PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Mathematical Methods for Physics · Oscillations, Waves & Acoustics · Simple, damped and driven oscillations
Mathematical Methods for Physics, Ch Higher-order linear equations, the Wronskian and variation of parameters
Problem
An undamped oscillator obeys x¨+ω02x=s(t), where s(t)=Fsec(ω0t)tan(ω0t) for ∣ω0t∣<π/2. Here F is a constant with units of acceleration and ω0 is the natural angular frequency of the undriven oscillator. The oscillator starts from rest at its equilibrium position, x(0)=0, x˙(0)=0.
((a)) State why the method of undetermined coefficients cannot supply a particular integral for this drive.
((b)) Use variation of parameters, with y1=cosω0t and y2=sinω0t, to find x(t) on ∣ω0t∣<π/2.
((c)) Evaluate x at t=1.0s for ω0=1.0rads−1 and F=1.0ms−2.