Analysis of a Vibrating Beam Structure in the Context of Hands-On Teaching in Structural Dynamics

To demonstrate the difference between non-ideal experiments and idealized analytical models, bending vibrations of a frame structure have been analyzed in the context of hands-on teaching in structural dynamics. Both experimental modal analysis and model-based evaluation of system dynamics have been performed. The investigations have been limited to mechanical vibrations in the low-frequency range. It has been found that even simple mechanical models are very useful to explain, understand, and validate experimental results. The latter have been derived from one key principle of analytical dynamics—the Lagrange formalism. The article is written for students in mechanical engineering and related fields as well as for the academic community. The latter could use the results as a benchmark problem in academic teaching as well as in applied research.