Introduction

Structural Dynamics
Carolin Birk

Statik und Dynamik der Flchentragwerke

- Computational Mechanics -

Lectures / Tutorials
Lecture:
Wednesday 1:00pm 3:00pm

V15 S04 C57

Tutorial:
Wednesday 3:00pm 5:00pm
(or Friday 10:00am 12:00pm

V15 S04 C57

V15 S03 C02)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carolin Birk, V15 S03 D13

statik@uni-due.de , Ph.: (+201) 183 2667

Assessment
There will be two assessment tasks.
The final examination in February / March is
worth 60% of the Final Mark (120 minutes, open
book).
The assignment (dynamic analysis of a realistic
structure using commercial software) is worth
40% of the Final Mark.

Date

Topic

21/10

Introduction; Types of dynamic loading; Single-degree-of-freedom oscillator: equation

of motion, free vibration analysis, natural frequency, undamped and damped
systems, free vibration test

28/10

Response to harmonic loading, frequency-response function, transmissibility

04/11

Response to periodic loading, Fourier transform

11/11
18/11

Response to arbitrary dynamic force: impulsive response, convolution (Duhamel)

integral
Numerical integration: explicit and implicit methods, accuracy and stability

25/11

Numerical integration - continued

02/12

Multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) system: matrix equations of motion, generalized

eigenvalue problem

09/12

13/01

Inverse vector iteration, Modal analysis of MDOF system: mode shapes, modal
superposition, free-vibration analysis
Introduction to finite element analysis of structural dynamics by using commercial
software
Frequency- and time-domain analysis of forced vibration, Modelling of damping

20/01

Continuous structures; Rayleighs method

27/01

Human-induced vibration / TMD

03/02

Nonlinear problems / Response spectrum techniques

10/02

Revision

16/12

Moodle
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Dynamics to
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(before class), assignment tasks
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References
Chopra, A. K. Dynamics of Structures, 4th ed.:
Prentice-Hall 2011
Humar, J. L. Dynamics of Structures, 3rd ed.:
CRC Press/Balkema 2012
Bolton, A. Structural Dynamics in Practice: a
Guide for Professional Engineers, McGraw-Hill
1994.
Bachmann H., Amman W.J., Vibrations in
structures: induced by man and machines,
IABSE-AIPC-IVBH, 1987

What is
Structural Dynamics?
a type of structural analysis, which covers the
behaviour of structures subjected to dynamic
loading
dynamic = time-varying
dynamic load = any load of which magnitude,
direction or position vary with time
structural response (deformations, stresses) is
also time-varying

How does it relate to other

engineering subjects?
Mathematics
Statics
Dynamics
Computations

Materials and
Structures

Structural Analysis

Structural Dynamics

Course Objectives
to enable students to gain a thorough
understanding of the nature of dynamic loads
and the key factors influencing the dynamic
behaviour of structures
to provide you with an appreciation of the
fundamental concepts of structural dynamics,
as well as with analytical and numerical tools
to be used in the design of structures against
dynamic action

Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
identify and specify various types of dynamic loads
for structural analysis
demonstrate an understanding of fundamental
concepts of structural dynamics
apply the laws of dynamics to establish simple and
realistic mathematical models of engineering
structures

Learning Outcomes
determine the natural frequency and the dynamic
response to a dynamic load
evaluate the dynamic susceptibility of structures and
the limitations of modelling techniques
apply dynamic analysis methods to practical
problems in structural engineering
develop computer models of structures under
dynamic loading and to critically reflect on the
limitations of these models

Types of dynamic loading

Wind and waves
Earthquake
Blast, explosion, structural collapse
Traffic on bridges and in tunnels
Rotating machinery, propeller
Impact (vehicles, ships, planes)
Human action (walking, dancing)

Applications: wind / waves

Taipei 101, 509.2 m,

Tuned mass damper

Offshore structures, high-rise buildings

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

A 1600 meter (one mile)
long suspension bridge in
Washington State, USA
Opened in July 1, 1940
Nicknamed Galloping
Gertie due to vibration of
central span in wind
Collapsed in November 7,
1940 from winds at a mild
40 MPH (65km/h).

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Vibrations Mechanical
Engineering

Multibody
dynamics

Automotive,
aeronautics

Structural
acoustics

Computational
fluid dynamics

Blast, explosion, collapse

Simulation of collapse, effect on existing buildings

Traffic-induced vibrations
Elevated highway

Wind
Structure

Foundation

SOIL

Impact

Wave emission
Piles
Traffic
Vibrations

Seismic
Excitation

Tunnel

Human-induced vibrations

Wave emission
Piles
Traffic
Vibrations

Cheering fans at the soccer stadium

Frankenstadion Nrnberg, Germany

Millenium Bridge (London)

Construction began in 1998.
Completed at a cost of 18.2m
(2.2m over budget).
Opened on June 10, 2000.
Unexpected severe lateral
swaying caused the bridge to
be closed on June 12.
The swaying motion earned it
the nickname Wobbly Bridge.
Reopened in Feb. 2002 after
modifications costing 5m.