Structural Dynamics

Structures are often subjected to dynamic loads during their lifetime. This course aims to equip students with knowledge in structural dynamics, with particular emphasis on the building and bridge structures. The course is intended to provide necessary knowledge to determine the structural response to dynamic loads. Topics include single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, response to harmonic loading, response to impulsive transient loading, numerical integration, element stiffness, mass and damping matrices, multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems, damping, and eigenvalue problems. Theoretical knowledge on structural dynamics will be supplemented by its application on different structural engineering problems such as vibration control, system identification, earthquake response.

Language of instruction: English

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After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student has:

• knowledge to establish equation of motion for SDOF and MDOF systems
• knowledge to model structural damping
• knowledge to compute the key-concepts related to structural dynamics, such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping and vibration characteristics of structures.
• in-dept knowledge about the assumptions and limitations of the structural dynamics theory.

Skills:

The student

• is capable of recognizing physical phenomenon in the context of structural vibration
• can formulate the equation of motion for dynamics analysis of structures
• can establish necessary matrices for the equation of motion, stiffness, mass and damping matrix
• can calculate response from harmonic and transient loads
• can use computer programming tools (e.g. Matlab) to perform modelling and dynamic analysis of simple structural systems
• can conduct dynamic analysis using commercially available software.

General Competence:

The student is able to:

• design structures with the consideration of structural dynamics.
• solve engineering problems in the context of structural dynamics
• assess the need for dynamic analysis in structural design
• characterize the dynamic properties of a structure such as natural periods and mode shapes.

The teaching will consist of lectures and 3-4 voluntary exercises (written assignments or computer-based assignments).

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Part-exam consisting of:

1) Individual written exam under supervision (3 hours), weighted 60%.

2) Project report prepared in groups of 1-2 students, approx. 5000-7500 words, weighted 40%.

The exam can be appealed.

All assessment parts must be awarded a pass grade (E or better) in order for the student to pass the course. In the event of a resit or rescheduled exam, oral examination may be used instead. If oral exams are used for resit and rescheduled exams, the result cannot be appealed.

Assessment parts:

1) Written Exam: All printed and written aids and a calculator that cannot be used to communicate with others. Excel will be avaliable during the exam.

2) Project Report: All aids are permitted as long as rules for source referencing are followed.

Graded scale A-F.

1 and 2) One internal examiner.

External examiners are used regularly.

Emrah Erduran