Online training session 3 February 2021: Bell Tower Dynamic Motion

The primary motivation behind the work described in this talk relates to bell handling. When ringing bells generate large horizontal peak forces, and these forces set the bell tower into dynamic motion. The handling of bells depends upon the magnitude of the bell tower motion. A great deal of theoretical study has been undertaken into the forces generated by bells. There are text books that consider from a theoretical standpoint the dynamic motion of structures and buildings. Nevertheless, it is only by bringing these two matters together that a bell tower motion can be predicted when a bell (or bells) is being rung.

This talk describes testing that was recently undertaken at Wingrave Church. Dynamic testing was undertaken with a rotary shaker; this testing is the industry-standard approach to determining the dynamic structural characteristics of buildings and structures. At a peal-ringing speed, the theoretical horizontal forces of the 8 Bell (tenor) were combined with these dynamic characteristics to predict the response of the tower. This predicted tower response is compared with the actual measured response – the results and findings are presented in the talk.

The rotary shaker is a specialised piece of test equipment, and so a natural question is: can the bells themselves be used to determine the dynamic characteristics of a bell tower? Watch the talk for the  unequivocal answer.

If you would like to attend, please complete this form to register by 8pm on Tuesday 2 February 2021: https://forms.gle/pNo73tEyi33Sw7XB9


Future dates…

Wednesday 3 February 2021 at 7pm: Gordon Breeze: Bell Tower Dynamic Motion. Joint talk with the Central Council.

Wednesday 10 February 2021 at 7pm: Linda Garton: The story of ladies’ peals

Wednesday 24 February 2021 at 7pm: David Pipe: Magic Blocks

Wednesday 3 March 2021 at 7pm: Robert Wellen: War and Covid – a ‘long view’ of restrictions on ringing

Wednesday 10 March 2021 at 7pm: Lucy Gwynne: Exercises to support us back into ringing