(Hard) work done by damped, driven oscillator as function of time

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the equation of motion for a damped, driven oscillator with a constant force applied. The user successfully derives the complementary solution for the free harmonic oscillator but struggles with finding the particular solution using the variation of constants method due to complex integrals. They question whether they can simply integrate the total displacement function to find work as a function of time. Clarification is sought on whether the forced solution alone suffices for calculating work since the oscillator starts at rest. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear method to derive the particular solution and its implications for work calculation.
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Homework Statement



Force F = const is applied to H.O. initially at rest with mass m, freq w0, damping T. Find x(t). Find work as function of time.

Homework Equations


mx'' + Tx' + kx = F for F= Constant

The Attempt at a Solution



First obtain complimentary solution for free H.O. which I get after some work is x(t) = x0e^-(Tt)coswt + ((v0 + T *x0) / w )*e^(-Tt)sinwt. This agrees with textbook, but NOTE: w here is not equal to w0 for initial frequency and v0 can be taken to be zero. Now...if I try to apply variation of constant and use Wronskian I get a mess for the integrals. So where do I go from here to get my particular solution and then if I obtain it how to I obtain work as function of time?

Thanks[/B]
 
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For work could I just plug x(t) = x(particular) + x(complimentary) into my initial ode and integrate w.r.t. x?
 
However, x free should 0 as the oscillator is at rest so I just need the forced solution for F=const.
 
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