Measurement and instrumentation in the classroom damped oscillatory systems

Experiential learning opportunities have been demonstrated to improve long-term retention of engineering theory, as well as promoting directed self-learning skills. This paper describes a project-based problem based on the theory of vibrating systems. The theory and practical experiment help the student understand the relationship between frequency of oscillation, the Laplace representation of a second-order system, and the time-domain solution of a second-order differential equation. The damped oscillatory system has complex conjugate roots, ensuring that the student is exposed to a level of math expected by future employers. The project work is based on a bouncing toy with a decaying oscillation, and accelerometer data via a student-programmed data acquisition system.