Can an undamped harmonic oscillator have a steady-state solution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of an undamped harmonic oscillator subjected to a sinusoidal force at its natural frequency. Participants explore the implications of this setup on the existence of a steady-state solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the mathematical formulation of the problem, including differential equations and the behavior of solutions as parameters approach certain limits. There are attempts to derive particular solutions and considerations of initial conditions.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants suggesting that the solution grows unbounded over time, indicating a lack of steady state. Others emphasize the need to analyze the characteristic equation to further understand the system's behavior.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of specific conditions, such as the applied force frequency matching the natural frequency of the oscillator, which raises questions about the assumptions made in the problem setup.

Richardbryant
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Homework Statement


An undamped harmonic oscillator (b=0) is subject to an applied force Focos(wt). Show that if w=wo, there is no steady- state solution. Find a particular solution by starting with a solution for w=wo+#, and passing to the limit #->0, it will blow up. Try starting with a solution which fits the initial condition xo=0, so that i cannot blow up at t=0.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


d^2x/dt^2+(wo^2)x=Fo cos(w+#)t/m
d^2y/dt^2+(wo^2)y=Fo sin(w+#)t/m
d^2z/dt^2+(wo^2)z=Foe^i(w+#)t/m (1)
Let Z=Ce^i(wo+#)t, plug in (1)
C=Fo/,[wo^2-(w+#)^2]

thus X= Fo cos(w+#)t/m[wo^2-(w+#)^2]
Xtr (trasient term )=Acos(wot-$) $= phase difference
After a couple of steps the final solution will blow up when limit #->0[/B]

 
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With no damping and sinusoidal excitation at the undamped natural frequency, the solution grows linearly with time. This is the reason there is no steady state.

You need to obtain the characteristic equation and look at the roots. That will get you started toward the proper results.
 
Richardbryant said:

Homework Statement


An undamped harmonic oscillator (b=0) is subject to an applied force Focos(wt). Show that if w=wo, there is no steady- state solution. Find a particular solution by starting with a solution for w=wo+#, and passing to the limit #->0, it will blow up. Try starting with a solution which fits the initial condition xo=0, so that i cannot blow up at t=0.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


d^2x/dt^2+(wo^2)x=Fo cos(w+#)t/m
d^2y/dt^2+(wo^2)y=Fo sin(w+#)t/m
d^2z/dt^2+(wo^2)z=Foe^i(w+#)t/m (1)
Let Z=Ce^i(wo+#)t, plug in (1)
C=Fo/,[wo^2-(w+#)^2]
thus X= Fo cos(w+#)t/m[wo^2-(w+#)^2]
Xtr (trasient term )=Acos(wot-$) $= phase difference
After a couple of steps the final solution will blow up when limit #->0
What's your question?
 
Dr.D said:
With no damping and sinusoidal excitation at the undamped natural frequency, the solution grows linearly with time. This is the reason there is no steady state.

You need to obtain the characteristic equation and look at the roots. That will get you started toward the proper results.

Thanks for reply, i had been guessing the solution is also a trigonometric function , but it seems to be not working
 
vela said:
What's your question?

The question is to find a x(t) satisfying the given condition
 
Richardbryant said:
The question is to find a x(t) satisfying the given condition
Obviously, that's what the question is asking of you. What is YOUR specific question? You seem to be on the right track.
 
vela said:
Obviously, that's what the question is asking of you. What is YOUR specific question? You seem to be on the right track.

Oh, yeah i got the correct answer, but i didn't notice, thank you about that!
 
Did you manage to show the system didn’t have a steady state solution?
 

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