3-storey building modeled as coupled masses and springs

[makeez]

Homework Statement

A 3-storey building can be modeled as a system of coupled masses and springs as showen in attached document. Where m_i is the mass of each floor, k_i is the spring constant, x_i is the displacement of each floor, and c_i is the damping coeffcient.

Homework Equations

I understand the equation can be written as:
$$<br /> M \frac {dy} {dt} = ay - b<br />$$

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[lanedance]

so try writing out the coupled DEs for each block

 

[The Chaz]

(From an organizational standpoint, you could probably pick a more descriptive title...)