Mathematica Mathematica: NDSolve in 3 dimensions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving Newton's equations for a particle in three-dimensional space using NDSolve. The user initially encounters an issue with an empty plot when attempting to visualize the particle's motion. Key points include the correct formulation of the equations, where the force affects only the x and y coordinates, while z remains constant. An error was identified in the variable specification for NDSolve, which should use {x, y, z} instead of {x[t], y[t], z[t]}. Ultimately, the user resolves the plotting issue by adjusting the initial values, leading to a successful visualization of the particle's trajectory.
Niles
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Hi

I am trying to solve Newtons equation for a particle in (x, y, z) using NDsolve. Here I what I have so far:

Code:
sol = NDSolve[{
    x''[t] == acceleration[x'[t], y[t], z[t]],
    y''[t] == acceleration[y'[t], x[t], z[t]],
    z''[t] == 0,
    x[0] == 2, x'[0] == 0, y[0] == 0, y'[0] == 0, z[0] == 0, 
    z'[0] == 250},
   {x[t], y[t], z[t]}, {t, 0, 1}];

ParametricPlot[{x[t], x'[t]} /. sol, {t, 0, 0.001}, PlotRange -> {{0, 0.35}, {0, 5}}, AspectRatio -> 0.75]
The force acting on the particle only affects (x, y), not z. However, my plot is empty.

Is my use of NDsolve correct?


Niles.
 
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I found one error. It should be {x, y, z}, not {x[t], y[t], z[t]}. However, the parametric plot still doesn't work.
 
It works now, there was a problem with my IV. Just had to pick a correct value.Niles.
 

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