2nd Order Derivative Applications

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an engineering example that involves a second order derivative, specifically one that is not related to displacement, velocity, or acceleration. Participants are tasked with identifying the original quantity, its first derivative, and the second derivative, while also showing the steps taken to derive these quantities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks guidance on identifying a suitable example and expresses difficulty in finding relevant resources. Some participants suggest the concept of "curvature" as a potential example involving second derivatives. Others mention challenges in transitioning from the original equation to the first and second derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different concepts related to second order derivatives. Some guidance has been offered regarding curvature, but there is no explicit consensus on a specific example yet. The original poster has made some progress but continues to seek clarity.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has constraints regarding the choice of examples, specifically avoiding common terms like displacement, velocity, and acceleration. There is also an indication of time pressure due to an approaching deadline for the assignment.

mikec426
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Homework Statement


This is a discussion question from an online course I'm taking.

1. Find an example from engineering which involves a second order derivative. This 2nd order derivative should have some name. For example, the 2nd derivative of displacement with respect to time is called acceleration. 2. For your example, clearly show the original quantity, the first derivative, and the second derivative. 3. Show all the steps involved in arriving from the original quantity to the 2nd derivative. 4. Do not choose displacement, velocity, and acceleration as your example.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


This is day three of me googling every related term that I can think of and I've just now come across this forum. Can someone point me in the right direction? I've found a few articles online that seem promising and they're all "for purchase."

Thanks,
--Mike
 
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Well, the notion of "curvature" (as in, say, bending of a beam) involves second derivatives. Does that help? You should find plenty of free material on that.
 
I looked up some of that. I haven't been able to make a clear step from original equation to 1st and then second derivative.
 
Finally found something that made a decent amount of sense. My assignment's only one day late...
 

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