What is the displacement equation for simple harmonic motion without damping?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equations of motion for simple harmonic motion (SHM) without damping. The original poster is seeking clarification on the displacement equation when damping is not present, specifically in the context of the second-order differential equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the displacement equation for SHM without damping and contrasts it with equations that include damping and external forces. Some participants question the correctness of the equations presented and suggest verifying them by substitution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different forms of the displacement equation and questioning the assumptions made in the original poster's equations. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance is being offered regarding verification of the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in the original poster's equations and discuss the implications of different parameters, such as the presence or absence of damping and the relationship between frequency and spring constant.

imagemania
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(This isn't homework)
I've been crating some notes, and noticed that we haven't been told one equation.
I know for:
[tex]\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex] [tex]= \frac{-kx}{m} -\frac{b}{m} \frac{dx}{dt}[/tex]
I know the displacement is:
[tex]x = A \omega e^{-bt/2m} cos(\omega t+ \phi)[/tex]

[Ie damping]

I know for:
[tex]\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex] [tex]= \frac{-kx}{m} -\frac{b}{m} \frac{dx}{dt} + \frac{F}{m}[/tex]
I know the displacement for this is:
[tex]x = Asin(\omega t + \phi)[/tex] (omega is for driving force).

But what about:
[tex]\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex] [tex]= \frac{-kx}{m} + \frac{F}{m}[/tex]
I.e. No damping, what would x be for this?

Thank you!

[This is out of pure interest]
 
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When [itex]\omega^2 \ne k/m[/itex], it makes no difference if b = 0, except that [itex]\phi[/itex] will always be 0 or [itex]\pi[/itex]

When [itex]\omega^2 = k/m[/itex] the solution is of the form

[tex]x = A t \cos (\omega t)[/tex]

In words, the response grows without limit, and it is 90 degrees out of phase with the applied force.
 
The solution for your second equation should have a b in it, but it does not appear. For the third equation use the second equation solution with b=0.
 
Gah first off i made a mistake on the first one, should have no omega next to A (demensions wouldn't equate)

Ok it would seem i have some equations written down wrong (well two).

[tex]\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex] [tex]= \frac{-kx}{m} + \frac{F}{m}[/tex]
Would
[tex]x = Asin(\omega t + \phi)[/tex] (i.e. the cos shifts by pi/2 to make sine?)

And
[tex]\frac{d^2 x}{dt^2}[/tex] [tex]= \frac{-kx}{m} -\frac{b}{m} \frac{dx}{dt} + \frac{F}{m}[/tex]

[tex]x = A e^{-bt/2m} sin(\omega t + \phi)[/tex]

Let me know if these are right :)
 
Have you tried verifying them yourself. Simply plug your answers back into the equations.
 

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