Koss, Leonard L, Rhodes, Justin and Rouillard, Vincent (2012) Mini-trampoline as a human structural vibration exciter. In: Proceedings: the 7th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM 7), 9-12 December 2012, the University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus. Engineers Australia, Barton, A.C.T, pp. 594-603.

Abstract

This paper outlines the results of experiments to demonstrate the use of a mini- trampoline as a structural vibration exciter. The exciter comes in two sections, the first is the human power source that provides vertical reciprocating motion and inertial mass, and the second is the trampoline membrane that is spring-tensioned. A human vibration exciter is thus established with the use of the mini-trampoline that can be used to determine floor structural stiffness values and frequency response functions amplitudes at the excitation frequency and its higher harmonics. The mini-trampoline static properties such as spring and membrane stiffness were determined from load-deflection tests and the dynamic properties such as natural reciprocating frequency and transmitted force were obtained using accelerometer and force transducers. The frequency range of the mini-trampoline can be varied between 2 to 2.6 Hz by employing people of various weights and through the use of different diameter discs on top of the membrane. The important point is that a vertical harmonic force of about 1 kN amplitude can be obtained at 2 Hz for testing of floors, foot bridges and roofs. This testing system is easily portable and measurements of force and response can be measured consecutively using only one accelerometer. Results of tests for stiffness and natural frequencies of a sample foot- bridge are presented.

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