Undergrad Sketching simple coupled oscillators

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on sketching solutions for the coupled oscillators defined by the differential equations dx/dt = 2π - sin(y - x) and dy/dx = 2π - sin(x - y), with initial conditions x(0) = π/2 and y(0) = 0. Participants emphasize the importance of deriving dy/dt from the given equations and generating (x, y) pairs for increasing t to visualize the behavior of the system. The original poster (OP) is advised to repost the question in a designated Homework & Coursework section for more structured assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations
  • Familiarity with coupled oscillators
  • Knowledge of initial value problems
  • Basic skills in sketching phase portraits
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive dy/dt from given differential equations
  • Study methods for generating numerical solutions for differential equations
  • Explore techniques for sketching phase portraits of dynamical systems
  • Investigate the behavior of coupled oscillators in physics
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Students studying differential equations, physics enthusiasts exploring dynamical systems, and educators looking for examples of coupled oscillators in action.

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If I'm given dx/dt = 2π - sin(y - x), dy/dx = 2π - sin(x - y), and finally the conditions x(0) = pi/2 and y(0) = 0,
what would be the best way to hand sketch the solutions without using an explicit solution?
 
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Find an expression for dy/dt. This seems like a homework problem, so I won't tell you exactly how to do that, but you have the information you need to do that.

Then use your expressions for dx/dt and dy/dt to generate pairs of (x,y) for increasing t, you know what to start from, as its a given in your problem. You need to think about what dx/dt and dy/dt represent to make the table correctly.
 
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Thread closed. The OP has been asked to repost the question in one of the Homework & Coursework sections, using the homework template to include the efforts so far.
 

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