Understanding Phase Shifting in Differential Equations

In summary, phase shifting occurs in systems with initial displacement and non-zero initial velocity, as well as non-zero physical constants such as damping ratio and natural frequency. The general solution for an underdamped system involves a combination of cosine and sine terms, with the phase shift determined by the initial conditions. For an undamped system, there will still be a phase shift as long as there is an initial displacement and non-zero initial velocity. However, the amount of phase shift depends on the initial conditions rather than the physical constants of the system.
  • #1
omgitsroy326
30
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How does phase shifting occur?

All i know is that when i you the regular equation

mx + cx + kx Damping bring phase shift (excuse my derivatives)

mx + kx No phase shift


Can someone explain this... :zzz:
 
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  • #2
[itex]x=Acos(\omega t) [/itex] is clearly a solution for the undamped oscillator equation, [itex]\ddot{x} = -(k/m)x [/itex] and clearly, NOT a solution for the damped oscillator equation, [itex]\ddot{x} = -(c/m) \dot{x} -(k/m)x [/itex]. For this latter equation, [itex]x=Ae^{kt}cos(\omega t + \phi ) [/itex] is a solution.
 
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  • #3
In general, the solution to an underdamped system is

e^(-squiggle*wn*t)[A*cos(wd*t) + B*sin(wd*t)]

wd = damped frequency (rad/s)
squiggle = damping ratio (dimensionless, always between 0 and 1, normally
represented with a lower-case greek xi)
wn = natural frequency (rad/s)
t = time (s)


How do i get this junk? well

x'' + c/m*x' + k/m*x = 0 for a system without any driving forces

let c/m = 2*squiggle*wn
let k/m = wn^2

the characteristic equation becomes

r^2 + 2*squiggle*wn*r + wn^2 = 0

applying the quadratic formula and simplifying gives

r = -squiggle*wn +- wn*sqrt(squiggle^2 - 1)

lets define
wd = wn*sqrt(1 - squiggle^2)

because sqrt(squiggle^2 - 1) = imaginary as squiggle < 1
thus in the characteristic equation the imaginary part is the cause of the cosine and sine terms in the general solution at the very top.

From the big ugly thing at the top...

A and B are arbitrary constants which depend on the initial conditions

we must solve a 2nd order system such that
x(0) and x'(0) are satisfied with a single set of values for A and B

If A and B are non zero then we have a phase shift, why?

If B = 0 then we are left with

e^(-squiggle*wn*t)*A*cos(wd*t)

Same can be said if A = 0

So let's just look at the stuff inside the brackets as the e^junk only causes the vibrations to decay and does not effect the frequency or the phase.
A*cos(wd*t) + B*sin(wd*t)

This looks something like sin(wd*t + C)
(look at some of your trig identites such as the sum of angles)

C is the phase is this case and is found by taking the inverse tangent of the cosine term divided by the sine term. YES THE COSINE DIVIDED BY THE SINE. that's the way the math works out so in this case the complete solution when only using a sine to represent the behaviour of the system is

R*e^(-squiggle*wn*t)*sin(wd*t + phi)

R = sqrt(A^2 + B^2)
phi = atan(A/B)

Also, the statement that mx'' + kx = 0 has no phase shift is incorrect
This system is undamped and has the general form of

A*cos(wn*t) + B*sin(wn*t)

Which if put in terms of only a sine function we have

R*sin(wn*t + phi)

R = sqrt(A^2 + B^2)
phi = atan(A/B)
wn = sqrt(k/m)

Pretty much as long as your system has an initial displacement and some non-zero initial velocity there will just about always be a phase shift. Actuall it turns out in the undamped case that...

A = x(0)
B = x'(0)/wn

phi = atan[x(0)*wn/x'(0)]

as long as phi is not zero or a multiple of pi/2 there is a phase shift.

so as long as x(0) is not zero and x'(0) is not zero and the spring constant and masses are not zero. Then we have a phase shift.

In general, its safer to say that phase shifts depend on the initial conditions and not the physical constants of the system.
 
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FAQ: Understanding Phase Shifting in Differential Equations

What is phase shifting in differential equations?

Phase shifting in differential equations refers to the change in the position or shape of a graph or solution curve over time. It occurs when the independent variable, typically time, is shifted or changed in some way.

Why is it important to understand phase shifting in differential equations?

Understanding phase shifting is crucial in analyzing and solving differential equations, as it allows us to predict and interpret the behavior of a system over time. It also helps us identify any changes or disturbances in the system that may affect its overall behavior.

What are the different types of phase shifting in differential equations?

There are two main types of phase shifting: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal phase shifting occurs when the independent variable is shifted or changed, while vertical phase shifting occurs when the dependent variable is shifted or changed.

How can we determine the amount of phase shifting in a differential equation?

The amount of phase shifting can be determined by examining the coefficients of the equation and any constants or initial conditions present. These values will affect the position and shape of the solution curve over time.

What are some real-world applications of understanding phase shifting in differential equations?

Phase shifting in differential equations has many practical applications, such as predicting the behavior of electrical circuits, analyzing population growth and decay, and modeling the motion of objects under the influence of forces. It is also used in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

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