Vibrations, Modal Analysis and Mechanical Systems

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the need for textbooks that focus on mechanical engineering applications of vibrations and modal analysis, contrasting with the civil engineering examples found in William Thomson's "Theory of Vibrations with Applications." Participants recommend "Mechanics of Machines Ver. 2.1," available for free on Academia.edu, which emphasizes mechanical systems and includes modal analysis. Other suggested texts include works by David Morin and Howard Georgi, although they are noted to focus more on continuous waves rather than discrete mechanical models. The conversation highlights a gap in available resources that effectively bridge schematic representations and real mechanical systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanical systems, including masses, springs, and dashpots.
  • Familiarity with modal analysis techniques in mechanical engineering.
  • Knowledge of vibration analysis principles and applications.
  • Ability to interpret schematic diagrams in the context of mechanical engineering.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Mechanics of Machines Ver. 2.1" for practical applications in mechanical vibrations.
  • Explore "Practical Machinery Vibration Analysis and Predictive Maintenance" for advanced vibration analysis techniques.
  • Investigate discrete modeling approaches in mechanical engineering literature.
  • Study the differences between continuous and discrete wave models in engineering contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, vibration analysts, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of vibrations in mechanical systems, particularly those looking for resources that connect theoretical concepts to practical applications.

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TL;DR
Looking for book, and example problems in modal analysis of mechanical systems.
Hello

I have used and enjoyed the textbook: "Theory of Vibrations with Applications," by William Thomson

However, many of the examples there are more civil engineering than mechanical.
There are many good examples of "buildings" under vibrations (good examples, but civil, nonetheless)

The few "ideal" problems are masses and springs and dashpots for general vibrations and modal analysis
(but no effort is made to relate these schematic and ideal examples to real "mechanical" systems.

Can anyone suggest a textbook (or source) that is as close as possible to Thomson's book but with examples from MECHANICAL engineering?

Or a text that does not merely present schematics of masses, dashpots and springs; but maps them to mechanical (not civil) systems?

Perhaps a text that does all the standarda mass, dashpot, rotary disks, springs, etc, but makes the leap by presenting a mechancial system that can be modeled that way. For, right now, most books in mechanical vibrations really seem to me to be books on civil engineering vibrations or schematic examples

t
 
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Go to Academia.edu and look for Mechanics of Machines Ver. 2.1. It is a free textbook available for download. It is decidedly mechanical in orientation, and the last three chapters are devoted to vibrations with modal analysis prominently featured.
 
Dr.D said:
Go to Academia.edu and look for Mechanics of Machines Ver. 2.1. It is a free textbook available for download. It is decidedly mechanical in orientation, and the last three chapters are devoted to vibrations with modal analysis prominently featured.
That is perfect, Dr. D.

Thank you
 
BvU said:
Hi,

How about David Morin: Waves, Howard Georgi (both Harvard), or Fitzpatrick (Texas) ?

But browsing Thomson gave me the impression that one is a lot beefier ...
While those are interesting (I will read them, too), but they are more focused on continuous waves; and more from the perspective of physics and less mechanical engineering. I was really looking for a text that addressed discrete models in engineering and bridged the gap between schematic diagrams and what they really represent.

But thank you, anyway.
 
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Hi,
I know I am answering late, but I am answering for similar people:
This book is one of the very best books on vibration analysis that I have seen.
Practical Machinery Vibration Analysis and Predictive Maintenance.
 
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