Torsional Oscillator: Historical Background, Applications, and First Physicists

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Chandler Bing
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Oscillator
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the historical background of torsional oscillators, specifically focusing on natural frequencies and damping. Key figures identified include Galileo, who conducted early research in the 17th century, and Christiaan Huygens, who further explored oscillation phenomena. The conversation also highlights the applications of natural frequency in modern contexts, such as the oscillations of atoms in metals. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding the principles of torsional oscillators and their applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torsional oscillators and their mechanics
  • Familiarity with concepts of natural frequency and damping
  • Knowledge of historical figures in physics, specifically Galileo and Huygens
  • Basic principles of harmonic motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the applications of torsional oscillators in modern engineering
  • Explore the principles of magnetic damping in oscillatory systems
  • Study the mathematical modeling of natural frequencies in various materials
  • Investigate the contributions of Galileo and Huygens to the field of oscillation
USEFUL FOR

Students, physicists, and engineers interested in the historical context and applications of torsional oscillators and oscillatory motion.

Chandler Bing
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey guys,

I'm new here so id just like to say hello my name is John.

Anyway, I'm writing a lab report on a torsional oscillator with magnetic dampers, and I'd like to know some historical background on natural frequencies and damping. Does anyone know who the first physicist to study oscillation was? I thought it would be Hooke, but I'm not sure. Also the first physicist to study damped harmonic motion would be cool. Lastly, a list of all the applications of natural frequency would be help my report with a more globalized perspective (mainly modern stuff like oscillations of atoms in metals or something). Any information or a good website link would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The earliest recorded research is by Galileo, early to mid-17'th century. Another early researcher is Huygens, mid- to late 17th century.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Pair of interacting systems, driven coupled harmonic oscillators
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Damped oscillator with changing mass
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
8K
Undergrad How Does Changing Mass and Spring Force Affect Watch Oscillators?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Find Universal Gravitational Constant w/ Torsion Balance Timelapse Recording
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Coupled damped harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
Graduate Piezoelectricity and the Lorentz Harmonic Oscillator?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Undergrad Eddy currents and Torsion Pedulum
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Are harmonics "real" in a vibrating string?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
8K
Relationship between period and time in oscillators
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad How Do Eddy Current Dampers Work in Space Applications?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K