Taming vibrations with vibrations: the Tuned Mass Dampers genius solution

This is a Mechanical engineering Subject Spotlight with Dr Arnaldo Delli Carri from Coventry University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Mechanical engineering.

Take this Subject Spotlight to...

In this Subject Spotlight, Dr Arnaldo Delli Carri explores the fascinating topic of how vibrations affect structures. He starts by thinking about what vibrations actually are, explains the concept of resonance, and documents some famous structural failures due to vibrations. Arnaldo then turns to how we can address vibrations using tuned mass dampers. He explores how they work, how they’ve developed over time, and different types of tuned mass dampers. He then illustrates the different applications of tuned mass dampers through case studies of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, the Stockbridge damper, and F1 cars. Finally, Arnaldo discusses the importance of maintaining and protecting historic buildings, presents an intriguing activity focused on some of the world’s most famous structures, and concludes with some reflections on mechanical engineering.

About Coventry University

Coventry University is a place where you can achieve your ambitions. Our Phoenix+ programme offers extra and co-curricular activities to help you build core life skills and prepare you for your future career. The university is home to students from over 150 different nationalities, you will be part of a truly international community. Coventry was ranked as a top 10 Student City in England ​for Affordability in the​ QS Best Student Cities Index Ranking Indicators 2024​. The city offers so much to do, see, and experience with affordable student living and accommodation, shops, entertainment venues and restaurants all within walking distance of the campus. Coventry University Group has received Gold for Student Experience and Silver for Student Outcomes in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, demonstrating our capability to deliver excellence and positive student outcomes.

Meet the academics

Dr. Arnaldo Delli Carri

Dr. Arnaldo Delli Carri is Curriculum Lead and Associate Professor in Stress and Dynamics in the  School of Mechanical Engineering at Coventry University. He is the Course Director for the BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering degree programme and has worked with important industrial partners like AgustaWestland, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace on the topic of structures. He is a Chartered Engineer, member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.He is active in the research field of nonlinear structural dynamics and has been employed in Higher Education for the last 15 years across a few European institutions, always eager to introduce students to the many wonders of Mechanical Engineering.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in, and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!