Equations of motion of damped oscillations due to kinetic friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the equations of motion for damped oscillations due to kinetic friction, specifically analyzing the system described by the equation m\ddot{x} = -kx \pm \mu mg. It is established that the motion is not Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) due to the presence of the friction force, which alters the dynamics significantly. The proposed method involves solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) that incorporates the sign of the velocity, sgn(\dot{x}), to account for changes in direction. The discussion concludes that while the equation is nonlinear and complex, specific solutions can be derived for different conditions.

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  • Understanding of second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with concepts of kinetic friction and damping
  • Knowledge of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) principles
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and physics terminology
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  • Study the derivation and solutions of nonlinear second-order ODEs
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  • Learn about the role of friction in mechanical systems and its mathematical representation
  • Investigate the conditions under which SHM can be approximated in damped systems
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phantomvommand
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Take rightwards as positive.
There are 2 equations of motion, depending on whether ##\frac {dx} {dt} ## is positive or not.
The 2 equations are:
##m\ddot x = -kx \pm \mu mg##

My questions about this system:
Is this SHM?

Possible method to solve for equation of motion:
- Solve the 2nd ODE, although “joining” the equations when ##\dot x ## changes from positive to negative is not easy.
 
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We may write the equation of motion as
m\ddot{x}=-kx- sgn(\dot{x})\mu mg
where sgn(a)=1 for a>0, 0 for a=0, -1 for a<0.
 
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anuttarasammyak said:
We may write the equation of motion as
m\ddot{x}=-kx- sgn(\dot{x})\mu mg
where sgn(a)=1 for a>0, 0 for a=0, -1 for a<0.
Thanks for this; do you then go on to solve the 2nd ODE?
Also, is this SHM?
 
I observe the equation is a non linear one and do not expect to find general solution easily.
 
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anuttarasammyak said:
I observe the equation is a non linear one and do not expect to find general solution easily.
Is it just the sum of a particular function and complementary function?
 
Say k=0 and ##\dot{x}_0>0## we get familiar relation of
\dot{x}=-\mu g t + \dot{x}_0
x=-\frac{1}{2}\mu g t^2 + \dot{x}_0 t+x_0
for 0<t<##\frac{\dot{x}_0}{\mu g}##, x= ##\frac{\dot{x}_0^2}{2\mu g}+x_0## for t beyond.

For k##\neq##0 similarly you can solve the equation until when ##\dot{x}=0##. Then for time beyond it change sign of friction term until next time of ##\dot{x}=0## and so on.
 
Last edited:
phantomvommand said:
Summary:: A spring has 1 end fixed to the wall, and the other end is connected to a block. Find the equation of motion of the block, given that it experiences only the spring force and a friction force = ##\mu mg##.

Is this SHM?
No. SHM does not have anything like the friction force.
 
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