MOS16-CE08 Structural Dynamics

July 2016
Example Problem on Equation of Motion

1. Figure 1 show a uniform bar pivoted about point O with springs of equal stiffness k at each
end. The bar is horizontal in the equilibrium position with spring forces P1 and P2. Determine
the equation of motion.

The free body diagram of the system given above is

Take moments about O

[
(
) ]
Where J0 = polar moment of inertia

) ]

(1)

For equilibrium of the system,

(2)
By substituting equation 2 in 1, we get
(
(
(

)
)

(
(

(
(

)
)

)
)

2. Use the free body diagram method to derive the differential equation governing the motion of
the system of the figure 2 using as the generalised coordinate
Free body diagram of the bar at an arbitrary instant assuming small as shown. It is noted
that since gravity causes static defection in the spring, terms containing these quantities cancel
in the governing differential equation. Summing moments about the pin support
(

( )

( )