▪ Examples

1) A 200-kg machine is attached to the end of a cantilever

beam of length L=2.5 m, elastic modulus E =200 × 109
N/m2, and cross-sectional moment of inertia 1.8 × 10–6
m4.Assuming the mass of the beam is small compared to
the mass of the machine, what is the stiffness of the
beam?
The stiffness of the cantilever beam can be calculated using the formula for the
stiffness 𝑘 of a cantilever beam with a point load at its free end:
𝟑𝑬𝑰
𝒌=
𝑳𝟑
Where:

• 𝑬 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝐍/𝐦𝟐 (elastic modulus),

• 𝑰 = 𝟏. 𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝐦𝟒 (moment of inertia),

• 𝑳 = 𝟐. 𝟓 𝐦 (length of the beam).

Substituting the values:

3 ⋅ (200 × 109 ) ⋅ (1.8 × 10−6 )

𝑘=
(2.5)3

Let's calculate.

The stiffness of the beam is 𝟔𝟗, 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐍/𝐦.

 2) Model each of the systems shown in the figure by a mass
attached to a single spring of an equivalent stiffness.
Solution:
Identify the arrangement of springs:
The system consists of springs in both series
and parallel configurations.
From left to right: 𝑘 → (2𝑘 ∥ 𝑘) → 3𝑘 → 2𝑘.
Solve the parallel combination (middle section):
For springs in parallel, the equivalent stiffness is the sum of the
individual stiffness values: 𝑘eq = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 .
Therefore, the equivalent stiffness for the parallel combination is:
𝑘parallel = 2𝑘 + 𝑘 = 3𝑘
Now consider all springs in series:
The arrangement is now 𝑘 → 3𝑘 → 3𝑘 → 2𝑘.
For springs in series, the total equivalent stiffness is given by:
1 1
=∑
𝑘eq 𝑘𝑖
Calculate the total equivalent stiffness:
1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
𝑘eq 𝑘 3𝑘 3𝑘 2𝑘
6 2 2 3
= + + +
6𝑘 6𝑘 6𝑘 6𝑘
13
=
6𝑘
Conclusion:
6𝑘
𝑘eq =
13
Final Answer:
6𝑘
𝑘eq =
13
 3) Model each of the systems shown in the figure by a mass
attached to a single spring of an equivalent stiffness.

Solution:
Beam Stiffness for a Fixed-Fixed Beam with a Center Load:
The stiffness for a fixed-fixed beam under a central load is given by the
formula:
48𝐸𝐼
𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 =
𝐿3

Given Values:

o Modulus of elasticity: 𝐸 = 210 × 109 N/m2

o Moment of inertia: 𝐼 = 5 × 10−4 m4
o Spring stiffness: 𝑘𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 1 × 108 N/m
o Length of the beam: 𝐿 = 3 m
Calculation of Beam Stiffness:
Using the formula for 𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 :
48𝐸𝐼
𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 =
𝐿3
Substituting the given values:
48(210 × 109 )(5 × 10−4 )
𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 =
33
Simplifying the expression:
48(210 × 109 )(5 × 10−4 )
𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 =
27
𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 = 1.87 × 108 N/m
Spring in Series:
 For springs in series, the equivalent stiffness 𝑘𝑒𝑞 is given by:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑘𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
Substituting the values:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 1.87 × 108 1 × 108
Simplifying:
1 1 1.87
= 8
+
𝑘𝑒𝑞 1.87 × 10 1.87 × 108
1 2.87
=
𝑘𝑒𝑞 1.87 × 108
Therefore:
1.87 × 108
𝑘𝑒𝑞 = = 6.52 × 107 N/m
2.87
Final Answer:

𝑘𝑒𝑞 = 6.52 × 107 N/m

 4) The system in figure (c) is to be modeled by a disk attached
to a torsional spring of an equivalent stiffness.

Solution for Equivalent Torsional Stiffness

Recall the Torsional Stiffness Formula for a Shaft:
𝐺𝐽
𝑘=
𝐿
where:
o 𝐺 is the shear modulus,
o 𝐽 is the polar moment of inertia,
o 𝐿 is the length of the shaft segment.
Calculate the Torsional Stiffness for Section AB (Steel Shaft with Aluminum
Core):
o This section is a composite shaft with a steel outer shell and an
aluminum inner core.
o For a solid circular shaft, the polar moment of inertia 𝐽 is given by:
𝜋𝑟 4
𝐽=
2
o The total stiffness of section 𝐴𝐵 will be the sum of the contributions
from the steel and aluminum parts, calculated as:
𝜋
𝑘𝐴𝐵 = [𝐺𝑠𝑡 (𝑟24 − 𝑟14 ) + 𝐺𝑎𝑙 𝑟14 ]
2𝐿𝐴𝐵
o Substituting the values:
𝜋
𝑘𝐴𝐵 = [80 × 109 × (0.0254 − 0.0204 ) + 40 × 109 × (0.0204 )]
2 × 0.30
 o Calculating this gives:
𝑘𝐴𝐵 ≈ 6,513.4 N⋅m/rad
Calculate the Torsional Stiffness for Section BC (Hollow Steel Shaft):
o For a hollow shaft, the polar moment of inertia 𝐽 is:
𝜋(𝑟𝑜4 − 𝑟𝑖4 )
𝐽=
2
o The stiffness of section 𝐵𝐶 is calculated as:
𝜋𝐺𝑠𝑡 (𝑟44 − 𝑟34 )
𝑘𝐵𝐶 =
2𝐿𝐵𝐶
o Substituting the values:
𝜋 × 80 × 109 × (0.0304 − 0.0184 )
𝑘𝐵𝐶 =
2 × 0.20
o Calculating this gives:
𝑘𝐵𝐶 ≈ 14,890.7 N⋅m/rad
Calculate the Equivalent Torsional Stiffness of the System:
o Since sections 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐵𝐶 are in series, the equivalent stiffness 𝑘𝑒𝑞 is
calculated using:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘𝐴𝐵 𝑘𝐵𝐶
o Substituting the values:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 6,513.4 14,890.7
o Solving for 𝑘𝑒𝑞 :
𝑘𝑒𝑞 ≈ 4,524.8 N⋅m/rad
Final Answer
The equivalent torsional spring stiffness of the system is approximately:
𝑘𝑒𝑞 ≈ 4,525 N⋅m/rad
 5) Model each of the systems shown in the figure by a mass
attached to a single spring of an equivalent stiffness.

Step-by-Step Solution to Find the Equivalent Stiffness

Given Data:
• Larger height of the cross-section, ℎ1 = 25 mm = 0.025 m
• Smaller height of the cross-section, ℎ2 = 20 mm = 0.020 m
• Width of the cross-section, 𝑏 = 13 mm = 0.013 m
• Young’s Modulus, 𝐸 = 210 × 109 N/m2
• Length of the beam, 𝐿 = 2 m
Objective:

Find the equivalent stiffness of the system, where two sections with varying cross-
sections act as springs in series.

Step 1: Moment of Inertia for Each Section

For a rectangular cross-section, the moment of inertia 𝐼 is:
𝑏ℎ3
𝐼=
12
1. For the first section (larger height ℎ1 = 25 mm):
𝑏ℎ13 0.013 × (0.025)3
𝐼1 = =
12 12
𝐼1 = 16,927.08 × 10−12 m4
2. For the second section (smaller height ℎ2 = 20 mm):
 𝑏ℎ23 0.013 × (0.020)3
𝐼2 = =
12 12
𝐼2 = 8,666.67 × 10−12 m4

Step 2: Stiffness for Each Section

For a cantilever beam, the stiffness 𝑘 is given by:
3𝐸𝐼
𝑘=
𝐿3
1. For the first section (using 𝐼1 ):
3 × (210 × 109 ) × (16,927.08 × 10−12 )
𝑘1 =
(2)3
𝑘1 = 3,334.59 N/m
2. For the second section (using 𝐼2 ):
3 × (210 × 109 ) × (8,666.67 × 10−12 )
𝑘2 =
(2)3
𝑘2 = 1,707.11 N/m

Step 3: Equivalent Stiffness for Springs in Series

When two stiffnesses 𝑘1 and 𝑘2 are in series, the equivalent stiffness 𝑘𝑒𝑞 is:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 𝑘1 𝑘2
Substituting the values:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘𝑒𝑞 3,334.59 1,707.11
Calculating:
1
= 0.0002999 + 0.0005859
𝑘𝑒𝑞
 1
= 0.0008858
𝑘𝑒𝑞
1
𝑘𝑒𝑞 = ≈ 1,137.47 N/m
0.0008858

Final Answer
The equivalent stiffness of the system is:

𝑘𝑒𝑞 ≈ 1,137.47 N/m

 6) Model each of the systems shown in the figure by a mass
attached to a single spring of an equivalent stiffness.

Step 1: Understand the System

• Springs 𝑘1 and 𝑘2 : These are arranged in parallel because they are both
attached to points 𝐴 and 𝐵 via the rigid bar.
• Spring 𝑘3 : This is connected to the mass 𝑚 and the middle point 𝐶, and acts
in series with the equivalent stiffness of the parallel combination of 𝑘1 and
𝑘2 .

Step 2: Find the Equivalent Stiffness of 𝑘1 and 𝑘2 (Parallel Combination)

For springs in parallel:
𝑘parallel = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2

Step 3: Combine 𝒌parallel and 𝒌𝟑 (Series Combination)

For springs in series:
1 1 1
= +
𝑘eq 𝑘parallel 𝑘3
Substituting 𝑘parallel = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 :
1 1 1
= +
𝑘eq 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 𝑘3
The equivalent stiffness 𝑘eq is:
1
𝑘eq =
1 1
+
𝑘1 + 𝑘2 𝑘3

Final Answer
The equivalent stiffness of the system is:
(𝑘1 + 𝑘2 )𝑘3
𝑘eq =
(𝑘1 + 𝑘2 ) + 𝑘3
7) A connecting rod of mass 2.18 kg oscillates 39 times in 1
minute when suspended as shown in Figure. Determine its
moment of inertia about its center of gravity which is
located 25.4 cm from the point of support.
8) Determine the oscillatory characteristic of a ship shown in
fig.5 in rolling motion.
9) determine the effect of the mass of the spring on the
natural frequency of the spring-mass system shown in the
figure.
10) Determine the natural frequency of transverse
vibration for the water tank shown in the figure, taking
into account the mass of the supporting column. Given
that the deformation of the column at a position 𝑥,
resulting from a force applied at its tip, can be determined
as:
11) A simply supported beam of total mass mb has a
concentrated mass M at midspan. Determine the effective
mass of the system at midspan and find its fundamental
frequency. The deftection under the load due to a
concentrated force P applied at midspan is