Equations of motion of damped oscillations due to kinetic friction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equations of motion for damped oscillations influenced by kinetic friction. Participants explore the nature of the motion, whether it can be classified as simple harmonic motion (SHM), and the challenges in solving the resulting equations of motion, particularly in the context of nonlinear dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose two equations of motion depending on the sign of the velocity, expressed as ##m\ddot x = -kx \pm \mu mg##.
  • Another formulation is suggested as ##m\ddot{x}=-kx- sgn(\dot{x})\mu mg##, where the sign function accounts for the direction of motion.
  • There is a recognition that the equation is nonlinear, leading to expectations of difficulty in finding a general solution.
  • One participant provides specific solutions for the case when ##k=0##, detailing the motion until the velocity reaches zero and how to handle the friction term thereafter.
  • A later post summarizes the physical setup involving a spring and a block, questioning whether the system exhibits SHM, with a conclusion that it does not due to the presence of friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the system can be classified as SHM, with some arguing it cannot due to the frictional force, while others do not reach a consensus on the classification of motion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the general solution to the nonlinear equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity introduced by the nonlinear nature of the equations and the challenges in solving them, particularly when transitioning between different regimes of motion as the velocity changes sign.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying dynamics, particularly in the context of damped oscillations and the effects of friction on motion, as well as those exploring nonlinear differential equations.

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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