Modelling of continuous elastic systems by using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

Propagation of mechanical waves in unidimensional systems is a fundamental part of physics, necessary for learning subjects such as acoustics and vibrations. The vibration of transverse waves in strings is the easiest case of elastic system. Usually, this is the first continuous elastic system in which students apply fundamental mathematical concepts as vibration mode, equation of motion and boundary condition. In this work the use of simulation methods is proposed to reinforce the understanding of vibratory and acoustic simple phenomena. This will be applied to the case of a string, a beam and a membrane of finite length with different physical characteristics and boundary conditions.

Keywords

• Acoustics
• vibration
• continuum elastic system
• Finite Element Method
• vibrating string
• beam