ME 421 - Mechanical Vibrations

In this course, students will learn basic techniques for modeling and analyzing linear multidegree-of-freedom (MDOF) mechanical systems and will learn how to use these techniques for mechanical design. Students will learn to obtain equations of motion using energy methods (Lagrange’s equations), with emphasis on the efficient formulation and reduction to the linear case. The basic theory of MDOF systems will be presented, including eigenvalue problems, natural frequencies and normal modes, superposition and modal analysis, and frequency response. Numerical methods for solving static, dynamic and eigenvalue problems will be presented. Introductions to the theory of linear continuous systems and experimental methods of vibrations will be presented. A substantial portion of the course will be spent discussing design applications of the basic theory, such as: finite element numerical analysis and experimental modal analysis of beams and plates; vehicle suspension design; and vibration isolation and absorption.

This lecture course complements and is complemented by the Laboratory course, ME 471L.

Prerequisites CS 115 , EGR 306 , MAT 232 , MAT 322 , MAT 345 , ME 202
Credits: 3

Class Level Senior Undergraduate
Program Undergraduate