How to Find Velocity in a Cycloidal Pendulum?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Paradoxx
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pendulum Velocity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a cycloidal pendulum using its parametric equations: x = RΘ + Rsin(Θ) and y = -Rcos(Θ). The Lagrangian is defined as L = T - V, where T is the kinetic energy expressed as T = 1/2 mv². The correct approach to find the velocity involves determining the x and y components separately, leading to the realization that the velocity vector must be treated as a combination of these components. The final expression for v² is derived by squaring and summing the components, correcting the initial misunderstanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics
  • Familiarity with parametric equations
  • Knowledge of derivatives and vector components
  • Basic principles of kinetic energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lagrangian for different mechanical systems
  • Learn about parametric equations in physics
  • Explore vector calculus, focusing on velocity and acceleration components
  • Investigate the principles of cycloidal motion and its applications
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and dynamics, as well as anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of pendulum systems.

Paradoxx
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Cycloidal Pendulum, with x= RΘ+RsinΘ and y = -RcosΘ
I need to find the Lagragian.


Homework Equations



L = T - V

The Attempt at a Solution



I just want to know how do I find the velocity so I can find T, which is 1/2 mv². I thought it would be dx/dΘ but it didn't work. Can anyone explain to me how can I find the velocity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Remember that velocity is the derivative of position with respect to time and is a vector. What are its x and y components? Could you use these components to find ##v^2##?
 
Ok, I realized that I must consider x and y and derivative in relation with time.

v = dx/dt + dy/dt

then v² would be (dx/dt + dy/dt)².

I did the derivatives:

x'= RΘ' + Rcos(Θ)Θ' and y' = Rsin(Θ)Θ',

so x+y = RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ)

Also, v² = ( RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ))² = (4R²Θ'² + R²Θ'²cos²Θsin²Θ)
But in my answer it is

4R²Θ²cos²(Θ/2)

What am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
Paradoxx said:
Ok, I realized that I must consider x and y and derivative in relation with time.

v = dx/dt + dy/dt

then v² would be (dx/dt + dy/dt)².

I did the derivatives:

x'= RΘ' + Rcos(Θ)Θ' and y' = Rsin(Θ)Θ',

so x+y = RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ)

Also, v² = ( RΘ' + RΘ' (cosΘ + sinΘ))² = (4R²Θ'² + R²Θ'²cos²Θsin²Θ)
But in my answer it is

4R²Θ²cos²(Θ/2)

What am I doing wrong?

##v=\frac{dx}{dt}+\frac{dy}{dt}## is wrong. Remember that ##\vec{v}## is a vector! What is the x-component of ##\vec{v}##? What is the y-component of ##\vec{v}##? After you have the components, you can find ##v^2## by squaring the components and adding them, right?
 
Ohhh, you are right! It worked now, thank you very much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K