What Function Models Linear Amplitude Decay?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying a mathematical function that models linear amplitude decay in periodic mechanical motion. Participants explore various approaches to represent this decay, contrasting linear and exponential models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that their data shows linear amplitude decay but finds only exponential decay models in existing literature.
  • Another suggests using a linear function as a multiplier for the sine wave instead of an exponential function.
  • A participant shares their attempt to model the data using a linear multiplier, indicating that it does not fit the observed data well.
  • Another participant proposes that the amplitude should decrease using a function like (1-x) and suggests that the decay might actually be exponential with a large time constant.
  • There is a suggestion that the sine function might be incorrectly using degrees as input, which could affect the modeling.
  • A participant emphasizes the need for proper parameter adjustment in the function to fit the actual data plot.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for another's input, indicating it was helpful, but does not provide further data at that moment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to model the amplitude decay, with no consensus reached on a single approach or function that accurately represents the data.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the importance of adjusting parameters and the potential impact of using degrees versus radians in the sine function, indicating that these factors may influence the modeling outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying mechanical motion, mathematical modeling, or anyone looking to understand different approaches to amplitude decay in periodic functions.

houlahound
Messages
907
Reaction score
223
I collected data on a periodic mechanical motion. The amplitude is damped linearly. What mathematical function models linear amplitude decay. All I can find is exponential decay of a sine wave.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Instead of multiplying the sine with an exponential, you can multiply it with a linear function.
 
hi all. I tried multiplying by a linear function ie;

-0.1x*sin(20x)

to get;

upload_2016-8-8_12-2-34.png
in comparison an exponential multiplying factor gives this with the envelope of the amplitude decreasing exponentially;
upload_2016-8-8_12-1-34.png
my data looks like this with a linear envelope;

upload_2016-8-8_12-4-29.png


the linear multiplier clearly does not work to model this data. this should be a simple model but my math is not working.

any tips to general models to account for the data above appreciated.
 
Your amplitude decreases so you need to multiply by a decreasing linear function, something like (1-x) rather than x.

Actually your decay may be exponential but the time constant is much larger than the period of the periodic function.
So you will have something like
## e^{ \frac{-t}{\tau}} sin(\omega t) ##
If t is much smaller than ## \tau ## this can be approximated by
## (1-\frac{t}{\tau})sin(\omega t) ##
and will look like a linear decay of the sin wave.
 
I might have to calculate by hand but my plotting tool for this input as you suggest;

upload_2016-8-8_13-18-24.png


gives the following output;

upload_2016-8-8_13-19-18.png
 
Look at your linear part: It starts at 1, then goes to zero for x=2. You plot it up to x=100 where it is increasing in magnitude again.

Try something like 1-0.01*x if you want an x-range up to 100.

It looks like your sine function takes degrees as input, which is quite odd in the context of those problems.
 
Your data plot has no unit so it is impossible to guess reasonable values of parameters.
You need to adjust the parameters in the function to fit your actual plot.

If you extend the plot beyond 10 s the amplitude it will increase.

Here is an example of parameters showing the desired behavior:
f[t] = (1 - t/10) Sin[2 t]

Decay.jpg
hébergeur d image gratuit
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: houlahound
I wish I could like your post more than once, you nailed it.

will put up some data next chance I get.cheers
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
971
Replies
3
Views
959
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
17
Views
3K