- #1
Math Jeans
- 349
- 0
Homework Statement
Find the conditions under which it is valid to approximate the equation
[tex]mL^2\ddot{\theta}+b\dot{\theta}+mgLsin\theta=\Gamma[/tex]
by its overdamped limit
[tex]b\dot{\theta}+mgLsin\theta=\Gamma[/tex]
Homework Equations
The formula is for an overdamped pendulum where b is the damping coefficient, and Gamma is a torque on the pendulum.
The Attempt at a Solution
I know from past experience that the conditions are [tex]b^2>>m^2gL^3[/tex], but I'm not sure how to obtain that from the equation.
Thanks,
Jeans
Last edited: