C++ Harmonic Oscillator (with Force)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on implementing a C++ program to solve the Harmonic Oscillator equation \(\ddot{x} + \gamma x = F_{external}(t,x)\). The proposed solution involves using function pointers to handle various force function inputs dynamically based on user specifications. This approach allows for greater flexibility in defining the external force, although the author acknowledges potential complications due to the complexity of the problem compared to previous simpler implementations.

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  • Proficiency in C++ programming
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically the Harmonic Oscillator
  • Familiarity with function pointers in C++
  • Basic knowledge of numerical methods for solving differential equations
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ChrisVer
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I was wondering whether it's possible to write a code in C++ that would be able to solve the Harmonic Oscillator:
[itex]\ddot{x} + \gamma x = F_{external}(t,x)[/itex]

With different [itex]F[/itex] function inputs... I thought about creating a function with if clauses, so for different inputs by the user, the force F would be described by a different function...What do you think?
 
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The whole program surely needs more thought but for the force function, its better to use function pointers. Then you can work with an unspecified function which is later specified by the input from user. But I should think more about that because the program where I used this method was doing a simpler job so there may arise some complications.
 

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