthquake response spectra.

Ground vibrations: Dynamic response of soils as discrete and continuous media.  Energy dissipation in soils. Seismic response of elasto-plastic systems.

• “Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics” R.R.Craig, A.J.Kurdila. Second Edition, John Wiley& Sons.
• “Vibration of Discrete and Continuous Systems”, A.A. Shabana. Second Edition, Springer-Verlag.

• “D.J. Inman: Engineering Vibration. Second Edition, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001.
• L.Meirovitch: Computational methods in structural dynamics. SIJTHOFF & NOORDHOFF, 1980

The course will be presented through theoretical lectures in class. The lectures will present to the student the course content and allow for questions. Part of the material will be presented using visual aids. Lecture notes, project assignments, practice questions, feedback and additional material such as site videos and photographs will be available to students at any time on the e-learning Moodle platform. The learning process will be enhanced with the requirement from the student to solve exercises. These include self-evaluation exercises which will be solved in class. These exercises will not be graded. Design projects will be given as part of their assessment. The instructor will be available to students during office hours or by appointment in order to provide any additional tutoring.