How to Find the Lagrangian for a Simple Pendulum with Moving Support?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the Lagrangian for a simple pendulum with a moving support that rotates uniformly in a vertical circle with a constant frequency, denoted as ω. The kinetic energy (T) is expressed as T = {1/2}m(ṙ² + r²θ̇²), while the potential energy (V) is given by V = -mgr cos(θ). The length of the pendulum string is constant at 'l'. Participants emphasize the importance of incorporating the angular velocity ω into the equations of motion and suggest using a pair of angular coordinates for a comprehensive analysis.

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Reshma
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Find the Lagrangian for a simple pendulum of mass m whose point of support moves uniformly on a vertical circle with constant frequency \omega in a uniform gravitational field.

Let 'l' be the length of the pendulum string. Using plane polar coordinates:
Let T be the KE of the pendulum.
T = {1\over 2}m \left(\dot {r}^2 + r^2\dot{\theta}^2\right)
Let V be the PE.
V = -mgr\cos \theta
r = l = constant
I am wondering how to add the angular velocity \omega to the equation of motion. Need help here.
 
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how is omega related to theta?
 
Reshma said:
Find the Lagrangian for a simple pendulum of mass m whose point of support moves uniformly on a vertical circle with constant frequency \omega in a uniform gravitational field.

Let 'l' be the length of the pendulum string. Using plane polar coordinates:
Let T be the KE of the pendulum.
T = {1\over 2}m \left(\dot {r}^2 + r^2\dot{\theta}^2\right)
Let V be the PE.
V = -mgr\cos \theta
r = l = constant
I am wondering how to add the angular velocity \omega to the equation of motion. Need help here.
As with your other problem, You need to pick a pair of coordinates. A pair of angles looks good here also.
 

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