2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

We developed a lab exercise to explore the damped oscillations generated by a mechanical system and an electrical circuit. A piezoelectric cantilever oscillates after its freestanding tip is deflected and released. The damped oscillation can be described by a second-order differential equation. Since the piezoelectric material generates an electrical signal when subjected to mechanical stress, the damped mechanical oscillation can be visualized by connecting an oscilloscope to the piezoelectric cantilever. Based on the damped oscillation curve, we can estimate the damped oscillation frequency and damping coefficient. These parameters are then used to design a parallel RLC electrical circuit. When the appropriate resistor, capacitor, and inductor are selected to match the oscillation frequency and damping coefficient, we can demonstrate that the second-order response of the RLC electrical circuit exhibits the same damped oscillation characteristics. This lab exercise allows students to connect mechanical and electrical systems and gain a better understanding of second-order system responses through visualization.
The learning outcomes of this lab include understanding how piezoelectric materials work, how a simple mechanical cantilever functions, and how to design a parallel RLC electrical circuit with targeted design parameters for oscillation frequency and damping characteristics. In addition, students learn to calculate the damping coefficient from a measured damped oscillation curve and use an oscilloscope to capture transient, non-repetitive waveforms.