Solving Waves on a Metal Rod with kx + Φ

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    Metal Rod Waves
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a wave equation for a metal rod, specifically focusing on the displacement function ξ = A*cos(ωt + θ)*sin(kx + Φ). Participants are exploring boundary conditions and the implications of the wave's behavior at the ends of the rod.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss two approaches to the problem, one involving the stress at the ends of the rod and the other considering the position of nodes. There are questions about the appropriateness of measuring from the center of the rod and the implications of boundary conditions on the wave function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of different approaches and suggesting that methods should be combined. There is an exploration of the relationship between the wave function and the boundary conditions, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the conditions at both ends of the rod, as well as the implications of measuring displacement from different reference points. There is a mention of the need for clarity regarding the values of Φ and the interpretation of cosine terms in the context of wave amplitude.

LCSphysicist
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Homework Statement
I will post an image right below.
Relevant Equations
All below.
1595537783294.png

I am trying to solve this question by ξ = A*cos(ωt + θ)*sin(kx + Φ)
Anyway, the two initial terms of the product helps nothing (i think), what matters is sin(kx + Φ)
So, i tried by two ways:

First:

The stress is essentially zero on the ends, that is, something like cte*∂ξ/∂x (strain) would be zero, so
L is the length of the rod.

cos(kx + Φ) need to be 0
Φ = (2n-1)*π
kL + Φ = (2n-1)*π

It is not good.

Second:

The half length position would carry a node, so
ξ = A*cos(ωt + θ)*sin(kL/2 + Φ) = 0
KL/2 + Φ = (n)*π
and with this i can not solve without Φ in the expression.
 
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I assume ξ is displacement. You would find it easier with x measured from the centre of the rod.
 
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haruspex said:
I assume ξ is displacement. You would find it easier with x measured from the centre of the rod.
Definitively is easier deal with x measured from the center of the rod, but what is wrong in the above approach?
 
LCSphysicist said:
Definitively is easier deal with x measured from the center of the rod, but what is wrong in the above approach?
It seems to me you should need to use the knowledge of the state both at the clamped point and one end, so they are not alternative methods. Rather, they should be combined into a single method.
Also
LCSphysicist said:
cos(kx + Φ) need to be 0
Φ = (2n-1)*π
I assume you meant cos(kL + Φ).
I would have thought the free end would have maximum amplitude.
On the other hand, cos((2n-1)*π)=-1, not 0, so you have effectively taken it as max.
 

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