Maximum speed of overdamped oscillator without crossing origin

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the maximum initial speed of an overdamped oscillator with a natural frequency \( w \) and a damping coefficient \( g \), starting from a position \( x_0 > 0 \). The equation for the position of the overdamped oscillator is given as \( x(t) = A e^{(-g-z)t} + B e^{-(g-z)t} \), where \( z = \sqrt{g^2 - w^2} \). The key challenge is to find the maximum initial speed \( v_0 \) without crossing the origin, which requires understanding the behavior of \( x(t) \) as \( t \) approaches infinity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of overdamped oscillators
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of natural frequency and damping coefficient
  • Ability to manipulate exponential functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the overdamped oscillator equation \( x(t) \)
  • Learn how to calculate the coefficients \( A \) and \( B \) in the context of initial conditions
  • Investigate the conditions under which an overdamped oscillator crosses the origin
  • Explore the implications of damping on the maximum speed of oscillators
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Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those studying mechanical systems and oscillatory motion, will benefit from this discussion.

MeMoses
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Homework Statement


An overdamped oscillator with natural frequency w and damping coefficient g starts out at postion x0 > 0. What is the maximum initial speed towards the origin it can have without crossing the origin?


Homework Equations


x(t) for overdamped oscillator


The Attempt at a Solution


x(t) for a general overdamped oscillator has been solved already. However if I only know x0 > 0 and nothing else, how do I go about determining the maximum speed. I can't see how this problem will workout and I can't get it started. Thanks for any help
 
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Hi MeMoses! :smile:
MeMoses said:
x(t) for a general overdamped oscillator has been solved already. However if I only know x0 > 0 and nothing else, how do I go about determining the maximum speed. I can't see how this problem will workout and I can't get it started.

Just find the answer as a function of xo :wink:
 
Edit: My idea made no sense. So how do find this maximum v0?
 
Last edited:
MeMoses said:
Edit: My idea made no sense. So how do find this maximum v0?

what is your x(t) equation?
 
I get x(t) = Ae**((-g-z)t) + Be(-(g-z)t) with z=sqrt(g**2 - w**2). At t=0 I get x0 = A + B
 
Last edited:
Hi MeMoses! :wink:
MeMoses said:
I get x(t) = Ae**((-g-z)t) + Be(-(g-z)t) with z=sqrt(g**2 - w**2). At t=0 I get x0 = A + B

(hmm … I'm not sure how that's supposed to be read :confused: … but anyway …)

So what is the maximum value of x(t) (presumably at t = ∞) ?

And what is the intitial speed? :smile:
 
Sorry i type that from my phone. The lim x(t) as t approaches infinity is 0, it will always go to 0 eventually but how do I know if it crosses the origin or not and how can I find the initial speed using what you told me? Edit: also how can I solve the coefficients?
 
Last edited:

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