Engineering Homework problem - Pendulum oscillatory system

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of eigenfrequency in the context of a pendulum oscillatory system. Participants are exploring the dynamics of oscillations, particularly focusing on small angle approximations and the implications of multi-degree-of-freedom (MDoF) systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the definition and calculation of eigenfrequency, with one expressing uncertainty about the resources available for understanding vibration mechanisms. There is a discussion about the limitations of small oscillations and the small angle approximation, as well as the implications of different assumptions in the problem setup.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights and asking clarifying questions. There is a focus on the small angle approximation and its application to the problem, as well as a debate over the validity of different approaches to the energy calculations involved in the oscillatory system.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention a lack of course materials and reliance on external resources such as videos and notes. There are references to specific homework constraints, including limitations on gravity and the nature of the questions posed in the homework tests.

aligator11
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Homework Statement
Mechanical Vibrations, #Lagrange #eigenfrequency
Relevant Equations
Lagrange equations, eigenfrequency equation for the given system
1587469691953.png

1587469675043.png

Hi All,

Anyone willing to help out in explaining what eigenfreuqncy for this oscilatory system, would be? Also if anybody knows the equation to calulate this stuff please, if you're willing to share I'd be greatful!

Thanks, regards.
 
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Truthfully I'm not in possession of any course materials from vibration mechanisms. What I do have are educative videos, lectures provided by my lecturer and notes which I keep track of. I know that sucks but the rest I have to find out on my own which makes me anxious as I'm not sure sometimes if I'm even looking correctly.

So far I know how to calculate a 1DoF natural frequency with given parameters. For the MDoF system I have frankly no clue what should I even look for. Unfortunately, my professor hands out these Microsoft form tests before each lecture, but I'm not certain if I will learn anything during the lecture too, therefore I came here for help.

Cheers.
 
Also, the only potentially valid equation which I managed to find is as follows:
1587477932564.png
 
aligator11 said:
hands out these Microsoft form tests
Funny sheets, with a question 1 and then a question 5.
Funny they make a "no gravity field" limitation too.

Did you notice I asked a few questions ? They were aimed at you !

Let's start with 1:
What is the small angle approximation for a pendulum ?
 
1. Small oscilations = vibrations were values of cos/sin(angles) may be approximated to angles [rad]. For cos(phi)=1, sin(phi)/tan(phi)=phi
 
So what does that leave for question 1 ?
 
the first box should be checked instead of the 2nd one
 
I agree that box 2 can be discarded (##g = 0##) and for box 2 and 3 the small angle approximations ##\sin x = x, \ \cos x = 1## have not been implemented.

Explain why you think that box one is better than the alternative ...
 
  • #10
The difference between boxes 4 and 1 is the change in angular displacement for PE, where it varies with (+) and (-) sign for each answer. I believe that the correct solution should be one containing the element with (phi1-phi2) as we are superimposing one displacement onto the second one. That means that by exciting the first pendulum the impulse through the spring continues to flow until it reaches the second pendulum. The motion then becomes for the given moment unstable as the second pendulum is excited and the spring receives an impulse that is then directed in the negative direction (-phi2).
 
Last edited:
  • #11
aligator11 said:
the first box should be checked instead of the 2nd one

so I meant box 4 not box 1
 
  • #12
I agree. The spring energy depends on ##\Delta \phi##, not on the sum.
 

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