Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Vibrations and Waves
Module Code	PS217
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Lampros Nikolopoulos Semester 2: Lampros Nikolopoulos Autumn: Lampros Nikolopoulos
Module Teacher	Lampros Nikolopoulos
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The overall aim of this module is to explore the detailed behaviour of oscillating/vibrating systems and waves from fundamental concepts to real examples in physics and technology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the behaviour of oscillating systems and the associated topic of wave generation and propagation
2. Develop the mathematical formalism that describes vibrations, oscillations and waves
3. Use that mathematical formulism to become proficient in the solution of analytical and numerical problems in vibratory and wave phenomena
4. Recognise a whole host of examples of oscillatory and wave phenomena and devices across a wide and diverse range of domains in physics

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	30	Core material plus sample problems covered
Tutorial	6	Concepts, sample problems and IC tests
Independent learning time	85	Study, Solving Numerical Problems, Exam Revision, etc.
Total Workload: 121

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) - Solutions (Harmonic) as Sines, Cosines and Complex Exponentials..
Q Values - Damped SHM and Transients. Forced SHM and Resonance..

Coupled SHM. Normal modes..
The 1-D Wave Equation. Extension to 2-D and 3-D..

Boundary Conditions. Reflection at Surfaces. Standing Waves. Polarisation..
Principle of Superposition/Superposition of Waves. Beats..

Fourier Methods in Wave Analysis and Synthesis. Periodic, Aperiodic and Random Waves/Oscillations..
Fourier Series and Transforms (Amplitude, Power and Phase Content/Transfer Functions). Time – Frequency / Space – Spatial Frequency Conjugate Variables..

Dispersion. Group and Phase Velocity..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	Numerical problem based test	10%	Week 5
In Class Test	Concepts and numerical problem based test	10%	Week 10

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

George King,: 2009, Vibrations and Waves, First, 1 - 6 and 8, Wiley, UK, 978-0-470-01188-8
H. J. Pain: 2005, The physics of vibrations and waves, Sixth, Wiley, UK, 978-0-470-01296-3
Iain G. Main: 1994, Vibrations and waves in physics, Third, Cambridge University Press, UK, 0 521 44701 1

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Applied Physics

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BSc in Physics with Astronomy

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SHSA

Study Abroad (Science & Health)