What is the Lagrangian of a Pendulum with Oscillating Top Point?

  • Thread starter Thread starter the keck
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lagrangian
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Lagrangian of a pendulum with an oscillating top point, defined by the vertical motion y=a*cos(gamma*t), is derived as L=(m/2)[(dot{y}-l*dot{theta}*sin(theta))^2+(l*dot{theta}*cos(theta))^2]-[-mg(l*cos(theta)-y)]. The resulting equation of motion is ddot{theta} + (g/l)sin(theta) - (ddot{y}sin(theta)/l) = 0. This indicates that the oscillation at the top does not alter the fundamental form of the equation of motion compared to a fixed pendulum, as the last term vanishes when the top point is stationary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of angular velocity and acceleration
  • Knowledge of harmonic motion and oscillatory systems
  • Basic calculus, particularly differentiation and partial derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Lagrangian mechanics in classical mechanics
  • Explore the effects of non-fixed pivot points on pendulum dynamics
  • Learn about the applications of Lagrangian mechanics in complex systems
  • Investigate the relationship between oscillatory motion and energy conservation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics, as well as researchers and educators interested in advanced dynamics and Lagrangian formulations.

the keck
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Consider a pendulum the top point of which is oscillating vertically as y=a*cos*(gamma*t)

Find its Lagrangian and the equation of emotion

The Attempt at a Solution



I can do most of the question and obtain the Lagrangian, but when I derive the equation, I achieve the same one as that of pendulum which is fixed at the top point i.e. angular velocity or ("theta dot") = -g*sin(theta)/l

This seems strange to me, as I expected the oscillation at the top to vary the equation of motion

Regards,
The Keck
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Take ordinary x-y plane coordinate (x-right;y-up) and the origin is the oscillating center of the top point. The horizontal plane of the origin is set to be the zero gravitational potential.
The Lagrange of the pendulum is
L=\frac{m}{2}\left[\left(\dot{y}-l\dot{\theta}\sin\theta\right)^2+\left(l\dot{\theta}\cos\theta\right)^2\right]-\left[-mg\left(l\cos\theta-y\right)\right]
=\frac{m}{2}\left[\dot{y}^2-2\dot{y}l\dot{\theta}\sin\theta+l^2\dot{\theta}^2+2g(l\cos\theta-y)\right]
The equation of motion is
\frac{\partial L}{\partial\theta}-\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial\dot{\theta}}\right)=0
\Rightarrow-2\dot{y}l\dot{\theta}\cos\theta-2gl\sin\theta-\frac{d}{dt}\left(-2\dot{y}l\sin\theta+2l^2\dot{\theta}\right)=0
\Rightarrow-\underline{2\dot{y}l\dot{\theta}\cos\theta}-2gl\sin\theta-\left(-2\ddot{y}l\sin\theta-\underline{2\dot{y}l\dot{\theta}\cos\theta}+2l^2\ddot{\theta}\right)=0
\Rightarrow-2gl\sin\theta-\left(-2\ddot{y}l\sin\theta+2l^2\ddot{\theta}\right)=0
\Rightarrow-2gl\sin\theta+2\ddot{y}l\sin\theta-2l^2\ddot{\theta}=0
\Rightarrow\ddot{\theta}+\frac{g}{l}\sin\theta-\frac{\ddot{y}\sin\theta}{l}=0
recall y=a\cos(\gamma t)
the last term vanishes when the top point without oscillating.

i hope there is no mistake in my derivation and the result is your answer.
 
Last edited:
Thanks a lot, mate! I used a different reference system, which sort of stuffed me upRegards,
The Keck
 

Similar threads

Replies
73
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K