Harmonic oscillator with slight non-linearity

In summary, the conversation discusses an interesting problem that involves a differential equation with a non-linear term raised to a power. The constant values and given cases for this equation are mentioned, but the challenge lies in solving for an arbitrary value of this term. The problem may be simplified by considering a specific function for the right-hand side of the equation. The possibility of solving the problem numerically or analytically is also mentioned. A possible solution using Mathematica is provided in the form of code and a plotted graph.
  • #1
groinsmash
2
0
I have an interesting problem I have come across in my research. It results in the differential equation as follows:

[itex]x''+2γ(x')^\nu+\omega_{o}^2x=g(t)[/itex]

Primes indicate the derivative with respect to [itex]t[/itex]. [itex]\gamma[/itex] and [itex]\omega[/itex] are constants. The non-linearity comes from the first derivative [itex]x'[/itex] which is raised to the power of [itex]\nu[/itex]. [itex]\nu[/itex] is known to be 0.12 but can be between 0 and 1. The cases where [itex]\nu=0[/itex] or [itex]\nu=1[/itex] are easy enough. But how to go about tackling an arbitrary [itex]\nu[/itex]?

The problem may be made easier by noting that [itex]g(t)=1[/itex] for [itex]t\geq0[/itex] and [itex]0[/itex] for [itex]t<0[/itex].

Any ideas on how to go about solving it? Numerically or analytically (which would be amazing).

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
You gotta' get Mathematica. Here's some Mathematica code:

Code:
\[Gamma] = 0.25
\[Nu] = 0.5; 
\[Omega] = 0.1
mysol = NDSolve[{Derivative[2][x][t] + 
      2*\[Gamma]*Derivative[1][x][t]^\[Nu] + \[Omega]*x[t] == 
     1, x[0] == 1, Derivative[1][x][0] == 1}, x, 
   {t, 0, 5}]
Plot[x[t] /. mysol, {t, 0, 5}]
 

1. What is a harmonic oscillator with slight non-linearity?

A harmonic oscillator with slight non-linearity is a physical system in which a mass or particle is attached to a spring and is allowed to oscillate back and forth with a certain frequency. However, in this case, the restoring force provided by the spring is not exactly proportional to the displacement of the mass, leading to a slightly non-linear behavior.

2. What causes non-linearity in a harmonic oscillator?

Non-linearity in a harmonic oscillator can be caused by external forces acting on the system, such as friction or air resistance. It can also be caused by the material properties of the spring, which may not be perfectly linear in their response to forces.

3. How does non-linearity affect the behavior of a harmonic oscillator?

Non-linearity can cause the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations to vary over time, leading to a more complex and unpredictable behavior compared to a linear harmonic oscillator. It can also introduce higher order harmonics in the oscillations.

4. What are some real-world applications of a harmonic oscillator with slight non-linearity?

Some real-world applications include the design of shock absorbers in cars, which use non-linear springs to provide a smoother and more controlled ride. Non-linear oscillators are also used in electrical circuits to generate signals for communication and in musical instruments to create a wide range of sounds.

5. How is a harmonic oscillator with slight non-linearity studied and analyzed?

Mathematical models and simulations are used to study and analyze the behavior of a harmonic oscillator with slight non-linearity. The non-linear differential equations describing the system can be solved numerically, and various techniques such as frequency analysis and bifurcation diagrams can be used to understand its behavior.

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