Composing and solving differential equations for small oscillations of mathematical spring-coupled pendulums
Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia; *Correspondence: aare.aan@emu.ee
Abstract:
This paper shows how to compose differential equations describing the oscillations of mathematical spring-coupled pendulums in a Mathcad worksheet. The composed differential equations are solved using both symbolic calculation features of Mathcad and Laplace transform. On the basis of the obtained solution, a video clip is made to demonstrate the motion of mathematical spring-coupled pendulums. The methods presented in this paper can be used for teaching engineering mathematics and mechanics.
Key words:
a coupled pendulum, Laplace transform, mechanical systems, Mechanics, simulation of motion., small oscillations, symbolic calculations