Calculating Frequency of Oscillation of Plank on Rotating Wheels

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency of oscillation of a plank undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM) on two rotating wheels moving in opposite directions. The user established that the plank exhibits SHM through torque analysis but struggled to derive the frequency. The key equations identified include a[x(t)] = -ug2x(t) for acceleration and a(t) = -ω²x(t), leading to the conclusion that frequency f can be expressed as f = ω/2π. The user anticipated a more complex relationship involving displacement, but the calculations confirmed the direct proportionality of frequency to angular velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with torque and angular velocity concepts
  • Knowledge of the relationship between frequency and angular frequency
  • Basic grasp of kinetic friction and its effects on motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of frequency in SHM using different parameters
  • Study the effects of varying coefficients of kinetic friction on oscillation
  • Investigate the role of torque in non-linear oscillatory systems
  • Learn about advanced SHM equations and their applications in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of oscillatory systems and rotational motion.

noblesavage8
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I have encountered a question regarding a plank shifting in simple harmonic motion on top of two rotating wheels, rotating in exact opposite directions with the same angular velocities and the question requires me to determine the frequency of oscillation, which has got me stuck. I proved that the plank first of all does go into SHM by using the concept of torque and such but I can't seem to calculate its frequency...
So far, I've come up with:
a[x(t)] = -ug2x(t), where a(u) is the fnction of acceleration with respect to the position of the plank at a given moment, u is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the plank and the wheel, and g is gravity.
And also, I've been fiddling with the equation a(t) = -w^2x(t) and w=2pif and the other SHM equations but I seem to just have too many unknowns and too few equations.
If somebody could just point me in the right direction, that would be greatly appreciated :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since

[tex]a = -\omega^2 x[/tex]

and you seem to have

[tex]a = -ug2x[/tex]

then you can get [itex]\omega[/itex] in terms of your other parameters. Then, the frequency is just [itex]\omega / 2\pi[/itex].
 
see, i arrived at that answer but it seemed strange to me because all it seemed to prove was that f = f, since w = 2pif, so w/2pi is just..well, f. i had expected to find the frequency in terms of the displacement of the block somehow...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K