Oscillation with friction - Analytical mechanics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around analyzing a damped harmonic oscillator described by the equation m ddot{x} + alpha dot{x} = -kappa x, with a specific condition on the friction parameter. The proposed solution involves expressing the general solution as x(t) = e^(-alpha t / 2m)[A t + B], with constants A and B defined by initial conditions. Feedback suggests verifying the solution by substituting it back into the original equation, indicating that the provided solution may not correctly represent a damped oscillator due to the absence of oscillatory terms. The conversation highlights the critical damping case as a key aspect of the analysis. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of validating solutions in analytical mechanics.
NODARman
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Homework Statement
.
Relevant Equations
.
Hi, I had those exercises and want to know if they're correct. Also, feedback/tips would be great from you, professionals.

$$A$$

1. Let's consider the oscillator with a friction parameter...

\begin{equation}
m \ddot{x}+\alpha \dot{x}=-\kappa x
\end{equation}
but with
\begin{equation}
\alpha^2=4 m \kappa
\end{equation}
and after inserting, show that the general solution will be like this:
\begin{equation}
x(t)=\mathrm{e}^{-\alpha t / 2 m}[\mathcal{A} t+\mathcal{B}]
\end{equation}
Express A and B constants with the initial coordinates and velocity and analyze.

My solution:\begin{aligned}
&m\ddot{x} + \dot{x}\sqrt{4mk} +kx=0\\
&x(t)=e^{-\frac{\alpha t}{2m}}[\mathcal {A}t+\mathcal{B}]\\
&\\
&\dot{x}(t)=-\frac{\alpha}{2m} e^{-\frac{\alpha t}{2m}} [\mathcal {A}t+\mathcal{B}]+e^{-\frac{\alpha t}{2m}}\mathcal{A}\\
&\ddot{x}(t)=-\frac{4\mathcal{A}\alpha m-\mathcal{A}{\alpha^{2}}t-\mathcal{B}{\alpha^{2}}}{4m^2}e^{-\frac{\alpha t}{2m}}\\
&\\
&x(0)=\mathcal{B}\equiv x_0 \\
&\dot{x}(0)=-\frac{\alpha}{2m} \mathcal{B}+\mathcal{A} = -\frac{\alpha}{2m} x_0 +\mathcal{A} \\
&\\
&\mathcal{A} = \dot{x}_0 + \frac{\alpha}{2m} x_0\\
&\\
&x(t)=e^{-\frac{\alpha t}{2m}}[\dot{x}_0 + \frac{\alpha}{2m} x_0 t+x_0] = e^{-\frac{\alpha t}{2m}}\left[\dot{x}_0 + \left(\frac{\alpha}{2m} t+1\right)x_0\right]\\
\end{aligned}
 
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NODARman said:
Homework Statement: .
Relevant Equations: .

##\dots## and want to know if they're correct.
How about substituting your solution back in the original equation? That's the first thing I would do to verify my solution. Needless to say this doesn't look right because you have a damped harmonic oscillator with no oscillatory term(s) in the equation.
 
kuruman said:
Needless to say this doesn't look right because you have a damped harmonic oscillator with no oscillatory term(s) in the equation.
It should turn out to be the critical damping case.
 
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