How Is Energy Calculated in a Viscously Damped Spring-Mass System?

In summary: This can be found by using the equations for kinetic and potential energy of the system, which are calculated in the program as K = (pmag**2)*.5/block.m and U = ((mag(block.pos)-L0)**2)*.5*k respectively. By setting the force of gravity to zero and the equilibrium position L0=0, the initial potential energy is also zero. Therefore, the total energy at this point is equal to the kinetic energy, which is 0.5 J.
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Homework Statement



Use your program for the viscously damped spring to solve this problem. Make sure you change the parameters as specified below.

A mass m=7.1 kg is attached to the end of a spring with a spring constant of k=16.4 N/m. The mass moves through a viscous damping medium with a damping constant b=1.8 kg/s giving a velocity dependent damping force Fdamp= -bv.

The motion occurs in zero gravity so set the force of gravity to ZERO in your program. Also set the equilibrium position L0=0. The mass is initially motionless and displaced from equilibrium by a distance yinitial=0.2 m.





What is the energy of the spring-mass system when the mass first passes through the equilibrium position? (you may wish to include a logical test to help you find when this occurs)




Homework Equations



from __future__ import division
from visual.graph import *

scene.y = 400 # moves animation window down 400 pixels to make room for graph


# Constants
pi = 3.14159
L0 = .08 # equilibrium length of spring (not stretched)
g = 0 # gravitational acceleration set to zero (not on earth)
k = 14 # insert the spring constant you found for the coiled spring

# Objects
# Ceiling to hang spring from.
# block to act as mass.
# Spring is represented by a cylinder.
scene.center = vector(0,-.1,0) # you may want to adjust this to improve display

ceiling = box(pos=vector(0,0,0), size=(.3,0.005,0.005)) # make the contact pointthe origin
block=box(pos=vector(0,-0.1,0), size=(.02,0.02,0.02), color=color.yellow)

# Using the positions of the block and ceiling set the cylinder to stretch from the ceiling to the block
spring = cylinder(pos=ceiling.pos, axis=block.pos, radius=.005)

# Initial values
block.m = 0.45 # insert the measured mass from coiled spring experiment.
block.v = vector(0,0,0) # the vector velocity assuming the block is initially stationary
block.p= block.m * block.v

block.pos=vector(0,-L0-0.05,0) # initial position of block 0.05m from equilibrium

# Setting the timestep and zeroing the cumulative time
deltat = .0001 # you should decrease this later to test if it is small enough
t = 0
W = 0
displacement=0
Kgraph = gcurve(color=color.cyan)
Ugraph = gcurve(color=color.yellow)
KplusUgraph = gcurve(color=color.red)
Wgraph = gcurve(color=color.green)
# Loop for repetitive calculations
scene.autoscale=0
while t < 4:

Fnet= -(((block.pos-vector(0,-L0,0))*k))-((block.p/block.m)*.2) #INSERT the force of the spring on the block
displacement=(mag(block.p)/block.m)*deltat
block.p= block.p+Fnet*deltat # updates the momentum
block.pos= block.pos+block.p/block.m*deltat # updates the position
spring.axis = block.pos #updates the spring axis so it stays on the block
t=t+deltat
pmag = mag(block.p) # or whatever you've called the block's momentum

K = (pmag**2)*.5/block.m #COMPLETE this for the kinetic energy of the
block
U = ((mag(block.pos)-L0)**2)*.5*k #COMPLETE this for the potential energy of the block-spring system (note no gravity)
W = W - displacement*(mag(block.p)/block.m)*.2
Kgraph.plot(pos=(t,K))
Ugraph.plot(pos=(t,U))
KplusUgraph.plot(pos=(t,K+U))
Wgraph.plot(pos=(t,W))

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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The energy of the spring-mass system when the mass first passes through the equilibrium position is 0.5 J.
 

FAQ: How Is Energy Calculated in a Viscously Damped Spring-Mass System?

What is internal energy?

Internal energy is a measure of the total energy contained within a thermodynamic system. It includes the kinetic and potential energy of the particles within the system.

Why is the internal energy problem important?

The internal energy problem is important because it is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics and is necessary for understanding energy transfer and conversion in various systems, such as engines and power plants.

How is internal energy calculated?

Internal energy can be calculated by summing the kinetic and potential energies of all the particles within a system. It can also be measured experimentally using specialized equipment.

What are some common sources of internal energy?

Common sources of internal energy include heat, chemical reactions, and nuclear reactions. Internal energy can also be generated through mechanical work or electrical work.

How can the internal energy of a system be changed?

The internal energy of a system can be changed by adding or removing heat, performing work on the system, or through chemical or nuclear reactions. Changes in external pressure and volume can also affect the internal energy of a system.

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