Time of Motion with Negative Feedback

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for a block of mass m to slide down an incline plane of length xL, factoring in a constant friction factor b that increases linearly with forward velocity v. The user is attempting to solve the nonhomogeneous linear second-order differential equation (DE) given by dv/dt = (mg sinθ - bv)/m and d²x/dt² = g sinθ - (b/m)(dx/dt). The proposed solution involves numerical methods, specifically the Newton-Raphson method, to express time t in terms of distance x. The user seeks assistance in deriving a precise solution for the time down the ramp.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically nonhomogeneous linear second-order DEs.
  • Familiarity with Newton-Raphson method for numerical solutions.
  • Knowledge of basic physics concepts such as forces, friction, and motion on an incline.
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly in handling differential terms and their distributions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research numerical methods for solving differential equations, focusing on the Newton-Raphson method.
  • Study the application of conservation of energy in dynamic systems with friction.
  • Explore advanced techniques in calculus for manipulating differential terms.
  • Investigate simulation tools for modeling motion under varying friction conditions.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators developing educational simulators, and engineers working on motion dynamics involving friction and incline planes.

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A block of mass m slides down an incline plane of length xL. The friction factor b is constant, where the friction force increases as a linear function of forward velocity v.

This produces exponential motion. My problem in building an educational simulator is this, I want to compute the time down the ramp of length xL rather than make educated guesses in the simulator time setting.

I've tried solving for time in the DE, with no result. I've also tried to apply Conservation of Energy but I'm still struggling with an answer. Anyone recognize a solution to this apparently simple challenge?

I've posed the problem in this thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=357732
 
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\frac{dv}{dt} = \frac{mg sin\theta - bv}{m}

\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2} = g\sin{\theta} - \frac{ b}{m} \frac{dx}{dt}

This is a nonhomogeneous linear 2nd order DE. The solution is (I think)
x(t)=A + Be^{-bt/m} + \frac{mg\sin{\theta}}{b} t

where A and B are arbitrary constants.
It is difficult to express t in term of x. But it can be solve numerically for a given x, say using Newton-Raphson method.
 
This is the equation for differential work, where each force in the DE is multiplied by dx. Is this perhaps a DE with an exact solution of t(xL) where xL is the ramp lenth? Starting position is x = 0. Again any help is appreciated.

m \frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}dx = mg\sin{\theta}dx - b \frac{dx}{dt}dx

I don't recall how to treat dx*dx so I'm checking my old Calculus textbook. While I'm at it, here's the power:

m \frac{d^2 x}{dt^2} \frac{dx}{dt} = mg\sin{\theta} \frac{dx}{dt} - b \frac{dx}{dt} \frac{dx}{dt}

Again I don't recall the rules for distributing differential terms at this time.
 

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