What are Lagrange's equations of motion for a pendulum suspended by a spring?

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    2015
In summary, a pendulum suspended by a spring is a system in which a mass oscillates back and forth due to the forces of gravity and the spring. Lagrange's equations of motion, developed by mathematician and physicist Joseph-Louis Lagrange, can be applied to this system to analyze its dynamics. These equations take into account variables such as the mass, position, and velocity of the pendulum, as well as constants such as the spring constant and length of the pendulum. By solving these equations, one can determine the motion and trajectory of the pendulum-spring system.
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Ackbach
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Here is this week's POTW:

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A pendulum consists of a mass $m$ suspended by a spring with negligible mass with unextended length $b$ and spring constant $k$. Find Lagrange's equations of motion.

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to logan3 for correctly solving this week's POTW! The solution follows:

SOLUTION
m = mass
k = spring constant
θ = angular displacement of spring pendulum from rest position
b = unextended length of spring pendulum
x = extended length of spring pendulum

$F_{mass} = mg\cos(\theta) - k(x - b) = ma_{mass} = m(\ddot x - x \dot \theta^2) \Rightarrow m \ddot x - mx \dot \theta^2 - mg\cos(\theta) + k(x - b) = 0$

$F_{\theta} = -mg\sin(\theta) = ma_{\theta} = m(x \ddot \theta + 2 \dot x \dot \theta) \Rightarrow x \ddot \theta + 2 \dot x \dot \theta + g\sin(\theta) = 0$

or

$T = KE = \frac {1} {2} m (\ddot x^2 + x^2 \dot \theta^2)$
$U = PE = -mgx\cos(\theta) + \frac {1} {2} k(x - b)^2$

Lagrangian $(L) = T - U = \frac {1}{2} m (\ddot x^2 + x^2 \dot \theta^2) + mgx\cos(\theta) - \frac {1}{2} k(x - b)^2$

Euler-Lagrangian for x:
$\frac {\partial L}{\partial x} = mx \dot \theta^2 + mg\cos(\theta) - k(x - b)$
$\frac {d}{dt} \frac {\partial L}{\partial \dot x} = m \ddot x$

$\frac {d}{dt} \frac {\partial L}{\partial \dot x} - \frac {\partial L}{\partial x} = m \ddot x - mx \dot \theta^2 - mg\cos(\theta) + k(x - b) = 0$

Euler-Lagrangian for θ:
$\frac {\partial L}{\partial \theta} = -mgx\sin(\theta)$
$\frac {d}{dt} \frac {\partial L}{\partial \dot \theta} = m x^2 \ddot \theta + 2mx \dot x \dot \theta$

$\frac {d}{dt} \frac {\partial L}{\partial \dot \theta} - \frac {\partial L}{\partial \theta} = x \ddot \theta + 2 \dot x \dot \theta + g\sin(\theta) = 0$
 

FAQ: What are Lagrange's equations of motion for a pendulum suspended by a spring?

What is a pendulum suspended by a spring?

A pendulum suspended by a spring is a physical system in which a mass is attached to a spring and allowed to oscillate back and forth. The mass is pulled down by gravity and then pulled back up by the spring, resulting in a continuous motion.

Who is Lagrange and why are his equations important?

Joseph-Louis Lagrange was a famous mathematician and physicist who developed Lagrangian mechanics, a mathematical framework for describing the motion of objects in a system. His equations of motion are important because they provide a general and elegant approach to analyzing the dynamics of complex systems, such as the pendulum-spring system.

How do Lagrange's equations of motion apply to a pendulum-spring system?

Lagrange's equations of motion can be applied to a pendulum-spring system by considering the total energy of the system, including the potential energy of the spring and the kinetic energy of the pendulum. The equations describe the relationships between the position, velocity, and acceleration of the mass as it moves through its oscillations.

What are the variables and constants involved in Lagrange's equations for a pendulum-spring system?

The variables in Lagrange's equations for a pendulum-spring system include the position and velocity of the mass, as well as parameters such as the mass of the pendulum, the spring constant, and the length of the pendulum. The constants involved will depend on the specific system being studied.

Can Lagrange's equations be used to solve for the motion of a pendulum-spring system?

Yes, Lagrange's equations can be used to solve for the motion of a pendulum-spring system. By solving the equations, one can determine the position and velocity of the pendulum at any given time, as well as the trajectory of its motion. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the system's behavior and can be applied to various scenarios and configurations.

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