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VIBRATION OF PLATES & BARS
The objectives of this experiment are:
To observe the normal modes of a flat bar clamped at one end and free on the
other.
To observe the normal mode patterns of plates of different shapes using Chladni
patterns.
APPARATUS: Function generator in FFTSCOPE, long and short flat bars, Chladni
plates, salt, salt trays
INTRODUCTION
T
he equations of vibrational motion of plates involve fourth order spatial derivatives.
For instance, bending waves in a long, thin bar or rod are described (to good
approximation) by the equation:
=−
Solution of this equation with the boundary condition that the bar is clamped at one end
and free on the other end gives normal mode frequencies expressed as:
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𝑓 = 0.56
f 2 6.27 f 1
f 3 1 7.5 5 f 1
etc.
Where y = transverse displacement of bar element
x = distance along length of bar
t = time
L = length of the bar
K h = is the radius of gyration
12
h = thickness of the bar
Y = Young's modulus
𝜌 = mass density
In the case of aluminum, 𝜌 = 2.7 x103 kg/m3 and a typical (but can vary
according to manufacturing process) value of Young's modulus is Y = 7.5 x
1010 N/m2.
To solve for the normal modes of plates of other geometries, different fourth order
equations must be solved. These are two dimensional problems: the solutions are
functions of the y and x coordinates of positions on the plate. The long, thin one
dimensional bar is a limiting case of such an equation. The solutions become very
complicated for the free boundary condition at the perimeter of the plate. The Chladni
patterns are very useful in visualizing the vibrational modes. When a normal mode is
excited in the plate, small sand particles sprinkled onto the plate tend to collect at the
nodal lines. These nodal line patterns were observed and studied by the 18th-century
German physicist Ernst Chladni (pronounced KLAD-nee), and hence bear his name.
The sine wave output current of the function generator controlled by FFTSCOPE is
connected to a mechanical vibrator. The vibration is induced by the Lorenz force between
the current and a magnetic field. In other words, the alternating current passing through a
small element of the wire experiences a force the direction of which alternates according
to the equation F= I(dl × B) . Note that the sign of the force depends on the sign of the
current, which is determined by the direction of flow.
Bars and plates to be tested can be attached to the vibrator by simply inserting the plug
into the receptacle at the top. When removing plates, hold the receptacle to prevent
damage to the equipment.
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Procedure:
I. Bar
Attach the long rectangular bar (about 50 cm length) aluminum plate to the vibrator.
Measure the fundamental mode frequency of the longer side and then that of the shorter
side. When you look for resonance in the longer side, you can hold the shorter side by
hand to approximate the fixed boundary condition. Leave the other end free. When you
look for modes in the shorted side, hold the longer side by hand. You can increase or
decrease the frequency of the driving voltage by pressing up or down keys on the
keyboard, respectively. Pressing them slowly will change the frequency by 0.1 Hz, while
pressing them in quick succession will change it by 1 Hz. The page up and page down
keys will have a similar effect. Pressing them slowly (rapidly) will change the frequency
by 10 (100) Hz. Compare the measured fundamental frequency of the longer side with
the formula given above. Do the same for the shorter side. The thickness is 1/16 inch.
Measure the length with a ruler.
Look for higher normal modes and note the frequencies.
II. Plates
Change the set up slightly to study the vibration of plates. There are several shapes
available. The plate should be made horizontal to minimize falling salt particles.
Start with a square plate. Change the frequency slowly to look for normal modes by
watching the nodal patterns develop on sprinkled salt grains. You don’t need much salt to
see these patterns take shape. Sketch three of these Chladni patterns and note the
corresponding normal frequency. Plates with mounting holes located at different
positions are available, so try them to see the effects of drive position.
Change the plate to rectangular, triangular, and violin shaped. Look for interesting
patterns and record three of each on your hand-in sheet.
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VIBRATION OF PLATES & BARS
LAB REPORT FORM
NAME: _____________________________________ DATE: _____________
PARTNER(S): _______________________________________________________
I.
Dimensions of the sample bars. Record the units.
longer bar
L(length) =__________________, h (thickness) = _________________
Measured f1 = _______________ ± _________________
Calculated f1 = ______________ using Y= 7.5 x 1010• N/m2
shorter bar
L(length) =__________________, h (thickness) = _________________
Measured f1 = _______________ ± _________________
Calculated f1 = ______________ using Y= 7.5 x 1010• N/m2
(Observed f1 for shorted bar)/(Observed f1 for longer bar) =___________
expected ratio based on the change in length = ___________________ (Note that
resonant frequencies are proportional to L-2.)
longer bar
Observed higher mode frequencies:
f2 = __________________ f3 = ___________________
Expected higher mode frequencies:
f2 = __________________ f3 =___________________
Are the experimental resonant frequencies in accordance with the formulas? Discuss
briefly and indicate what might have gone wrong if agreement is poor.
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II. dimensions of the square plate: _______________________
Chladni patters and frequencies observed:
f = _____ f = _____ f = _____
dimensions of rectangular plate: ____________________
Chladni patterns and frequencies observed:
f = _____ f = _____ f = _____
dimensions of triangular plate:___________________
Chladni patterns and frequencies observed:
f = _____ f = _____ f = _____
Extra credit: Time permitting, draw three Chladni patterns for the violin-shaped plate
below and give their frequencies.
