Solving mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 Using Laplace

  • Thread starter Thread starter morbidkokos
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Laplace
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the second-order linear differential equation mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 using Laplace transforms, with initial conditions x(0)=0 and x'(0)=0, and constraints on the parameters m, c, and k.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Laplace transform to the differential equation but expresses uncertainty about the implications of the roots derived from the characteristic equation. Some participants question the completeness of the original poster's approach and emphasize the importance of showing prior work.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the derived equation and the nature of its solutions. There is acknowledgment of the existence of a trivial solution, but further exploration of non-trivial solutions is suggested.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is new to the forum and is encouraged to share more of their thought process to facilitate guidance. The discussion reflects a learning-first approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding over simply obtaining answers.

morbidkokos
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello , can anyone help me solve this using laplace ?

mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 , x(0)=0 , x'(0)=0 , m > 0 , c > 0 , k > 0 and c^2-4km > 0


thanks in advance for your answer.(first time using this forum)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Usually, we like to see what efforts have been put into a solution. It helps us know where you are stuck; it also makes sure we aren't doing all the work for you, which would make the learning process more difficult.

So please, show what you've done towards a solution so far.
 
Hello again and thanks for your answer .
This is what I got so far :

mx''+cx'+kx=0 →
m[s^2 X(s) + sx(0) -x'(0)] + c[sX(s) - x(0)] + kX(s)=0 → ##x(0)=0 , x'(0)=0## →
X(s)(ms^2+cs+k)=0 →
since c^2-4km > 0 there are 2 roots a1 and a2.
Therefore X(s)(s-a1)(s-a2)=0

and that's where I'm stuck. I know that X(s)=0 is a solution but isn't there anything else?
(going to sleep now 3:10 am is too late for D.E.)
 
Because the coefficient of x'' is not zero, this problem has a unique solution.
It is obvious that x identically equal to 0 satisfies this equation so that is the solution.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K