The Beam Dynamics Simulator (alias BDS) is an educational device that demonstrates fundamental principles of statics and dynamics as well as vibration. It provides an excellent means of introducing laboratory exercises to enhance student understanding in the following courses:

Mechanics of Materials:
Beam deflection as a function of loading, material properties, beam design, and end restraints

Vibration:
Beam vibratory response as a function of excitation frequency/location, loading, material properties, damping, beam design, and end restraints

Measurements:
Displacement, force, acceleration and application of stroboscope

Highlights:

• User-friendly laboratory device
• Validate theoretical predictions between loading and reaction forces
• Examine theoretical beam deflections as a function of loadings, boundary conditions, geometry, and materials
• Learn different methods of measuring displacement, acceleration, and force
• Validate theoretical vibration predictions of natural frequencies, mode shapes, and frequency response as a function of frequency, loadings, boundary conditions, geometry, and materials
• Witness the effect of damping on vibration control
• Model and develop tuned mass dampers
• Live demonstration of natural frequencies, resonance, and modes shapes predicted by classical theory
• Develop discrete parameter models, relate to continuous systems, and learn the approximation process

The BDS clearly brings classical theory to life as it provides a convenient means to not only validate predictions but also to demonstrate the influence of parameter changes on system response in a convincing and easily retained manner. Possible course and topic applications for the experiential simulator include beam deflection force analysis as well as natural frequency mode shape demonstration and measurement.

The simulator consists of two identical test stations mounted on a portable, robust structure. It features changeable restraint fixtures, force transducers to measure the support reactions, indicators to measure deflection, variable frequency rotary shakers for natural frequency excitation, and weights.

The beam supports can be configured as simple, cantilever, overhung, propped, fixed, and continuous with adjustable span length. The standard beam restraint fixtures accept up to 2” wide x ½” thick bar stock and offer fixed, sliding, and hinged restraint modes. Point, distributed, and twisting moment loading patterns can be applied. The base plate is slotted to provide space for additional weights below the machine should more be required for a particular project. Precise beam deflection may be measured either manually with a dial indicator or automatically with an LVDT or eddy current proximity probe for computer input at any point along the length of the member. To add interest, customer designed beams or trusses may be installed for design competition and special projects.

Variable frequency external unbalance force may be applied to excite natural frequencies and produce visible mode shapes. The amplitude of deflection during resonance may be measured any point along the length of the beam. By directing a stroboscope at the beam the user can clearly see the natural mode shape predicted by classical beam theory, including the second, third, and even higher order modes.

The BDS can be used to create and witness a continuous beam system as well as single and two degrees of freedom systems to demonstrate fundamental vibration theory. Damping can be varied to understand the effect on vibration amplitude response. The simulator can be used to model and develop tuned mass damper systems for vibration control and to understand the constrained layer damping effects of viscoelastic material. Since the BDS features two test stations, it is ideal for providing a live demonstration of damped to undamped systems with different materials and boundary conditions. All of these features combine to assist in teaching and understanding vibration theory and related design procedures.

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