Damped oscillator consecutive amplitude ratio

In summary, the undamped oscillator has a period of 12 seconds, while the damped oscillator's angular frequency is 97% of the undamped oscillator's. The ratio of consecutive maximum amplitudes can be calculated using the formula \zeta = \sqrt{1-(\frac{\omega_1}{\omega_0})^2}, where \omega_1 is the damped oscillator's angular frequency and \omega_0 is the undamped oscillator's angular frequency. Using this formula, the ratio is approximately 0.243. However, there may be a discrepancy between the calculated ratio and the answer provided, with the answer claiming the ratio to be 0.21.
  • #1
Uniquebum
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Homework Statement


Undamped oscillator's period [itex]T_0 = 12s[/itex]. Damped oscillator's angular frequency [itex]\omega_1 = \omega_0 * 97\%[/itex] where [itex]\omega_0[/itex] is the angular frequency of the undamped oscillator's. What is the ratio of consecutive maximum amplitudes?

Homework Equations


Equation of damped oscillator's motion:
[itex]x = e^{-\alpha t}A_0sin(\omega_1 t + \phi)[/itex]
where [itex]\alpha = \frac{b}{2m}[/itex] where [itex]b = [/itex]damping constant.


The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, were' talking about maximums so we can disregard the sin() function.
Calculating [itex]\omega_1 = \omega_0 * 0.97 = \frac{2\pi}{T_0}0.97[/itex].
Thus for the damped oscillator [itex]T_1 = \frac{T_0}{0.97}[/itex]

Then we could write something as follows:
[itex]\frac{x_0}{x_1} = \frac{e^{-\alpha t_0}A_0}{e^{-\alpha t_1}A_0}[/itex]
but we have no clue of alpha nor about x_0 and x_1... Any help appreciated.
 
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  • #3
I ended up using the formula

[itex]\zeta = \sqrt{1-(\frac{\omega_1}{\omega_0})^2}[/itex]
And got approx 0.243 out of it. In my answer spreadsheet they claim the answer to be 0.21 however. Now I'm wondering whether i got it right or not... heh :) Thanks for the help either way.
 

1. What is a damped oscillator?

A damped oscillator is a physical system that exhibits periodic motion, such as a pendulum or a spring, but the amplitude of the motion decreases over time due to the presence of damping forces.

2. What is the consecutive amplitude ratio of a damped oscillator?

The consecutive amplitude ratio of a damped oscillator is a measure of how much the amplitude of the oscillation decreases from one cycle to the next. It is calculated by dividing the amplitude of one cycle by the amplitude of the next cycle.

3. How is the consecutive amplitude ratio related to the damping factor?

The consecutive amplitude ratio is directly related to the damping factor of a damped oscillator. A higher damping factor will result in a smaller consecutive amplitude ratio, indicating a faster decrease in amplitude over time.

4. What factors can affect the consecutive amplitude ratio of a damped oscillator?

The consecutive amplitude ratio of a damped oscillator can be affected by several factors, including the damping force, the mass of the oscillator, and the frequency of oscillation. Additionally, the amplitude ratio may change over time as the system loses energy through damping.

5. How is the consecutive amplitude ratio used in real-world applications?

The consecutive amplitude ratio is an important factor to consider in the design and analysis of systems that exhibit damped oscillations, such as bridges, buildings, and electronic circuits. It can also be used to study the damping behavior of materials and to optimize the performance of mechanical systems.

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