How Do You Solve the Damped Oscillator Equation Using Newton's Second Law?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the damped oscillator equation using Newton's second law, specifically focusing on the second-order linear differential equation that models the system. Participants explore the relationships between mass, damping coefficients, and the resulting motion equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the differential equation and its solutions, including the use of auxiliary equations and the introduction of complex numbers. There is uncertainty about transitioning from exponential forms to trigonometric functions in the general solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the mathematical relationships and transformations involved in the problem. However, there is a lack of consensus on the correct approach to derive the general solution, with ongoing questions about specific steps and interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of varying levels of familiarity with differential equations among participants, and some posts introduce additional concepts that may not directly relate to the main discussion on damped oscillators.

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Using Newton's 2nd Law for a damped oscillator:

ma = -kx - \alpha x

which is a second order linear DE. To solve it we use the trial integrating factor e^{\lambda x} [/tex] to come to the root equation<br /> <br /> mx^2 + \alpha x + k = 0 where we can find our two solutions to be <br /> <br /> r_{1} \ and \ r_{2} \frac{-\alpha}{2m} +/- \frac{1}{2m} \sqrt{\alpha^2 - 4km}<br /> <br /> And the function x(t) is supposed to be represented by<br /> x(t) = Ae^{r_1 t } + Be^{r_2 t} which can be solved with th given initial conditions x(0) = 0 \ and \ v(0) = v_0.<br /> <br /> I&#039;m supposed to end up with the product of two exponentials which dissolve to a cosine and sin function. <br /> Four lines up is where I&#039;m lost.. I&#039;m not sure how to jump to the two exponential functions. What I have is:<br /> <br /> x(t) = Ae^{r_1 t}(\cos(x(\alpha^2 - 4km)) +/- i \sin(x(\alpha^2 - 4km)) which just smells really wrong. I can solve the particular equations once I can get to the general solution, but I&#039;m stuck there. I know how the damping is determined and everything.. I just can&#039;t get the general equation :(
 
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The differential equation modelling this system is given by:

m\Ddot{x} + 2\beta \dot{x} + \omega^2 x = 0

With \beta \ and \ \omega defined as

\beta = \frac{b}{2m} \ and \ \omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

with m being mass, k the characteristic constant of the physical system, and b the damping coefficient. The equation is solved via the auxilliary equation which simplifies to

r_{1,2} = -\beta \pm \sqrt{\beta^2 - \omega^2}

The damping coefficient is less than the frequency of the system in underdamped harmonic motion, thus \beta &lt; \omega and imaginary numbers appear. We introduce another simplification, \omega_1 defined by

\omega_1 = \sqrt{\omega^2 - \beta^2}

Thus r_{1,2} = -\beta \pm \imath \omega_1 and x(t) can be expressed by the exponentials:

x(t) = \exp{\left((-\beta + \imath \omega_1)t}\right) + \exp{\left((-\beta - \imath \omega_1)t}\right) } and by Euler's formula we simplify to the general solution to underdamped harmonic motion:

Equation A
x(t) = e^{-\beta t}\left(A\cos(\omega_1 t) + B\sin(\omega_1 t) )
 
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\frac{T}{2} \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{m=1}^{\infty} a_n a_m\cos(\omega _n t) \cos(\omega_m t) {\left(\frac{2\pi}{L} x\right)}^2 n m \int_0^L \cos \left(\frac{2\pi n}{L} x\right) \cos\left(\frac{2\pi m}{L} x\right) dx
 
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This is not really introductory physics, but anywho, have you taken differential equations yet? This is a classic example probably found in your book if you have one on O.D.E. That post number 3 looks scary as hell to me, what is that?
 
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what is that?

iii) (challenging) now consider a wave made from a superposition of modes:

\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n\cos(\omega_n t)\sin(\frac{2\pi n}{L} x)

calculate the total energy of this wave and comment on your answer.
I get the KE and PE each to be 0 by the expression in post 3. We have arguments for it being 0 and arguments against it being 0.
 
\alpha ^{x+n} 2 dy + \left( \alpha ^3 x^2 - 3 \alpha ^n y) dx = 0
 
f = \frac{1}{2L}\sqrt{\frac{mg}{\mu}}
 
Prove

\left(\frac{ia - 1}{ia+1}\right)^{ib} = exp(-2b cot^{-1} a) and

\sum_{n=1}^{N} \cos(2n-1) x = \frac{\sin 2n x}{2\sin x}}
 
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Whozum, are those questions with which you need help?

If so, for the second one, you could multiply numerator and denominator by 2sin(x) and write 2SinACosB as Sin(A+B) + Sin(A-B).
 
  • #10
siddharth said:
Whozum, are those questions with which you need help?

If so, for the second one, you could multiply numerator and denominator by 2sin(x) and write 2SinACosB as Sin(A+B) + Sin(A-B).

No, I'm just using this as a tex notepad since no one was helping when I needed it. I'm good with all these.

v = \lambda f

\lambda = 4L

v = 4L f

f = \frac{v}{4L}
 

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