Dimension analysis problem for Vibration Experiment

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a dimensional analysis problem related to a vibration experiment in a Mechanical Engineering context. The original poster is attempting to compare measured and calculated natural frequencies, using a formula provided in their lab handout.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion regarding the dimensional analysis of the natural frequency formula, questioning why their analysis yields units of 1/s instead of Rad/s. They seek clarification on the role of radians in the analysis.

Discussion Status

Some participants have engaged with the original poster's confusion, confirming that radians are dimensionless and discussing the implications of this in the context of dimensional analysis. There is acknowledgment that dimensional analysis may not fully resolve the issue at hand.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that their lecturer has indicated their dimensional analysis is incorrect, which adds a layer of complexity to the discussion. There is also a reference to a lab handout that provides the formula for natural frequency, suggesting reliance on specific course materials.

DARK_STALKER
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1.I am busy with an assignment based on a Vibration experiment in a Mechanical Engineering degree program The procedure is documented in the lab handout and one part is to compare the measured natural frequency to the calculated natural frequency The formula given in the handout for natural frequency is given by wn = sqrroot of (K theta / I)

2.This is where I am getting confused as I know omega is supposed to be in Rad/s but if I do dimensional analysis on this formula i get it in 1/s which is = Hz. The lecturer tells me my analysis is incorrect which it probably is but could someone please explain where i am going wrong. He is saying the result of the equation is in Rad/s and must be divided by 2 Pi still to get to Hz

3. I have attached a Jpeg of my attempt at his problem
 

Attachments

  • Inertia calc.jpg
    Inertia calc.jpg
    2.9 KB · Views: 471
  • Torsional Stiffnes Calc.jpg
    Torsional Stiffnes Calc.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 507
  • nautrual frequency calc.jpg
    nautrual frequency calc.jpg
    7.6 KB · Views: 503
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi DARK_STALKER! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have an omega: ω and a pi: π and a theta: θ :wink:)
DARK_STALKER said:
… I know omega is supposed to be in Rad/s but if I do dimensional analysis on this formula i get it in 1/s which is = Hz.

radians are dimensionless

1 rad/s does have dimensions of 1/T. :wink:
 
Thanks tiny-tim... I see the are no units in the numerator of my dimension analysis and of course Radians are dimensionless was only thinking of units of Hz /s.

Is my analysis correct though as I got 1/s

I know rads*1 = rads

How do the rads get into the result or is it the fact that because the numerator is one you could really apply it to anything /s

Thanks
 
Hi DARK_STALKER! :wink:
DARK_STALKER said:
Is my analysis correct though as I got 1/s

Yes. :smile:

I'm afraid dimensional analysis doesn't solve everything, and radians just don't show up on the "radar"! :biggrin:
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K