Scribd
Upload
419 views3 pages

Application of Laplace Transform - Two Masses On Springs

This document summarizes the application of Laplace transforms to solve a system of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) modeling the vibrations of two masses connected by springs. The system is represented by two second-order ODEs describing the displacements y1 and y2 of each mass. Taking the Laplace transform yields a system of equations that can be solved to obtain expressions for Y1 and Y2 in terms of partial fractions. Taking the inverse Laplace transform then gives the particular solution of the initial value problem as the displacements y1(t) and y2(t), each consisting of a superposition of cosine and sine terms reflecting the undamped nature of the coupled oscillations.

Uploaded by

Charles
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
419 views3 pages

Application of Laplace Transform - Two Masses On Springs

This document summarizes the application of Laplace transforms to solve a system of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) modeling the vibrations of two masses connected by springs. The system is represented by two second-order ODEs describing the displacements y1 and y2 of each mass. Taking the Laplace transform yields a system of equations that can be solved to obtain expressions for Y1 and Y2 in terms of partial fractions. Taking the inverse Laplace transform then gives the particular solution of the initial value problem as the displacements y1(t) and y2(t), each consisting of a superposition of cosine and sine terms reflecting the undamped nature of the coupled oscillations.

Uploaded by

Charles
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Application of Laplace Transform:

Two Masses on Springs


Alveen Chand

System of ODEs of higher order can also be solved by Laplace Transform. As an important
application, typical of many mechanical systems, we consider coupled vibrating masses on springs.

Model of Two Masses on Springs


Example. The mechanical system in the figure below consists of two bodies of mass 1 on three
springs of the same spring constant k and of negligible small masses of the springs. Also, damping√ is
0
assumed to√be practically zero and the given initial conditions are y1 (0) = 1, y(0) = 1, y1 (0) = 3k,
y20 (0) = − 3k.

Solution. We define y1 and y2 to be displacements of the bodies from their positions of


static equilibrium. Newton’s Second Law, Fgrav = mg for a single body and Hooke’s Law,
Fspr = −kx are utilised, and we regard downward forces as positive and upward as negative.
Note the derivation:
• For mass m1 = 1, note that

– −ky1 is the force of the upper spring,


– y2 − y1 is the net change in spring length for the middle spring, so
– k(y2 − y1 ) is the force of the middle spring.

Hence equating Fgrav = Fspr , we obtain the ODE


y100 = −ky1 + k(y2 − y1 ).

1
• For mass m2 = 1, note that
– −k(y2 − y1 ) is the force of the middle spring,
– −ky2 is the force of the lower spring.

Hence equating Fgrav = Fspr , we obtain the ODE


y200 = −k(y2 − y1 ) − ky2 .

• So our model is the system of ODEs


y100 = −ky1 + k(y2 − y1 ),
y200 = −k(y2 − y1 ) − ky2 .

Applying Laplace Transform, we obtain the subsidiary system


√
s2 Y1 − s − 3k = −kY1 + k(Y2 − Y1 )
√
s2 Y2 − s + 3k = −(Y2 − Y1 ) − kY2 .
This system of linear equations in the unknowns Y1 and Y2 may be rewritten as
√
(s2 + 2k)Y1 −kY2 =s + 3k
√
−kY1 +(s2 + 2k)Y2 =s + 3k.
Utilising Elimination method or Cramer’s Rule, yields the solution, which we can expand in terms
of partial fractions,
√ √ √
(s + 3k)(s2 + 2k) + k(s − 3k) s 3k
Y1 = 2 2 2
= 2 + 2
(s + 2k) − k s + k s + 3k
√ √ √
(s2 + 2k)(s − 3k) + k(s + 3k) s 3k
Y2 = 2 2 2
= 2 − 2 .
(s + 2k) − k s + k s + 3k
Applying inverse Laplace transform, we obtain the particular solution of our IVP
√ √
y1 (t) = cos k · t + sin 3k · t
√ √
y2 (t) = cos k · t − sin 3k · t.

2
Note that the system is undamped, so there is no loss of energy of the system to the environment.
This causes the energy in the springs to be transferred from one to another repeatedly. This,
in turn, causes the motion of each mass to be harmonic and being the superposition of a slow
oscillation and a fast oscillation.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy