Differential Equation arising from Anharmonic Oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation arising from an Anharmonic Oscillator, specifically the equation x''(t) = -x(t) + x(t)^3. The potential energy is defined as U = (1/2)x^2 - (1/4)x^4, and the kinetic energy as T = (1/2)x'^2. The user seeks a general solution that expresses total energy in terms of initial conditions, similar to simple harmonic oscillators (SHO). It is confirmed that the general solution involves elliptic functions, which complicates the solution process.

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Homework Statement


Okay, I am trying to solve this Anharmonic Oscillator equation. Now I am given with the potential
<br /> U=(1/2)x^2-(1/4)x^4<br />
and Kinetic energy
<br /> T=(1/2)x&#039; ^2<br />

So the Lagrangian becomes
\mathcal L=T-U

Now I have taken all the k's and m to be 1

Homework Equations


After solving the Lagrangian Equation I got
<br /> x&#039;&#039;(t)=-x(t)+x(t)^3<br />

The Attempt at a Solution


And when I used the solution x(t)=tanh(t/\sqrt{2}) it seems to be satisfying. But my problem is to find a general solution in where I can express my total energy as initial value condition by mentioning my energy and there by controlling how the system behaves e.g how it's position and velocity depends on total energy sort of like SHO problem where x(t)=\sqrt{2E}sin (t) and v(t)=\sqrt{2E}cos (t)

I want my Anharmonic Oscillator position and velocity to be represented like this where E and t clearly providing the initial conditions.

Thank you for the time.
 
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The general solution of the nonlinear DE ##\frac{d^{2}x}{dt^{2}}=-x+x^{3}## is rather complicated and has to be written in terms of elliptic functions. Are you really being asked to find it in your homework?
 
hilbert2 said:
The general solution of the nonlinear DE ##\frac{d^{2}x}{dt^{2}}=-x+x^{3}## is rather complicated and has to be written in terms of elliptic functions. Are you really being asked to find it in your homework?

Yes this is my homework and I know it involves Elliptic Functions. I've tried it putting that equation In Wolfarm Alpha. It gave me back a huge solution .
 

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