1. What characterizes harmonic vibration in a mechanical system?
a) Random oscillations
b) Periodic oscillations
c) Non-linear oscillations
d) Continuous vibrations
Answer: b) Periodic oscillations
Explanation: Harmonic vibration refers to the periodic oscillation of a system around an equilibrium position. This motion repeats at regular intervals over time.
2. In an undamped harmonic system, what happens to the amplitude of vibration over time?
a) It decreases
b) It increases
c) It remains constant
d) It oscillates randomly
Answer: c) It remains constant
Explanation: In an undamped harmonic system, there is no dissipation of energy, so the amplitude of vibration remains constant over time.
3. What role does damping play in a vibrational system?
a) Increases the natural frequency
b) Reduces the natural frequency
c) Amplifies the amplitude
d) Has no effect on the vibration
Answer: b) Reduces the natural frequency
Explanation: Damping in a system reduces the natural frequency, affecting the rate at which the system oscillates and the amplitude of vibration.
4. Which term describes the measure of a system’s resistance to oscillation?
a) Damping ratio
b) Natural frequency
c) Amplitude
d) Phase angle
Answer: a) Damping ratio
Explanation: Damping ratio quantifies the level of damping in a system, determining how quickly oscillations decay.
5. What is the significance of the natural frequency in a vibrational system?
a) It determines the damping ratio
b) It defines the amplitude of vibration
c) It represents the frequency at which the system oscillates with minimum external force
d) It indicates the phase shift
Answer: c) It represents the frequency at which the system oscillates with minimum external force
Explanation: The natural frequency is the frequency at which a system oscillates when no external force is applied, representing its inherent vibrational behavior.
6. How does Fourier series representation aid in analyzing vibrations?
a) It provides a graphical representation of vibrations
b) It simplifies complex waveforms into simpler components
c) It calculates damping ratios
d) It measures the phase angle
Answer: b) It simplifies complex waveforms into simpler components
Explanation: Fourier series breaks down complex periodic functions into simpler trigonometric functions, facilitating analysis of vibration patterns.
7. What is the primary purpose of vibration isolation systems?
a) To amplify vibrations
b) To reduce vibrations transmitted to surrounding structures
c) To increase the natural frequency
d) To introduce damping
Answer: b) To reduce vibrations transmitted to surrounding structures
Explanation: Vibration isolation systems are designed to minimize the transmission of vibrations from one system to another, thus preventing structural damage and disturbances.
8. How does a periodic force affect the response of a vibrating system?
a) It increases damping
b) It decreases the natural frequency
c) It induces resonance
d) It has no effect on vibration
Answer: c) It induces resonance
Explanation: A periodic force can lead to resonance in a vibrating system, causing significant amplification of vibrations if the force frequency matches the system’s natural frequency.
9. What does the Fourier series allow engineers to do in terms of system analysis?
a) Predict the natural frequency
b) Decompose complex vibrations into simpler components
c) Calculate damping ratios
d) Determine phase shifts
Answer: b) Decompose complex vibrations into simpler components
Explanation: Fourier series decomposition simplifies complex vibrations into a sum of simpler sinusoidal functions, aiding in the analysis of vibrational behavior.
10. How does viscosity impact damping in a vibrational system?
a) Increases damping
b) Decreases damping
c) Does not affect damping
d) Randomizes damping
Answer: a) Increases damping
Explanation: Viscosity in a system increases damping by dissipating energy, thereby reducing the amplitude of vibrations over time.