Design of Physical and Virtual Vibration Demos for Education

Plot of resonance data.

Dive deep into the topic of vibration with this hands on project. 

Project description

As an educator in the field of dynamics, I find a surprising lack of quality online resources that can be used to prove the mathematical results we come to in-class, with real physical systems. So the saying goes "seeing is believing". This project involves a student or small group of students designing, and constructing physical systems that can be setup in a classroom, to demonstrate key vibration concepts, namely mode shapes, natural frequencies, and resonance. As time permits, students may also create virtual simulation tools corresponding to these systems. 

Project outcome

Creation of a physical system used to demonstrate key vibration concepts. Creation of a demonstration video, that may be uploaded to the web. Creation of simulation tools for vibration problems. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester (3-5 months)
Start time Anytime 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-person project
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Research experience; academic credit
Who is eligible Any Junior/Senior level MAE students

Project mentor

Bradley Darrall

Assistant Professor of Teaching

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Phone: (716) 645-1451

Email: bdarrall@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
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Preparation activities

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering