Introductory description

ES4E3-15 Structural Dynamics and Vibration

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Introduction to structural dynamics and vibration in civil engineering
• Single-degree-of-freedom systems
• Multiple-degree-of-freedom systems
• Signal representation in time- and frequency-domain; basics of signal processing
• Components of a vibration measurement system
• Principles of vibration serviceability assessment of structures such as footbridges, floors, stadia and stairs
• Understanding and applying design guidance
• Design of vibration suppression solutions (e.g. tuned-mass dampers)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the principles of dynamic behaviour of structures.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of complexities involved in the vibration serviceable designs of modern (slender, light, lightly-damped and vibration sensitive) civil engineering structures and critically evaluate their relative importance.
• Critically assess uncertainties associated with loading estimates and vibration predictions by analysing an advanced experimental setup on a as-built structure.
• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the design and signal processing principles that underpin the development of vibration data acquisition systems.
• Constructively evaluate and criticise designs of civil engineering structures, vibration suppression solutions and performance of relevant vibration serviceability design guidelines.

Indicative reading list

Williams, M., 2016. Structural Dynamics, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis.
Inman, D. J., 2013. Engineering Vibration, Pearson, 4th ed.
Thorby, D., 2008. Structural Dynamics and Vibration in Practice: An Engineering Handbook, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Subject specific skills

1. Ability to conceive, make and realise a component, product, system or process
2. Ability to develop economically viable and ethically sound sustainable solutions
3. Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality
4. Ability to seek to achieve sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative and innovative
5. Ability to be risk, cost and value-conscious, and aware of their ethical, social, cultural, environmental, health and safety, and wider professional engineering responsibilities

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
4. Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value
5. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
6. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
7. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication