What is gamma in the damping equation? x &#x2033; </msup> + &#x03B3;<!-- γ -->

Adelyn Rodriguez

Adelyn Rodriguez

Answered question

2022-05-20

What is gamma in the damping equation?
x + γ x + w 0 2 x = 0
That is the general equation for damped harmonic motion. What is the term or name that describes gamma ?
Is it called the damping constant ? I know its the ration between the resistive coefficient (b) and mass of the system (m) but what do we actually call it ?

Answer & Explanation

Julius Johnston

Julius Johnston

Beginner2022-05-21Added 17 answers

It's called damping ratio, damping coefficient of damping constant. it measures how the oscillations of the system decay after an initial force is applied. You can calculate it with the expression:
γ = c k m
where c is the friction coefficient, m the mass of the oscillating object and k the elastic constant corresponding to Hooke's law. If γ > 1 we say that the oscillator is overdamped.
Regina Ewing

Regina Ewing

Beginner2022-05-22Added 3 answers

The second order differential equation arises from the application of Newton's Second Law.
F = m a
In the case of oscillatory systems, such as a spring, there are two forces exerted onto the spring. The restoring force −kx and the damping force −bv where v is the velocity of the spring. Note that the assumption of linear resistive force is only an approximation, and at higher velocities drag is actually proportional to the square of velocity.
k x b v = m a m x ¨ + b x ˙ + k x = 0 x ¨ + b m x ˙ + k m x = 0
which is the equation you had above

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