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14, 2010
Assignment 3
1. Two simple pendulums, each of length 0.300 m and mass m = 0.950 kg, are cou-
pled by attaching a light, horizontal spring of spring constant k = 1.50 Nm−1 to the
masses.
b. One of the pendulums is held at a small distance away from its equilibrium position
while the other pendulum is held at its equilibrium position. The two pendulums
are then released simultaneously. Show that after a time of approximately 12 s, the
amplitude of oscillation of the first pendulum will become equal to zero momentarily.
(Assume g = 9.8 ms−2 ).
2. The figure shows two masses of mass 3m and m hanging from springs of spring constants
4k and k, respectively.
4K
3m
3. Any configuration of our coupled system may be represented by the superposition of the
two normal modes. Figures (a) and (b) shows how the pendulum configurations xA = 2a,
xB = 0 and xA = 0, xB = 2a result from the superposition of two normal modes.
October 2, 2010 1
Assignment 2: Coupled Oscillators And Normal Modes. Due date: Oct. 14, 2010
= +
B A B A B A
XB = 0 XA = 2a XB = a XA = a XB = -a XA = a
Fig (a)
= +
B A B A B A
XB = 2a XA = 0 XB = a XA = a XB = a XA = -a
Fig (b)
a. Using the same initial conditions (xA = 2a, xB = 0, ẋA = ẋB = 0) draw similar sketches
to show how two normal modes superpose to produce xA = −2a, xB = 0 and xA = 0,
xB = −2a.
b. Sketch the behaviour of individual pendulums with time to show how the complete
energy exchange occurs between pendulums, for part (a) and also for the given con-
figurations .
c. The individual pendulums may exchange energy as shown in above cases. Is it right
to say that there is also energy exchange between the normal modes? If yes, then
explain.
4. Two equal masses A and B of mass m are connected to three identical springs
(spring constant K) on a frictionless horizontal surface (see figure). One end of system is
fixed, the other end of spring is moved harmonically as,
October 2, 2010 2
Assignment 2: Coupled Oscillators And Normal Modes. Due date: Oct. 14, 2010
0
X = a cos(ωt).
A B
X' XA XB
Find the resulting displacements of the two masses and also derive the normal modes
frequencies.
5. The figure shows two masses M and m suspended from a rigid ceiling by springs of
constant K1 and K2 , where K1 is the spring constant of upper spring and K2 is the spring
constant of lower spring.
M
Fo cos ωt
6. Consider the case when the number of masses on the elastic string of negligible
October 2, 2010 3
Assignment 2: Coupled Oscillators And Normal Modes. Due date: Oct. 14, 2010
mass, are three. Derive the normal mode frequencies. And show that the relative displace-
√ √
ment of the masses in the modes are (1 : 2 : 1), (1 : 0 : −1), and (1 : − 2 : 1).
7. Four identical masses are connected by five identical springs between two rigid walls
as illustrated in the figure and move without friction on a horizontal surface. How many
normal modes of vibration in the transverse direction does the system have? Sketch
these normal modes bearing in mind that the transverse positions of masses pass through
sinusodial curves.
K K K K K
m m m m
N Coupled Oscillators
October 2, 2010 4