How Do Damping Constants Affect Amplitude in Simple Harmonic Motion?

In summary: A_0e^{-bt/2m} In summary, the problem involves a damped simple harmonic oscillator with one mass, a spring with a constant of k = 70 N/m, and a damping constant of b = 75 g/s. The question asks for the ratio of the amplitude of the damped oscillations to the initial amplitude after 20 cycles. The solution to the differential equation of motion for this oscillator is given, and the time, t, and amplitude at this time are calculated.
  • #1
kodee vu
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0
Urgent! Damped Simple Harmonic Oscillation

The thread topic says 2 masses, but there is actually only one!
I'm not asking for the complete solution for this problem; I simply just don't know WHERE to start... The question is as follows:

In Figure 15-15, a damped simple harmonic oscillator has mass m = 290 g, k = 70 N/m, and b = 75 g/s. Assume all other components have negligible mass. What is the ratio of the amplitude of the damped oscillations to the initial amplitude at the end of 20 cycles (Adamped / Ainitial)?

The figure shows a "Rigid support" at the top, to which a spring is hooked. At the bottom of this spring is a rectangular mass. At the bottom of this mass extends a vane which falls into water as the spring elongates.

variables listed: k, m, b (damping constant)
Please help if at all possible!
 
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  • #2
kodee vu said:
The thread topic says 2 masses, but there is actually only one!
I'm not asking for the complete solution for this problem; I simply just don't know WHERE to start... The question is as follows:

In Figure 15-15, a damped simple harmonic oscillator has mass m = 290 g, k = 70 N/m, and b = 75 g/s. Assume all other components have negligible mass. What is the ratio of the amplitude of the damped oscillations to the initial amplitude at the end of 20 cycles (Adamped / Ainitial)?

The figure shows a "Rigid support" at the top, to which a spring is hooked. At the bottom of this spring is a rectangular mass. At the bottom of this mass extends a vane which falls into water as the spring elongates.

variables listed: k, m, b (damping constant)
Please help if at all possible!
The solution to the differential equation of motion:

[tex]m\ddot x + b\dot x + kx = 0[/tex] is

[tex]x = A_0e^{-\gamma t}sin(\omega t + \phi)[/tex]

where [itex]\omega^2 = \omega_0^2 - \gamma^2 = k/m - b^2/4m^2[/itex]

What is the time, t, after 20 cycles? (ie. [itex]\omega t = 40\pi[/tex]?)

What is [itex]\gamma t = bt/2m[/itex]?

What is the amplitude (maximum x) at this time?

AM
 
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  • #3


Harmonic motion refers to the repetitive motion of an object back and forth around a central equilibrium point. In this case, we have a damped simple harmonic oscillator, which means that there is an additional force acting on the object, causing it to lose energy and gradually decrease in amplitude over time. This additional force is represented by the damping constant, b.

To solve this problem, we can use the equation for damped simple harmonic motion:

x(t) = A0e^(-bt/2m)cos(ωt + φ)

Where x(t) is the position of the object at time t, A0 is the initial amplitude, b is the damping constant, m is the mass, ω is the angular frequency, and φ is the phase angle.

First, we need to find the angular frequency, ω, using the formula ω = √(k/m), where k is the spring constant and m is the mass. Plugging in the values given in the problem, we get ω = √(70/0.29) = 13.33 rad/s.

Next, we need to find the phase angle, φ. This can be done by setting t = 0 in the equation and solving for φ. This gives us φ = 0.

Now, we can plug in the values for b, m, ω, and φ into the equation for x(t). Since we are looking for the ratio of the amplitude of the damped oscillations to the initial amplitude, we can simplify the equation to:

x(t) = A0e^(-bt/2m)

To find the amplitude at the end of 20 cycles, we need to find the position of the object at t = 20T, where T is the period of the oscillation. The period of a damped oscillator is given by:

T = 2π/ω

Plugging in the values for ω, we get T = 2π/13.33 = 0.472 s.

Therefore, at t = 20(0.472) = 9.44 s, the amplitude of the damped oscillations is given by:

Adamped = A0e^(-b(9.44)/2m)

To find the initial amplitude, we can use the fact that the amplitude of a damped oscillator decreases by a factor of e^(-πb/m) after one period. So, the
 

1. What is harmonic motion?

Harmonic motion is a type of motion where a system or object moves back and forth repeatedly around a central equilibrium point, with a constant period and amplitude.

2. How do two masses interact in harmonic motion?

In harmonic motion with two masses, the masses are connected by a spring or elastic material and move in opposite directions around their equilibrium point due to the elastic force of the spring.

3. What is the equation for calculating the period of harmonic motion?

The equation for calculating the period of harmonic motion is T = 2π√(m/k), where T is the period, m is the mass, and k is the spring constant.

4. How does amplitude affect harmonic motion?

The amplitude of harmonic motion determines the maximum displacement of the masses from their equilibrium point. A larger amplitude results in a wider range of motion, while a smaller amplitude results in a narrower range of motion.

5. What factors affect the frequency of harmonic motion?

The frequency of harmonic motion is affected by the mass and the spring constant of the system. A larger mass or a smaller spring constant will result in a lower frequency, while a smaller mass or a larger spring constant will result in a higher frequency.

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