Main Page/PHYS 3220/Coupled Motion
Contents
Coupled Oscillatory and Rotational Motion
Abstract
In this experiment a magnetically levitating motion device is used to study coupled oscillatory motion, as well as coupled rotational-oscillatory motion. Beat patterns can be observed over long periods of time due to the low friction. Computer-interfaced data acquisition allows one to perform a Fourier analysis of the motion.
Introduction
Coupled Oscillators
The problem of two coupled harmonic oscillators represents a textbook example that is amenable to a closed-form solution (see references or other texts on Classical Mechanics). The most striking feature that can be observed in coupled pendula with masses m1 and m2 is the beat pattern: if one, e.g., m1 is initially at rest, while m2 is struck, an oscillation starts in m2, but is then transferred into m1 and back. This oscillation of the amount of kinetic energy in each of the oscillators goes on forever.
