Undergrad Predicting Motion of a Swing on a Non-Horizontal Branch

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on predicting the motion of a swing suspended from a non-horizontal branch, with fixed points C and D. The analysis confirms that it is possible to predict the swing's motion if sufficient information is provided, including the initial kick's force and duration, mass distribution, and angles θ and φ. The conservation of energy equation derived indicates the relationship between the swing's motion and its physical parameters, confirming that the system remains under tension throughout the motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, particularly conservation of energy principles.
  • Familiarity with angular motion and the concepts of moment of inertia.
  • Knowledge of coordinate systems, specifically the xz plane.
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical equations involving derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the dynamics of pendulum motion, focusing on non-linear systems.
  • Explore the application of Lagrangian mechanics to analyze complex motion.
  • Learn about the effects of tension in ropes and their impact on motion prediction.
  • Investigate numerical methods for simulating motion in constrained systems.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of pendulum systems and motion prediction in constrained environments.

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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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