Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Mechanical Engineering MSc

Vibration ENG5090

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

Multi-degree-of-freedom Lumped Parameter Systems: Matrix representation, forced vibration using normal mode analysis, principal coordinates, coordinate transformations, orthogonality, dealing with damping, Lagrangian dynamics. Continuous Systems: Longitudinal and torsional vibration of rods, lateral vibration of beams.

Timetable

4 lectures per week

Excluded Courses

Vibration M4 ENG4137

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

75% Degree examination

25% Written report

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:

■ provide a good grounding in vibration fundamentals in order to intelligently use Finite Element (FE) packages to obtain a meaningful and reliable result;

■ introduce vibration testing as a fundamental part of troubleshooting and demonstrate that much analysis can be performed using models based on experimental measurements;

■ provide enough theoretical background to understand the two powerful tools of FE and experimental modal analysis;

■ demonstrate how experimental modal analysis and FE analysis can be used as a troubleshooting tool or a design tool.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ model and analyse simple lumped mass systems by hand;

■ model and analyse rods and beams by hand;

■ appreciate the principles of FE analysis and other approximation techniques;

■ appreciate the principles of and be able to perform experimental modal analysis;

■ have detailed knowledge and be able to use experimental modal analysis techniques for troubleshooting and design;

■ use FE packages for design and troubleshooting;

■ appreciate the principles of random vibration and some of the problems of nonlinear vibration.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions