Predicting Motion of a Swing on a Non-Horizontal Branch

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around predicting the motion of a swing suspended from a non-horizontal tree branch, focusing on the dynamics involved when an initial force is applied. The scope includes theoretical analysis and mathematical modeling of the system's motion under the influence of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the predictability of the swing's motion, emphasizing the need for detailed specifications of the problem, including the configuration of points and the nature of the initial force.
  • Another participant clarifies the components of the system, identifying the swing seat, ropes, and branch, and suggests that the swing remains under tension after an initial kick that positions it away from the minimum energy position.
  • A further contribution introduces a mathematical approach using conservation of energy, defining angles related to the swing's motion and presenting an equation that describes the system's dynamics. The participant seeks validation of their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of detail and focus on different aspects of the problem, indicating that there is no consensus on the predictability of the swing's motion or the adequacy of the proposed mathematical model.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for precise definitions of the system's parameters, such as the nature of the initial kick and the distribution of mass, which remain unspecified. The mathematical formulation relies on assumptions that may not be universally accepted.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying dynamics, mechanical systems, or anyone looking to understand the complexities of motion prediction in non-standard configurations.

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TL;DR
Do you understand swings?
swing.png


A swing is suspended from a non-horizontal tree branch. Points C and D are fixed in space. All 4 line segments in the diagram have constant distance. After some initial "kick" imparts energy to the system the only force acting externally on the system is gravity.

Is it possible to predict the motion of the swing?
 
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Yes, if we have enough information to completely specify the problem. What are the four points and what is attached between them? Where is the “initial kick” applied and what force is it, applied for how long? How is the mass of the swing distributed?
 
AB is the seat. AC and BD are the ropes. CD is the branch. I assume the system remains under tension. The initial kick could be positioning the swing away from the minimum energy position then releasing. Mass is centered on the swing seat with some non zero moment of inertia.
 
I define ##\theta## to be the angle a rope makes relative to z and ##\phi## is the angle relative to x. The branch is in the xz plane. From conservation of energy I got
$$ \frac{r_A^2}{2} \left[\left(\frac{\partial\theta_A}{\partial t}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\partial\phi_A}{\partial t}\right)^2\right]+ \frac{r_B^2}{2}\left[\left(\frac{\partial\theta_B}{\partial t}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\partial\phi_B}{\partial t}\right)^2\right] - r_A\cos \theta_A - r_B\cos\theta_B = 0$$
Am I on the right track?
 

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