Critically damped oscillator: Classical mechanics help

AI Thread Summary
A critically damped oscillator's maximum initial speed directed towards the origin must be calculated without crossing it. The position function is given by x(t)=e^{(-\gamma t)}(A+Bt), where the initial position x(0)=A and the initial velocity v(0)=B-A\gamma. The discussion highlights the need to derive the velocity function correctly and to solve for initial velocity by substituting terms related to gamma, natural frequency, and initial position. The key steps involve setting x(t)=0 and deriving V(t) while considering initial conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to express Vmax in terms of the oscillator's parameters.
Theorem.
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Homework Statement



A critically damped oscillator with natural frequency \omega starts out at position x_0>0. What is the maximum initial speed (directed towards the origin) it can have and not cross the origin?

Homework Equations


For the case of critical damping,
x(t)=e^{(-\gammat)}(A+Bt) where \gamma=\omega=\sqrt{k/m}


The Attempt at a Solution


Well first I derived the above equation (and verified it with my textbook). I then evaluated the initial position:
x(0)=A.
I then took the derivative of the position function to get velocity:
v(t)=(e^{-\gamma t}) ( B-Bt\gamma -A\gamma)
Setting t=0 I obtained
v(0)=B-A\gamma recalling that x0=A, v(0)= B-x_0\gamma. I then solved for Beta: B=v_0 +\gamma x_0.
I then tried substituting this back into the position equation, and solving for the initial velocity, the program is there is always time dependency that i can't get rid of... what am i doing wrong? any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks
 
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umm its supposed to be e-tgamma(B-Bt(gamma)-A(gamma)) for the velocity and v(0)=B-A(gamma)=B-x_0(gamma) for the initial velocity
and x(t)=e-tgamma(A+Bt) for the position but for some reason I all the sudden fail at latex
 
I think I solved it... you're on the right track. Solve for x(t) in terms of gamma, w, Xo and Vo, then make x(t)=0 and solve for Vo. Next, derive V(t) by taking dx/dt (remember to include initial conditions!). Take the limit as t goes to inf of V(t), and substitute terms so that you're left with w and Xo, and you should get Vmax.
 
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