Have you ever wondered about the planets and celestial objects in the universe orbiting in a discrete path right from the existence of the universe, the what we so call the "lub-dub" of the heartbeat, which is a classic example of vibration and apparently the reason you are able to read this article?
Every object in this universe has some sort of vibration associated with it, scientifically classified by frequencies and wavelengths, which is basically a transition of a potent quantity called "ENERGY." This article gives an insight into the vibration and synchronization of an object not limited to the structures.
Scientifically its proved back in history that when two pendulums are attached to a short beam such that both the pendulums are connected to the shaft and hanging through it when we sway both the pendulum in different directions, it is found that after a certain period of time, both the pendulums synchronize to each other. This is a play of frequencies; the reason behind it is fascinating; the energy in the first pendulum is transferred to the second pendulum through the beam which connects both the pendulums, a concept that has a vast application in the realm of Structural Dynamics. For a better and more practical understanding, try walking along with someone for a long time; you will eventually notice that your legs will be in perfect sync with the other person's leg. Also, when you listen to music and walk, you will see the frequency or the beat of the music matches with your steps. Isn't it just amazing??
Keeping this scientific theory aside, In a nutshell, we notice that when we place two objects connected by another object, there is a transfer of mechanical vibration, causing both the entities to synchronize and have the same frequencies also known as resonance.
Now here's my theory, as every object has some frequency associated with it considering it as the same for the human heart, assume there are two people in space and holding each other's hand. Will their heartbeat's sync? Technically, each person has a different frequency of heartbeat. According to the above theory, since they are connected as they hold each other's hand, their heartbeats should be in resonance, hmmm too romantic to digest!!
This works for structures as well, and when two buildings are constructed nearby, each will undergo different vibrations due to the external loading conditions such as wind load, lateral load, etc., giving rise to a specific frequency. Considering the Earth's surface as an interface, Won't the vibration of the first building be mechanically transferred to the second building through the ground, and they both sync and vibrate together? Besides, in practical cases, Earth's surface takes a lot of vibration, and the transfer of energy is equally distributed to the nearby buildings. Still, possibly it can make them synchronize together after a very long period of time.
One such classic example is the Millennium Bridge in London. It is a steel suspension bridge for pedestrians constructed back in 2000. Apparently, it was found that it started to sway and wobble soon after it was opened for public use; this is due to the vibration of the footsteps of people getting synchronized with that of the bridge. It can be harmful to humankind when not appropriately addressed about the syncing effect.
Hence, Synchronization is romantic and dangerous at the same time in regards to the dynamics of the structures.
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