SHM- differential Equations. Finding the constants of Integration from exp. data

In summary, the conversation is about finding the constants of integration for a differential equation for simple harmonic motion (SHM) in the form x=Acos(10.7t)+Bsin(10.7t). The values for time and displacement are given in experimental data, and the task is to determine the best values for A and B based on the data. It is suggested to use boundary conditions and compare the sine and cosine functions to choose the most accurate solution. Other methods such as choosing the largest value or using numerical integration can also be used to approximate the data.
  • #1
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Hey guys,

bit stuck here with this problem

I have a differential equation for SHM here in the form

x= A cos 10.7t + B sin 10.7t

I need to find the constants of integration. w = 10.7 as above

I don't have anything other than experimental data

Time Second Distance / m
0 0
0.05 -0.008
0.1 -0.008
0.15 -0.008
0.2 -0.009
0.25 -0.014
0.3 -0.019
0.35 -0.029
0.4 -0.036
0.45 -0.045
0.5 -0.051
0.55 -0.056
0.6 -0.054
0.65 -0.029
0.7 -0.012
0.75 0.011
0.8 0.031
0.85 0.055
0.9 0.049
0.95 0.025
1 0.002
1.05 -0.032
1.1 -0.047
1.15 -0.055
1.2 -0.047
1.25 -0.021
1.3 0.002
1.35 0.035
1.4 0.049
1.45 0.054
1.5 0.045
1.55 0.016
1.6 -0.006
1.65 -0.038
1.7 -0.051
1.75 -0.053
1.8 -0.042
1.85 -0.012
1.9 0.011
1.95 0.04
2 0.052


Since x=0 when t = 0

I get A = 0 ... A Cos 0 =0

But then I also seem to get B=0 which makes no sense.

If B is the amplitude of the function then sure it must 0.055m or thereabouts

Any ideas on working out B

I have tried other values but to no avail.

thanks a lot

sid

Edit/ The first value of the data ist he time value and the second one is the displacement value
 
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  • #2
IF i write the equation in the format

x= A sin (wt + e)

then A is the amplitude and e is the phase shift factor. can I just write down A = 0.055m from the data??

This is very urgent, please advise

sid
 
  • #3
What you wrote are ALL the possible solutions to the diff. equation. You need to look at your "boundary conditions" from your data to pick out which solution to use. At t=0, your data shows that you have ZERO amplitidue. Now look at both the sine function and the cosine function. Which one of these would fit your data more accurately?

Zz.
 
  • #4
Yes, x(0)= 0 means that the "A" in x= A cos 10.7t + B sin 10.7t must be 0.
I think I would be inclined to look at t such that 10.7t= pi/2= 1.57 or 0.15: that's
x(0.15)= -0.008 so x(t)= -0.008 sin 10.7t. Yes, that's awfully close to identically 0.

If your data were exact, that should match all other values. If it is, rather, experimental measurements, you might want to take t as large as possible. Noticing that your t values go up to 2, 10.7t goes up to 21.4. 13 pi/2= 20.4 which corresponds to t= 1.9. x(1.9)= 0.011 which would give x(t)= 0.011 sin 10.7t.

Yet another way to handle the fact that the data are not exact is to look at the largest value. The largest value of x that I see, with a quick scan is
0.055. Since the largest possible value of A sin 10.7 is A, that would indicate that x(t)= 0.055 sin 10.7t.

The best way to handle it would be to average the values: The integral of
x(t)= A sin 10.7t between t= 0 and t= 2 is A/10.7 cos(21.4). Do a numerical integration of the given data and choose A to fit that. Of course, you don't HAVE to use x(0)= B= 0 (unless that is the one value you are SURE of). There are an infinite number of ways to fit a formula to approximate data.
 
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  • #5
Thanks HallsofIvy

The data itself goes all the way upto 25 seconds. Although this meant to be perfect, there is some damping as it progresses but nothing much.

I don't think i completely understand your integration method, I don't know anything about numerical integration anyways(paralleogram rule i do know)

I just choose A = 0.055 because it is the largest possible value.
 

1. What is SHM and how is it related to differential equations?

SHM (Simple Harmonic Motion) is a type of motion where an object oscillates back and forth around a fixed equilibrium point. It is related to differential equations because the equations that describe SHM involve derivatives, which are a key component of differential equations.

2. What are the constants of integration and why are they important?

The constants of integration are arbitrary constants that are added to the solution of a differential equation. They are important because they represent the initial conditions of the system and can greatly affect the behavior of the solution.

3. How can I find the constants of integration from experimental data?

To find the constants of integration from experimental data, you can use the initial conditions of the system. These can include the initial position, velocity, or any other relevant information. You can then plug these values into the solution of the differential equation and solve for the constants of integration.

4. What is the role of exponential functions in SHM and differential equations?

Exponential functions are often used to model SHM because they exhibit the same type of oscillatory behavior. They are also commonly found in the solutions of differential equations, including those that describe SHM. The constants of integration in these equations often involve exponential functions as well.

5. Are there any real-world applications of SHM and differential equations?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of SHM and differential equations. Some examples include the motion of a pendulum, the vibration of a guitar string, and the behavior of electrical circuits. These concepts are also important in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics.

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