Linear Harmonic Motion

Comparison of Model with Data

When computing the error between the graphs of the linear damped oscillator model and actual experimental data, we discover that the graph of the error appears as shown below.

The periodic increase and decrease of the error describes a phenomenon known as beats. The presence of these beats in the error indicates that this linear harmonic model is not sufficient. Instead, we need to use a model which incorporates higher harmonics.


Next: Higher Harmonic Motion

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Previous: Oscillating Cantilevered Beams


Jennifer Powell<jpowell@geom.umn.edu>
Fati Liamidi<liamidi@geom.umn.edu>