Module for the study of Spring-Mass Systems

Numerical Methods for O. D. E.  using Mathematica. (c) John H. Mathews, 2003

Background. Consider the system of two masses and two springs with no external force.  

Visualize a wall on the left and to the right a spring , a mass, a spring and another mass.  The system of  D. E.'s is  

    [Graphics:Images/SpringMassMod_gr_1.gif]   

Example 1.  Find the general solution to the system of D. E.'s  and plot the solution curves.

    [Graphics:Images/SpringMassMod_gr_2.gif]   

Solution 1.

More Background. Consider the system of two masses and three springs.  

Visualize a wall on the left and to the right a spring , a mass, a spring, a mass, a spring and another wall.  The system of  D. E.'s is  

    [Graphics:Images/SpringMassMod_gr_53.gif]  

Example 2.  Find the general solution to the system of D. E.'s  and plot the solution curves.

    [Graphics:Images/SpringMassMod_gr_54.gif]   

Solution 2.

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Converted by Mathematica      January 28, 2003