Given a harmonic oscillator with mass m, and spring constant

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a harmonic oscillator characterized by mass m and spring constant k, which is influenced by a damping force and an external driving force. Participants are exploring the steady state solution, amplitude, and phase of the system's motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the net force acting on the oscillator and question the sign of the damping term. There is an exploration of the rearrangement of the equation of motion and the implications of assuming the damping coefficient gamma is equal to zero.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing with participants providing insights into the correct formulation of the motion equation and the nature of the steady state solution. There is a focus on understanding the role of the damping term and its implications for the system's behavior.

Contextual Notes

Some participants are considering the implications of the damping coefficient being zero and how this affects the steady state solution. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations regarding the physical meaning of the terms involved.

Futurestar33
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Homework Statement


Given a harmonic oscillator with mass m, and spring constant k, is subject to damping force F= cdx/dt and driven by an external force of the form F[ext]= FoSin(wt).

A) Find the steady state solution.
B) Find the amplitude and the phase.

Homework Equations


F=-kx

the steady state is usually in the form of X(t)= Acos(wt+Φ)

The Attempt at a Solution

\
So i came up with this equation for the Fnet force.

F[net]= -kx+c(dx/dt)+FoSin(wt)[/B]
 
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Futurestar33 said:

Homework Statement


Given a harmonic oscillator with mass m, and spring constant k, is subject to damping force F= cdx/dt and driven by an external force of the form F[ext]= FoSin(wt).

A) Find the steady state solution.
B) Find the amplitude and the phase.

Homework Equations


F=-kx

the steady state is usually in the form of X(t)= Acos(wt+Φ)

The Attempt at a Solution

\
So i came up with this equation for the Fnet force.

F[net]= -kx+c(dx/dt)+FoSin(wt)[/B]
What should be the sign of your c dx/dt term? Think about it.
 
The sign of my dx/dt term should be X(dot)
or are you saying it should be negative instead of positive?

Once I have that should I move all the signs to the other side
 
Hello star,

Rudy wants you to think about the sign: a + or a -
In other words: if dx/dt > 0, which way does a damping force point ?

Usually we take the damping coefficient (in your case c) as a positive value and therefore we need a + or - sign in the equation of motion to let the force point the correct way.
 
When dx/dt >0 then the force has displacement to the right

Well I rearranged the equation of motion into
X(doubledot)=-(k/m)-cx(dot)+Fosin(wt)

which then turns into X(doubledot)= -Wo^2X-2γx(dot)+(Fo/m)Sin(wt)

Then I balanced the equation by bringing everything to the otherside
and using known equation for the angular frequence Wo=√(k/m) and C = 2γm
we receive

X(doubledot)= -Wo^2X-2γx(dot)+(Fo/m)Sin(wt)
X(doubledot)+Wo^2X+2γx(dot)=(Fo/m)Sin(wt)

Then in order to find the steady state solution we must assume the gamma is equal to 0 but why do we consider gamma as equal to zero?
 
$$\ddot x + 2\gamma\;\dot x + \omega_0^2\; x = {F_0\over m} \sin(\omega t)$$ looks good to me. But the
Then in order to find the steady state solution we must assume the gamma is equal to 0
does not. As you say: "why consider ##\gamma = 0 ## ?". What is your perception of this steady state solution you are looking for ?

the steady state is usually in the form of X(t)= A cos(wt+Φ)
is indeed correct. What it tells you (should tell you) is that after an initial reponse that dampens out (-- thanks to the non-zero gamma! --), the oscillator will oscillate with the period of the driving force and with a certain amplitude; there will also be (or may be) a phase difference between the driving force and the oscillator.

That the given form is actually a solution can be shown by substituting it in the equation. That will also help you on your way to find A and ##\phi##.
 

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