Lagrangian mechanics, simple pendulum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the equation of motion for a simple pendulum attached to a rotating disk. Participants emphasize the importance of defining generalized coordinates and velocities to express kinetic and potential energy. The pendulum's motion is influenced by the rotation of the disk, requiring a careful setup of coordinate systems. One user attempts to establish the equations for x and y coordinates based on the pendulum's geometry but struggles to align with the textbook solution. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by beginners in understanding Lagrangian mechanics and the need for clarity in the initial setup.
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Homework Statement


A simple pendulum of length ξ and mass m is suspended from a point on the circumference of a thin massless disc of radius α that rotates with a constant angular velocity ω about its central axis as shown in Figure. Find the equation of motion of the mass m.
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Homework Equations


L = T - V

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, I know I should find its x' and y' which representing its velocity.
i.e. T - V = 1/2 m ( x_dot 2 + y_dot 2 ) - mgy

However, I don't know where I should start with to find their x and y.

Thanks.
 
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YauYauYau said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, I know I should find its x' and y' which representing its velocity.
i.e. T - V = 1/2 m ( x_dot 2 + y_dot 2 ) - mgy

However, I don't know where I should start with to find their x and y.

Thanks.
first task would be to define the generalized coordinates q and velocities qdots and then proceed for defining the T and V.
your disk is in which plane and which is axis of rotation of the disk.
 
drvrm said:
first task would be to define the generalized coordinates q and qdots and then proceed for defining the T and V.

But how can I define the generalized coordinates q and qdots?
 
YauYauYau said:
But how can I define the generalized coordinates q and qdots?

define usual coordinates as degrees of freedom permits -write any constraining equations...which are relations between coordinates or velocities.
then the gen. coordinates can be defined.
see your textbook
 
YauYauYau said:
But how can I define the generalized coordinates q and qdots?

your pendulum is hanging from a disk- so it will be at length L from the disk suppose you place your origin of coordinates at the centre of disk
and the axes X,Y,Z so the bob will lie at -z,x,y but as disl starts rotating the bob will start rotating in a circle and that circle will be a raised one , so at any instant the bob will be at x',y'z' .
the equation of constraint can be that sum of the squares of three coordinates will be equal to length square + rad of the disk squared.
if you choose an angle made by the thread with vertical the cosine of the angle will be z' /L... similarly other relations can follow and your degrees of freedom will be reduced- the motion may be described by one angle and its time rate of change.
 
drvrm said:
your pendulum is hanging from a disk- so it will be at length L from the disk suppose you place your origin of coordinates at the centre of disk
and the axes X,Y,Z so the bob will lie at -z,x,y but as disl starts rotating the bob will start rotating in a circle and that circle will be a raised one , so at any instant the bob will be at x',y'z' .
the equation of constraint can be that sum of the squares of three coordinates will be equal to length square + rad of the disk squared.
if you choose an angle made by the thread with vertical the cosine of the angle will be z' /L... similarly other relations can follow and your degrees of freedom will be reduced- the motion may be described by one angle and its time rate of change.

I try to begin the question with place origin of coordinates at the centre of the disk (x,y)
With the parameters of figures given,
for x, because ξsinθ ( the height of triangle formed by bob ) is longer than that of radius,
x = ξsinθ - a cos ωt
similarly, y = ξcosθ - a sin ωt

However, the answer is x = a cos ωt + ξ sin θ, y = a sin ωt - ξcosθ
Am I missing something?

If I just begin the problem that the disk rotates on the other side, I get the same answer as textbook.
Last night, I spent a night to watch youtube mechanics and vector teaching videos and read over my textbook but still I could not get the answer.
I am new to Mechanics. sorry for any annoying questions :'(
 
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