Damped Oscillation Equation: Finding Amplitude and Phase Angle

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Maxo
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Homework Statement


The equation for a damped oscillation is [tex]y(t)=Ae^{-\frac{b}{2m}t}cos(\omega't + \phi)[/tex]
We know that y(0)=0.5 and y'(0)=0.

Find the values of A and ø and then plot the oscillation in MATLAB.


Homework Equations


See above


The Attempt at a Solution


When derivating y(t) we get

[tex]y'(t)=Ae^{-\frac{b}{2m}t}(-\frac{b}{2m}cos(\omega't+\phi)-\omega'sin(\omega't + \phi))[/tex]
This, together with the initial values gives that [tex]A=\frac{1}{2cos(\phi)}[/tex] and [tex]\phi=arctan(-\frac{b}{2m\omega'})[/tex]

Is this correct? If not, then what is wrong?
 
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Ok, good. Then in other words, we get the following equation: [tex]y(t)=\frac{1}{2cos(arctan(-\frac{b}{2m\omega'}))}e^{-\frac{b}{2m}t}cos(\omega't + arctan(-\frac{b}{2m\omega'}))[/tex]
Right?

Now I wonder, how can we plot this in MATLAB? Can it be written just like it's written here? Because when I try I don't get a damped oscillation, but an undamped one. What is wrong then?
 
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Maxo said:
Ok, good. Then in other words, we get the following equation: [tex]y(t)=\frac{1}{2cos(arctan(-\frac{b}{2m\omega'}))}e^{-\frac{b}{2m}t}cos(\omega't + arctan(-\frac{b}{2m\omega'}))[/tex]
Right?

Yes.

Now I wonder, how can we plot this in MATLAB? Can it be written just like it's written here? Because when I try I don't get a damped oscillation, but an undamped one. What is wrong then?

I would need to see your code. I don't have MATLAB, but when I plot the function using other software, it looks OK.
 
TSny said:
I don't have MATLAB, but when I plot the function using other software, it looks OK.

Could you please post your code for this? I will try some more and if I still don't manage I will post my code afterwards.