72801 - Structural Dynamics M

Learning outcomes

The course equips students with foundational skills for analyzing the dynamic behavior of structures. It covers principles of vibration theory for single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems and introduces key analytical and numerical methods for assessing structural dynamic response. Essential aspects of experimental methods for dynamic and modal identification are also explored. Through course completion, students develop competencies in calculating and interpreting the dynamic responses of structural systems under various excitations and in using numerical methods (and software) for dynamic analysis. The course supports the goals of the master’s program on advanced structural design.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge

A prior knowledge and understanding of the staitc behaviour of structures is required to attend with profit this course. Students should master the concepts of force and stiffnes and how they correlate in the static response of loaded structures.

All lectures and tutorials are in Italian. Office hours can be offered in Italian or English based on the student's request.

 

Course Contents

• Discrete single-degree of freedom systems: free oscillations, harmonic excitation, periodic excitation (Fourier series), arbitrary loading (Duhamel's integral, Fourier transform, and response spectrum analysis).
• Direct time integration schemes.
• Discrete multi-degree of freedom systems: free vibration, harmonic analysis, modal analysis, response spectrum analysis and direct integration.
• Non-linear dynamics: elasto-plastic single degree of freedom, direct integration and response spectrum analysis.
• Reduction/isolation from vibrations.
• Continuous systems: axial and flexural vibrations of beams.
• Experimental dynamics.
• Propagation of mechanical waves in continuous and discrete systems.
  

The course is organized into two teaching modules that run in parallel throughout the semester.

Readings/Bibliography

Learning Resource

• Instructors’ notes.
• Problem sets with solutions.
• Exams with solutions.

Class/lab notes, solved exercises, solved exams, computer codes, are available to download in Virtuale: https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Suggested readings

• Viola E., Fondamenti di dinamica e vibrazione delle strutture, Pitagora Editrice, Bologna, 2001, Voll.1-2.
• Viola E., Analisi matriciale delle strutture, Pitagora Editrice, Bologna, 1996.
• Chopra A.K., Dynamics of structures, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2001.

Teaching methods

The course content will be entirely covered during the lectures. The course includes a number of numerical and experimental exercises designed to complement the theoretical material and provide practical insight into the topics discussed in class. The instructors will supervise students during these activities.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by means of a final written and oral examination aimed at evaluating the expected learning outcomes described above.

The written examination consists of four exercises to be completed within three hours (maximum score: 30 points).

The oral examination consists of three questions, which may require written answers, followed by a discussion (maximum score: 30 points).

Both the written and oral examinations are closed-book. The final grade is calculated as the average of the scores obtained in the written and oral examinations.

During the oral examination, the student's written work will be discussed. In particular, the instructor will explain the grading criteria, consider any comments or requests for clarification from the student, and may revise the score of the written examination if justified by the discussion.

To obtain a passing grade, students must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the subject, the ability to apply them critically, and an appropriate use of technical terminology. Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the subject, a strong capacity for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the material.

Students who do not pass the examination may retake it at the next available examination session.

Teaching tools

The teaching tools are overhead projector, projector and PC. The course includes some laboratory sessions in which structural analysis software is used.

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Palermo

See the website of Alessandro Marzani