Simple Harmonic Motion
Motion in which the acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement from a fixed point and is always directed towards it.
Undamped / Free Oscillation
The energy and amplitude remain constant over time and the body oscillates at its natural frequency.
Damped Oscillation
The energy is transferred out of the system and the amplitude of the oscillation decreases.
Light / Under-damping
Produces definite oscillations, amplitude decays exponentially over time.
Heavy / Over-damping
The resistive forces exceed those of critical damping. System returns slowly to equilibrium position.
Critical damping
The time taken for the displacement to become effectively zero is a minimum. The time is one quarter the period.
Forced Vibrations
Occurs when any external force, which varies with time, is used to make an object oscillate.
Resonance
Occurs when the frequency of the driving force is the same as the frequency of the oscillating system.
