Dynamics of a point mass in circular motion

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The discussion revolves around solving a problem involving a point mass in circular motion, specifically determining its velocities at given positions based on the forces acting on it. The participant is struggling with second-order differential equations derived from the motion equations. Key points include the clarification that the angle φ does not necessarily increase at a constant rate and the importance of determining whether the applied force is conservative. The setup involves a mass confined to a circular path with no friction, influenced by specific forces. The conversation emphasizes understanding the nature of the forces involved to approach the problem effectively.
Krzysiek Sam

Homework Statement


Dear All,

I'm having a hard time solving the following problem:
upload_2017-8-19_16-42-8.png

A point of mass is moving on a circular plane (Oxy), where the circle's formula is:
upload_2017-8-19_16-42-28.png


The force acting on mass "m" is defined as:
upload_2017-8-19_16-43-7.png


We're looking for velocity of point "m" in position (1,1) =V1, and in position (0,2)=V2, given the velocity in position (0,0)=V0.

Homework Equations


(as above)

The Attempt at a Solution


m*x''=-k*x*y2
m*y''=-k*y*x2

x = r*cos(φ)
y=1+r*sin(φ)

φ = ω*t
x'= -r*ω*sin(ωt)
x''= -r*ω2*cos(ωt)

y'= r*ω*cos(ωt)
y''= -r*ω2*sin(ωt)

This leads me to a second order differential equation which I'm not able to solve.

----------------
Thank you in advance for any help!
 
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Hello, and welcome to PF!
Krzysiek Sam said:
φ = ω*t
Why would ##\phi## increase proportionally to time?

Another approach: Are you familiar with the concept of a "conservative force" and the potential energy associated with a conservative force?

EDIT: I'm not completely clear on the setup of the problem. Is the particle confined to move on the circle? Can we think of it as a bead sliding on a circular wire with no friction, but with an applied force as given?
 
Last edited:
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TSny said:
Hello, and welcome to PF!
Why would ##\phi## increase proportionally to time?

Another approach: Are you familiar with the concept of a "conservative force" and the potential energy associated with a conservative force?

EDIT: I'm not completely clear on the setup of the problem. Is the particle confined to move on the circle? Can we think of it as a bead sliding on a circular wire with no friction, but with an applied force as given?
Hello,
1. phi increases, as m moves around the circle, phi[rad] = omega[rad/s]*t

2. how would you approach this with respect to conservative force?

3. yes, it's confined to move on the edge of the circle with radius r=1, yes the problem considers no friction, only forces Fx and Fy.

Thanks in advance for your help.
KS
 
Krzysiek Sam said:
1. phi increases, as m moves around the circle, phi[rad] = omega[rad/s]*t
Yes, ##\phi## increases as the mass moves around the circle. But, ##\phi## doesn't necessarily increase at a constant rate. So, you cannot assume ##\phi = \omega t## for some constant ##\omega##.

2. how would you approach this with respect to conservative force?
First, I would check to see if the given force is conservative. Have you learned how to do that?
 
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Likes Krzysiek Sam
TSny said:
Yes, ##\phi## increases as the mass moves around the circle. But, ##\phi## doesn't necessarily increase at a constant rate. So, you cannot assume ##\phi = \omega t## for some constant ##\omega##.

First, I would check to see if the given force is conservative. Have you learned how to do that?

Yes, this is the right approach, thank you for your suggestion!
Have a nice day!
 
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