How to begin oscillation in steady state?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the initial conditions for an underdamped harmonic oscillator to achieve steady-state motion under a time-dependent force. The participants are exploring the mathematical representation of the system and the implications of various initial conditions on the transient response.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss setting initial conditions, specifically x0 and v0, to eliminate the transient portion of the solution. There are differing opinions on whether setting both to zero is sufficient, with some referencing the textbook for alternative values. Others suggest substituting parameters to achieve the desired steady-state conditions.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the initial conditions needed for the system. Some guidance has been provided regarding the implications of setting certain parameters to zero, but there is no consensus on the correct approach as discrepancies with textbook solutions are noted.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, referencing specific equations and conditions related to underdamped harmonic oscillators. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the correct initial conditions and their impact on the system's behavior.

bullet_ballet
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I need to find the initial conditions such than an underdamped harmonic oscillator will immediately begin steady-state motion under the time dependent force F = m f cosωt.

For the underdamped case:
[tex]x(t) = ae^{-\gamma t}cos(\Omega t+\alpha)+\frac{f}{r}cos(\omega t-\theta)[/tex]

and if it matter, [tex]r^2 = (\omega^2_0-\omega^2)^2+4\gamma^2\omega^2[/tex]
and [tex]\theta = Tan^{-1}\frac{2\gamma\omega}{\omega^2_0-\omega^2}[/tex]

I thought I would just have to find x0 and v0 such that the transient was 0, but that doesn't seem to be leading down the right track. What direction should my solution be heading?
 
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Why not just let x0=0 and v0=0? This should zero out the transient portion of the solution and leave the driving force intact.
 
genxhis said:
Why not just let x0=0 and v0=0? This should zero out the transient portion of the solution and leave the driving force intact.

Makes sense to me, but the back of the book doesn't seem to agree. It has [tex]x_0=\frac{f (\omega^2_0-\omega^2)}{r^2}[/tex] and [tex]v_0=\frac{2\gamma\omega^2f}{r^2}[/tex].
 
oh. take x(0) and x'(0) and let a = 0. If a = 0 then the transient solution is immediate null, but you'll see x0 and v0 are not. You'll have to subtitute for theta as well.
 
bullet_ballet said:
I need to find the initial conditions such than an underdamped harmonic oscillator will immediately begin steady-state motion under the time dependent force F = m f cosωt.

For the underdamped case:
[tex]x(t) = ae^{-\gamma t}cos(\Omega t+\alpha)+\frac{f}{r}cos(\omega t-\theta)[/tex]

and if it matter, [tex]r^2 = (\omega^2_0-\omega^2)^2+4\gamma^2\omega^2[/tex]
and [tex]\theta = Tan^{-1}\frac{2\gamma\omega}{\omega^2_0-\omega^2} [/tex]

I thought I would just have to find x0 and v0 such that the transient was 0, but that doesn't seem to be leading down the right track. What direction should my solution be heading?

It was a good start. Let [tex]a=0[/tex]. Find x(0) and v(0). You have
[tex]x(0)=\frac{f}{r}cos(\theta ) \mbox{ and }v(0)=\frac{f\omega}{r}\sin(\theta )[/tex], use that
[tex]cos(\theta ) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1+tan^2(\theta )}}\mbox{, }sin(\theta )=\frac{tan(\theta )}{\sqrt{1+tan^2(\theta )}} \mbox{ and } tan(tan^{-1}(\theta))=\theta[/tex].

ehild
 

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