PASCO ME-6992B Resonance Structures: Beam and Tower - Manual

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A d v a n c e d S t r u c t u r e s S e t R e s o n a n c e S t r u c t u r e s : B e a m a n d T o w e r
48 012-12719B
Resonance Structures: Beam and Tower
The PASCO Structures System can be used to demonstrate resonance in complex structures. Resonance is the
tendency of a structure to oscillate at a greater amplitude at some frequencies than at others. These are known as
the structure’s resonance frequencies. At these frequencies, even small periodic driving forces can produce large
amplitude oscillations.
Resonance occurs when a structure is able to store and transfer energy between two or more different storage
modes (such as kinetic energy and potential energy in the case of a pendulum). However, there are some losses
from cycle to cycle, called damping. When damping is small, the resonant frequency is approximately equal to
the natural frequency of the structure, which is a frequency of unforced vibrations. Some structures have multi-
ple, distinct, resonant frequencies.
Resonance phenomena occur with all types of vibrations or waves. The resonance structures demonstrate
mechanical resonance. Unlike a standing wave on a string vibrating between two rods which has nodes at both
ends, the resonance beam has a node at one end and an antinode at the other.
Resonance Beam
Build a resonance beam using five #5 I-beams and four Straight Connectors (SC).
Use four Flat Connectors, four #2 I-beams, and a Full Round Connector to build a
base for the beam as shown below.
Place slotted masses (such as those from the ME-7566 Large Slotted Mass Ses) on top of the Flat Connectors to
stabilize the resonance beam.
Mount a Mechanical Wave Driver (SF-9324) on a support rod so that its drive post is horizontal. Align the driver
so that you can attach the drive post to the middle of the first #5 I-beam of the resonance beam. One way to
attach the drive post to the I-beam is to loop a piece of yellow cord through the hole in the middle of the I-beam
and then through the hole on the accessory banana plug of the driver. Another way to attach the drive post is to
mount a Sliding Connector to the middle of the I-beam. Loop a piece of yellow cord through the Cord Clip and
attach the Cord Clip to the Sliding Connector. Connect the cord to the drive post.
You can control the Mechanical Wave Driver with a PI-8127 Function Generator, or with a PASCO Interface and
Power Amplifier.
#5
#5
#5
#5
#5
SC
SC
SC
SC
Mechanical
Wave
Driver
Resonance Beam Base
#5
#2 #2
Flat
Connector
Full Round
Connector
Slotted
Masses