Problem 5.1 -- Similar to Problem 4.1 (2.010 MIT)

Problem 5.1 -- Similar to Problem 4.1

You've set up equations of motions and created the resulting K and M (or I) matrices before. 5.1 is another such problem:

The only potentially tricky/confusing aspect is the use of the 'a' vector above.

To be clear, go over the example in Crandall's LECTURE 8 notes (given below):

Here, {a} just represents the amplitudes of your exponential (aka sine wave) solutions:

Since you have no damping, you can cancel out the 'sin(wt)' in your relationship between the spring (K*x) and inertial (M*(d2x/dx2)) forces.
Just check to make sure you have your SIGNS (+/-) straight.

Here is the solution to the symmetric spring-mass system above:

which can then be rewritten as:

gonzo@mit.edu

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2.010 Tutorial #5, 23-Oct-00