GATE AE 2025 • Q57 NAT • 2 Marks

Propulsion

Inlets, Combustors & Nozzles

Subtopic: Combustor Design & Flame Stabilization

Question Statement:

A uniform rigid bar of mass 3 kg is hinged at point F, and supported by a spring of stiffness k=100 N/m, as shown in the figure. The natural frequency of free vibration of the system is ____rad/s (answer in integer).

Official Answer Key:

10.0

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Detailed Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2025 Q.57)** **1. Intuitive Physical Setup & Given Parameters**: - Uniform rigid bar of mass $m = 3\text{ kg}$ and length $L$, hinged at one end $F$. - Supported at the other end by a spring of stiffness $k = 100\text{ N/m}$. We need to find the natural frequency of free vibration $\omega_n$ in $\text{rad/s}$ (integer). **2. Step-by-Step Structural Dynamics Derivation**: 1. **Mass Moment of Inertia About Hinge $F$**: For a uniform rigid bar of mass $m$ hinged at one end: $I_F = \frac{1}{3} m L^2 = \frac{1}{3} (3) L^2 = L^2\text{ kg}\cdot\text{m}^2$ 2. **Equation of Motion for Small Angular Oscillations $\theta$**: Taking moments about hinge $F$: $I_F \ddot{\theta} + \sum M_{\text{restoring}} = 0$ The spring attached at the end of the bar undergoes deflection $x = L\theta$, exerting restoring force $F_s = k L \theta$ with moment arm $L$: $M_{\text{spring}} = k L^2 \theta$ $I_F \ddot{\theta} + k L^2 \theta = 0$ $\left(\frac{1}{3} m L^2\right) \ddot{\theta} + k L^2 \theta = 0$ 3. **Cancel $L^2$ and Solve for $\omega_n$**: $\ddot{\theta} + \frac{3k}{m} \theta = 0$ $\omega_n = \sqrt{\frac{3k}{m}}$ 4. **Substitute Numerical Values**: - $k = 100\text{ N/m}$ - $m = 3\text{ kg}$ $\omega_n = \sqrt{\frac{3 \times 100}{3}} = \sqrt{100} = 10\text{ rad/s}$ **3. Comprehensive Options & Distractor Analysis**: - **Evaluation Criteria**: Numerical Answer Type (NAT). - **Exact Analytical Result**: $\omega_n = 10\text{ rad/s}$. - **Rounding Requirement**: Nearest integer $\implies \mathbf{10}$. **4. Official Master Key & Exam Takeaway**: - **Official Answer Key**: **10.0** (Acceptable Range: **10 to 10**) - **Exam Takeaway**: Hinged bar natural frequency is $\omega_n = \sqrt{\frac{k L^2}{I_F}} = \sqrt{\frac{k L^2}{\frac{1}{3}mL^2}} = \sqrt{\frac{3k}{m}} = \sqrt{300/3} = 10\text{ rad/s}$.

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