Vibration Calculator
Calculate the natural frequency of a simple spring-mass system.
Spring-Mass System Parameters
Natural Frequency Formula
For a simple undamped spring-mass system, the natural frequency of vibration is determined by the mass and the spring stiffness.
Where:
- f = Natural Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
- k = Spring Stiffness in Newtons per meter (N/m)
- m = Mass in kilograms (kg)
Typical Vibration Frequencies
| System/Source | Typical Frequency Range |
|---|---|
| Human Heartbeat | ~1 Hz (60-100 bpm) |
| Building Sway (Earthquake) | 0.1 - 10 Hz |
| Car Suspension | 1 - 3 Hz |
| Washing Machine (Spin Cycle) | 10 - 20 Hz |
| Electric Motor | 50 - 200 Hz |
| Human Hearing Range | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vibration?
Vibration is a mechanical phenomenon whereby oscillations occur about an equilibrium point. The oscillations may be periodic, such as the motion of a pendulum, or random, such as the movement of a tire on a gravel road.
What is natural frequency?
The natural frequency is the frequency at which a system tends to oscillate in the absence of any driving or damping forces. Every object or structure has one or more natural frequencies.
What is resonance in mechanical systems?
Resonance occurs when a vibrating system or external force drives another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at a specific frequency (the resonant frequency). In mechanical systems, if the driving frequency matches the natural frequency, it can lead to dangerously large oscillations.