As presented in Table 8.1, all three approaches can be used to study sys-
tems subjected to periodic and other excitations. However, the form of the
damping matrix places a restriction on the domain of applicability of the
normal-mode approach. As discussed in Chapter 7 and elaborated further in
this chapter, the damping matrix needs to have a special structure in order to
use the normal-mode approach. However, whenever this approach is applica-
ble, the solution obtained through this approach provides insight into the
spatial responses of the inertial elements. This type of information is indis-
pensable for system designs where one is minimizing or maximizing the re-
sponse to external excitations and where one is determining where to place an
actuator and/or a sensor.
The Laplace transform approach is convenient to use since one can
obtain transfer functions and frequency-response functions, which can be
used to design systems such as vibration absorbers and mechanical filters. In
addition, an attractive feature of this approach is that there is no restriction on
the form of damping. However, for systems with more than two degrees of
freedom, the algebra is cumbersome. The Laplace transform approach is lim-
ited to linear vibratory systems.
The state-space formulation, where the governing equations are put in
first-order form, lends itself to an analytical solution in linear cases and to
numerical solutions in both linear and nonlinear cases. This formulation is
applicable to systems with all forms of damping and forcing. For the nonlin-
ear systems presented in this book, only numerical solutions are pursued,
although methods to determine analytical approximations exist for “weakly”
nonlinear systems.
1
Whenever one is seeking a solution of a nonlinear system,
it is important to note that the approach is based in the time domain.
After presenting the different approaches to determine the response of a
multiple degree-of-freedom system, we present transfer functions and the re-
lationship between the frequency-response function and the transfer function
in the same manner as was done for single degree-of-freedom systems. In the
latter part of the chapter, we introduce vibration absorbers, the notion of trans-
missibility ratio, and examine systems subjected to base excitation.
In this chapter, we shall show how to:
• Use normal modes, Laplace transforms, and the state-space formulation to
determine the responses of multiple degree-of-freedom systems to initial
displacements, initial velocities, and external forces.
• Determine the frequency-response functions for two degree-of-freedom
systems.
• Examine different types of vibration absorbers and identify and choose
the appropriate parameters to obtain an optimal performance.
• Isolate the force transmitted to the stationary boundary of two degree-of-
freedom systems.
• Analyze the responses of two degree-of-freedom systems with a moving
base.
8.1 Introduction 437
1
A. H. Nayfeh and D. T. Mook, Nonlinear Oscillations, John Wiley & Sons, NY (1979).