 Solution

For equal masses, write $M=mB$ with $B=\left(\begin{array}{ccc}3& 1& 1\\ 1& 1& 0\\ 1& 0& 1\end{array}\right)$. The generalized eigenvalue problem for small oscillations is $kv={\omega }^{2}mBv$.

Exchange symmetry of climbers 2 and 3 gives $v_a=(0,1,-1{)}^T$, for which $B{v}_a=v_a$. HenceThe physical displacements are $(y_1,y_1+y_2,y_1+y_3)$, so climber 1 is stationary and the other two move vertically with equal amplitudes in opposite directions. Their changes in force on climber 1 cancel.

For the remaining symmetric modes, put $v=(a,b,b{)}^T$ and let $\mu =k/(m{\omega }^2)$. The eigenproblem becomes $3a+2b=\mu a$, $a+b=\mu b$. Eliminating $a,b$ gives $(3-\mu )(1-\mu )-2={\mu }^2-4\mu +1=0$. Therefore $\mu =2\pm \sqrt{3}$. Since $(2+\sqrt{3})(2-\sqrt{3})=1$,For clarity, their relative physical climber displacements, rather than rope-length amplitudes, areThe lower mode moves all climbers in phase; the higher mode moves the lower pair against the top climber. These are the normal modes of three vertically suspended masses with a branched spring connection.