System resonance revisited: Where does the extra energy come from?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the resonance effect in linear 2nd order systems, where an input harmonic signal at the system's natural frequency results in an output signal with significantly amplified power. Specifically, with a damping factor of 0.1, the output amplitude can increase by a factor of 5, leading to an average output power that is 25 times greater than the input power. The conversation highlights the confusion surrounding the source of this apparent excess energy, as traditional explanations of resonance do not adequately address the phenomenon observed in steady-state conditions.

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jack11
This is concerning a resonance effect in the linear 2nd order system (mechanical, electrical, etc) that seems to create signal power/energy within the system.
I am sure this impossible apparent energy creation has some plausible explanation in laymen’s terms, does anyone care to take a shot at it?

It’s fairly easy to show analytically or by simulation the amplification of a harmonic input signal in a 2nd order linear underdamped system at resonance (forcing input signal freq = system’s natural freq). For example, if damping = 0.1, then the system output amplitude increases by a factor of 5 (harmonic output of the same freq as input). The phase is shifted, but it does not relate to the avg power calculation. I am only interested in this one freq of the forcing harmonic input signal, equal to the system’s natural resonant freq. See any engineering textbook addressing the freq response of the linear 2nd order system.

In simulation, consider the time when the transients involving energy present in initial conditions have died out. The only energy coming into the system is a harmonic forcing input signal with amplitude A and freq equal to the resonant freq of the system, A*cos(wn*t). The only energy leaving the system is a harmonic output signal with the same freq, but with amplitude 5*A, 5*A*cos(wn*t+phi). There is no energy coming into the system other than this input, and the energy stored in the system’s initial conditions has already been dissipated.

The average signal power coming in is A^2/2, and the average signal power coming out is 25*A^2/2. The energy coming out of the system per unit time is 25 times the energy going into the system per unit time. This continues forever in steady state response to this harmonic input, at system’s resonant freq. WHERE IS THIS EXTRA ENERGY OUTPUT BY THE SYSTEM IN RESONANCE COMING FROM ?

Wikipedia explanation of resonance talks about vibrational energy storage and changing forms of energy. But here the power/energy goes in as harmonic forcing function at one amplitude, does not seem to get stored or change the form (or it gets stored and released immediately), and comes out at 25x the original avg power level. This process may continue for infinite time span in steady state.
This effect is present for a range of Q-factors, down to critical damping, so it seems to be independent of Q and resonance bandwidth (different Qs give different amplification levels – but the amplification and apparent power/energy creation is always there).

Any opinions on this, or corrections to the analysis above?

Jack
 
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