Damping Constant: Solving for b Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the damping constant (b) in a damped harmonic oscillator. The original poster notes that the amplitude has decreased to 80% of its original height after a specified number of oscillations, providing parameters such as mass and spring constant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevance of the equations provided by the original poster, questioning their applicability to a damped system. There is uncertainty about which equations should be used to incorporate damping effects.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out that the equations presented do not account for damping, suggesting that the original poster may need to consider different formulas. There is an acknowledgment of the need for further exploration of the correct approach to find the damping constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original equations assume constant amplitude, which is not suitable for a damped system. The original poster references a specific answer from a textbook, indicating a potential discrepancy in understanding the problem setup.

Tylerladiesman217
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Homework Statement


I am solving for the damping constant (b). The amplitude has decreased to 80% of its original height (0.1m) after 10 oscillations. The mass is 2 kg, k is 5000 N/m, w is 50 rads/s, T = pi/25 s.

Homework Equations


x = 0.1cos(50t)
v = -5sin(50t)
a = -250cos(50t)

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure what equation to use, I tried
w = ((k/m)-(b^2/4(m)^2))^1/2
 
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Helo Tyler, :welcome:

With those equations you'll never be able to solve for the damping constant -- it doesn't appear !
Where do you think it should be sitting ?
 
BvU said:
Helo Tyler, :welcome:

With those equations you'll never be able to solve for the damping constant -- it doesn't appear !
Where do you think it should be sitting ?
I'm not sure, the answer in the back of the book is 0.71 kg/s. I think that I might need to use a different formula, but I'm not sure.
 
What I meant is that your relevant equations feature a constant amplitude: no damping.
 
BvU said:
What I meant is that your relevant equations feature a constant amplitude: no damping.
Those are the equations assuming no damping. Maybe they aren't relative...
 
Tylerladiesman217 said:
I am solving for the damping constant (b). The amplitude has decreased to 80% of its original height (0.1m) after 10 oscillations
So you can not use ##x = 0.1\cos(50t)## . The link I gave you should help you further...
 

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