Topic: Theory of Machines
A damped spring-mass system is forced to oscillate at t=0 by the application of an impulse force. Which of the following are true?
- A. If the damping ratio is between 0 and 1, the system will show no oscillations
- B. If the damping ratio is between 0 and 1, the system will eventually come to rest
- C. If the damping ratio is 0, the system will eventually come to rest
- D. The system will always oscillate
Answer: B. If the damping ratio is between 0 and 1, the system will eventually come to rest
Explanation: For an underdamped system (damping ratio between 0 and 1), it will oscillate with decaying amplitude and eventually come to rest due to energy dissipation. A damping ratio of 0 would mean it oscillates forever.