MHB Frequency Spectrum of a Vibrating String

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The discussion focuses on the frequency spectrum of a vibrating string, specifically analyzing the relationship between period and frequency. The period is derived as τ = 2L / (c(n + 1/2)), leading to the frequency f = 1/τ. Clarifications are made regarding the distinction between frequency and natural frequency, with natural frequency relating to resonance in systems like mass-spring setups. The conversation also addresses how to determine the natural frequencies (eigenfrequencies) of a function u(x,t), concluding that multiple eigenfrequencies exist rather than a single value. Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing the dynamics of vibrating strings and related systems.
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Given $\sin\left[\frac{\pi ct}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right]$.

The period is $\tau = \frac{2L}{c\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)}$ so the frequency is $\frac{1}{\tau}$, correct?
 
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Yes:

$\displaystyle f=\frac{1}{\tau}$
 
MarkFL said:
Yes:

$\displaystyle f=\frac{1}{\tau}$

Is the period I obtained correct? Is that the yes or is the yes it is the reciprocal?
 
If you have a function $\sin(kt)$, find the period $\tau$ by setting $k\tau=2\pi$.
 
Sorry for being vague. :)

I agree with the period you found and with the relationship between frequency and period that you stated.

$\displaystyle \tau=\frac{2\pi}{\omega}$

In your case $\displaystyle \omega=\frac{\pi e}{L}\left(n+\frac{1}{2} \right)$

And so:

$\displaystyle \tau=\frac{2\pi}{ \frac{\pi e}{L} \left(n+ \frac{1}{2} \right)}= \frac{2L}{e\left(n+\frac{1}{2} \right)}$
 
Ackbach said:
If you have a function $\sin(kt)$, find the period $\tau$ by setting $k\tau=2\pi$.
Is there a difference between frequency and natural frequency (eigenfrequencies)?
 
dwsmith said:
Is there a difference between frequency and natural frequency (eigenfrequencies)?

The term "natural frequency" refers to resonance. So if you have a forced mass-spring system, e.g., and you tune the forcing function to the same frequency as a term in the homogeneous solution, you end up with unstable behavior.

The term "frequency" just refers to what's going on in this thread.

There's also the term "angular frequency", which is represented by $\omega=2\pi f$.

Hope that's as clear as mud.
 
Ackbach said:
The term "natural frequency" refers to resonance. So if you have a forced mass-spring system, e.g., and you tune the forcing function to the same frequency as a term in the homogeneous solution, you end up with unstable behavior.

The term "frequency" just refers to what's going on in this thread.

There's also the term "angular frequency", which is represented by $\omega=2\pi f$.

Hope that's as clear as mud.

I am trying to find the natural frequency (eigenfrequency) of $u$.
How would I do that then?
$$
u(x,t) = \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\sin\left[\frac{\pi x}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right]\left\{A_n\cos\left[\frac{\pi ct}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right] + B_n\sin\left[\frac{\pi ct}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right]\right\}
$$
 
dwsmith said:
I am trying to find the natural frequency (eigenfrequency) of $u$.
How would I do that then?
$$
u(x,t) = \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\sin\left[\frac{\pi x}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right]\left\{A_n\cos\left[\frac{\pi ct}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right] + B_n\sin\left[\frac{\pi ct}{L}\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\right]\right\}
$$

Well, I could be wrong, but I would say that all of your
$$f_{n}=\frac{c\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)}{2L}$$
are the eigenfrequencies. I don't think there's one single eigenfrequency.
 
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