Finding energy as a function of Symplectic area?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the energy E of a harmonic oscillator, defined by the Hamiltonian H(x,p) = p²/2m + mω²x², as a function of the system's symplectic area. Participants utilize Hamilton's equations, specifically \(\dot{x} = p/m\) and \(\dot{p} = -2mω²x\), to derive relationships between position and momentum. The integral \(\int p dx\) is highlighted as a method to calculate the symplectic area, with suggestions to express p as a function of x using the energy equation E = p²/2m + (1/2)mω²x² for fixed energy levels.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hamiltonian mechanics
  • Familiarity with canonical equations of motion
  • Knowledge of harmonic oscillators and their properties
  • Ability to perform integrals involving momentum and position
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Hamiltonian mechanics in depth, focusing on canonical transformations
  • Learn how to compute symplectic areas in phase space
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of phase space orbits for harmonic oscillators
  • Investigate the relationship between energy levels and phase space trajectories
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics, Hamiltonian systems, and energy dynamics in oscillatory systems.

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Homework Statement


Find the energy E of the harmonic oscillator (H(x,p)=p2/2m+mω2x2) as a function of the system's symplectic area.



Homework Equations


Canonical equations and A=[itex]\int p dx[/itex] (over one period)


The Attempt at a Solution


From Hamilton's equations I get :

[itex]\dot{x}=\partial H/ \partial p[/itex] and [itex]\dot{p}=- \partial H/ \partial x[/itex]

So

[itex]dot{x}=p/m[/itex] and [itex]\dot{p}=-2m\omega<sup>2</sup>x[/itex]

[itex]x(t)=pt/m ; p(t)=-2m \omega <sup>2</sup>xt[/itex]

Then I integrate

[itex]\int pdx = \int p d(pt/m)[/itex]

But I'm not sure how to handle the d(pt/m) term. If I do chain rule (in time) I get something like

[itex]d(pt/m)=1/m (p+\dot{p}))dt[/itex]

and I'm not really sure what the answer is if I do it in x. Since I don't know what dp/dx is. (other than m*dv/dx=m*dx'/dx ... but I'm not sure what good that does me).
 
Last edited:
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Think about the shape of the orbit (for a given energy E) on a p vs x plot. There is a simple geometric formula for the area enclosed in the orbit,##\int{pdx}##.

[EDIT: Or, if you really want to carry out the integration, use E = p2/2m + (1/2)2x2 to find p as a function of x for fixed E.]
 
Last edited:

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