Chapter 10: Problem 2
A spring is such that a 2 -lb weight stretches it \(\frac{1}{2}\) ft. An impressed force \(\frac{1}{4} \sin 8 t\) and a damping force of magnitude \(|v|\) are both acting on the spring. The weight starts \(\frac{1}{4}\) ft below the equilibrium point with an imparted upward velocity of \(3 \mathrm{ft} / \mathrm{sec} .\) Find a formula for the position of the weight at time \(t\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Calculate the Spring Constant
Establish the Differential Equation
Convert to a Simple Form
Determine Initial Conditions
Solve the Homogeneous Equation
Solve the Particular Solution
Combine Solutions and Apply Initial Conditions
Final Position Formula
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Spring-Mass System
- Mass: In our exercise, the mass is the weight of 2 lbs, which we convert to slugs (a unit of mass) for the differential equation.
- Spring Constant: Given by Hooke’s Law, it is the measure of the spring’s stiffness. Our exercise shows a displacement of 0.5 ft under a 2-lb force, leading to a spring constant of 4.
- Differential Equation: The system’s motion is governed by a differential equation that combines mass, damping, and external forces like this one.
Damping Force
- Types of Damping: Damping can be classified into underdamping, overdamping, and critical damping, depending on its strength relative to the system mass and spring constant.
- Importance in Systems: Damping is essential for controlling vibrations and settling into an equilibrium without excessive oscillations.
- Contribution to the Equation: In our case, the damping force equals the coefficient \(c\), which is set to 1, affecting the velocity term \(\frac{dy}{dt}\) in the differential equation.
Initial Conditions
- Position Condition: Here, the weight’s initial position is \(-\frac{1}{4}\) ft below the equilibrium, giving us the equation \(y(0) = -\frac{1}{4}\).
- Velocity Condition: The initial velocity is 3 ft/sec upwards, establishing our secondary condition as \(y'(0) = 3\).
- Role in Solutions: These conditions allow us to solve for the constants \(C_1\) and \(C_2\) in the general solution of the differential equation, ensuring that the solution fits the specific scenario.
Particular Solution
- Formulation: To find a particular solution, propose a function form that mirrors the non-homogeneous term; here, it's \(y_p(t) = A \sin 8t + B \cos 8t\).
- Trial and Error: By substituting this trial function into the differential equation, you can adjust \(A\) and \(B\) to satisfy the equation.
- Specific to Exercise: In this example, after calculations, \(A = -\frac{1}{60}\) and \(B = 0\) lead to the particular solution \(y_p(t) = -\frac{1}{60} \sin 8t\).