Using the Angular Frequency to Solve a Differential Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the angular frequency, denoted as \(\omega\), for a damped harmonic oscillator described by the differential equation \(m\frac{{d}^{2}x}{d{t}^{2}} = -kx -b\frac{dx}{dt}\). The derived formula for angular frequency is \(\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m} - \frac{{b}^{2}}{4{m}^{2}}}\). Participants clarify the relationship between \(\lambda\) and \(\omega\), emphasizing that \(\lambda\) represents the decay rate in a damped system. The discussion concludes with a recommendation to evaluate the sign of the argument under the square root when solving for \(\omega\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with concepts of damped harmonic motion.
  • Knowledge of angular frequency in mechanical systems.
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and manipulation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the damped harmonic oscillator equation.
  • Learn about the implications of damping on angular frequency.
  • Explore the relationship between \(\lambda\) and \(\omega\) in detail.
  • Investigate the conditions for oscillation based on the sign of the argument under the square root.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics or engineering, particularly those focusing on dynamics and oscillatory systems, as well as educators teaching differential equations and their applications in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement


Im somewhat unsure of what the result i have derived is exactly. I know the angular frequency should be
\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m} - \frac{{b}^{2}}{4{m}^{2}}}


The Attempt at a Solution


m\frac{{d}^{2}x}{d{t}^{2}} = -kx -b\frac{dx}{dt}
Sub in \omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}
Do x = {e}^{\lambda t}
x' = ...
x''=...

{e}^{\lambda t}({\lambda}^{2} + \lambda \frac{b}{m} + {\omega}^{2}) = 0
\lambda = -\frac{b}{2m} \pm \sqrt{\frac{{b}^{2}}{{4m}^{2}} - 4\frac{{\omega}^{2}}{4}}

However, i thought
\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m} - \frac{{b}^{2}}{4{m}^{2}}}

Are these results related as i cannot quite put my tongue on how to get this result from the \lambda result (And I am not entirely sure what \lambda representes in real terms)

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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Substitute something like a = k/m (k/m isn't the angular frequency in a damped system.), and let x = exp(omega t) instead of exp(lambda t).

If you get stumped when you solve for omega, evaluate the sign of the argument under the square root.
 

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