Applied optimization to SHM problem? Hard?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around optimizing the position of the axis of a pendulum to minimize its periodic time for small amplitude oscillations. The user applied optimization techniques to find the maximum angular frequency (ω) by differentiating the equation for ω with respect to the length (L). There was some uncertainty about the differentiation process, particularly after squaring the equation to eliminate the square root. However, other participants confirmed that the approach was valid and that the squaring was justified since ω is always positive. Overall, the user was reassured that their method was correct and received positive feedback on their solution.
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[Note: Post restored from archive - gneill, PF Mentor]

Homework Statement



A pendulum consists of a uniform circular disk of radius r which is free to turn about a horizontal axis perpendicular to it's plane. Find the position of the axis for which the periodic time ( for small amplitude oscillations) is a minimum.τ: torque
Ι (i): moment of inertia
m: mass
g:gravity
θ: angle between force mg and the radius length
r: radius
ω: angular frequency
T: period
Sinθ=θ for small amplitudes.
L: length (offset for parallel axis theorem.) (unknown?)

Homework Equations



Equation (1): τ= -mgL θ

Equation (2): θ'' + (mgL/ I ) θ = 0

Equation (3): ω = (gL / (.5 r^2 + L^2)) ^.5

The Attempt at a Solution


So I solved for ω and my reasoning was that in order to have the minimum periodic time ω has to be at it's maximum. So I used applied optimization and set dω/dL = 0. However, I am not sure if this was the right way to do it since I squared both sides of the equation 3 to get rid of the square root and then used implicit differentiation. But I think this might be wrong because it's like if I differentiates the inside of Eq. 1 and that differentiation does not take into account the square root. So I am not sure if I did it right. I differentiated directly but the derivative was a monster and I couldn't factor out the L to solve for it. Is this a right way to do it correctly?
 

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You removed the post ? I thought you did just fine!
 
It was correct?
 
Null
 
Last edited:
BvU said:
You removed the post ? I thought you did just fine!
It was correct?
 
Can't find no mistakes :smile: (PF isn't really meant for stamp approving, but I think you're doing fine).

Don't know of a different path to the same answer. Your squaring is justified: ##\omega## is known to be > 0 , so no problem.
 
BvU said:
Can't find no mistakes :smile: (PF isn't really meant for stamp approving, but I think you're doing fine).

Don't know of a different path to the same answer. Your squaring is justified: ##\omega## is known to be > 0 , so no problem.
Oh alright. Got it. Thanks for your guidance then ;p
 
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