Mathematical Modelling IIIIain A. Andersoni.anderson@auckland.ac.nzFloor 6, 70 Symonds St.x 82465In this module we will model:Electronic autowasher bias spring problemsMultimodal vibrations of guitar or violin stringsTidal waves (tsunamis)Heat loss from a hot copper electrical wireTelescope mirrorsModelling electric fields

We will use partial differential equations to describe the phenomena.

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What are partial differential equations? Compare them with ordinary differential equations:In ODEs the unknown(s) depend(s) on one variable:In PDEs the unknown(s) depend(s) on more than one variable. PDEs contain partial derivatives. Here, T is the dependent variable and x and t the independent variables.The indicates that these are partial derivatives. There are more variables than one. In this case we have x and t

PDEs can be used for modelling electric, magnetic, structural mechanical, thermodynamic and fluid dynamic phenomena.

PDEs relate space (x,y,z) and time (t) derivatives. Partial derivatives can represent velocities acceleration, forces, friction, heat gradients etc. The equation on the right is used for describing the flow of heat.

It is often useful to perform a few calculations using simple engineering models based on pdes. These models will provide enough information to establish the feasibility of a design concept, troubleshoot a problem or select a construction material.Basic steps of problem formulation and solution:Model the problem and find an equationDerive a solution to the equationFit the solution to the boundary conditionsFit the solution to the initial conditions

Model 1: Troublesome electronic autowasher spring vibrationsBias spring resonance problems encountered during the development of the suspension for the F&P electronic autowasher Gentle Annie (1985). At 1100 rpm when the washing machine was in spin mode the bias spring would vibrate wildly and make contact with the pulley. Schematic of autowasher

Step 1: Model the problem and find an equation The spring was long and slender like an elastic string. I recalled something I had learned in Engineering Mathematics II (The predecessor of MM3): How to derive the equation governing small transverse vibrations of an elastic string that is stretched to length L and then fixed at its endpoints.L

Assumptions:

Mass per unit length is constant.

Gravity can be neglected

Motion is in one plane

Modelling the spring as an elastic string. Consider a free body diagram of a string segment: forces at ends = massacceleration

Now consider the forces acting on this string segment. We will find the deflection u(x,t) at any point x and t > 0.Horizontal direction:(1)

Vertical direction: (2)

Note: = linear density of string.

Divide equation 2 by equation 1 to get equation 3:(2)(1)(3)Note that tan = string slope at x and tan = string slope at x+x

tan = string slope at x and tan = string slope at x+x

Thus(4)After dividing eqn.3 by Tx, and substituting eqn.s 4 for the tan functions, we have:

Now let x0xx+x

By letting x 0, we have obtained the one-dimensional wave equation: Rearrange and set c2 = T/: How do we obtain a solution for the autowasher spring? (5)

Step 2: The solution We must find a solution that:Solves the equation and has the potential to give useful results.Lets try a couple of trial solutions:u = C where C is a constant.

0 0

u = C works but this solution isnt very useful. We want a solution that changes with time and that can be used for describing a moving spring.

Lets tryu = D x/t where D is another constant. -2D x/t3 0

This wont satisfy the equation!

Instead of guessing we could start looking for a solution by making the assumption that it will be some function of x multiplied by a function of t:

We obtain the solution using the method of

Separation of Variables.

Separation of variablesSubstitute the solution u=X(x)T(t) into eqn. 5: (5)You get:

Now separate variables (get everything thats a function of x on one side and everything thats a function of t on the other):

Both sides are equal to a constant. Call it k:We get the two equations:Time (t) onlyDistance (x) only

Choose a sign for the constant that will give you sensible results.k should be negative. k=-2You now get 2 differential equations:. (6)

Solutions to T and X are:(7)Demonstrate to yourself that the two expressions (eqn.s 7) are solutions to eqn.s 6.

The solution for u(x,t) equals X times T:(8)This looks OK. The sinusoidal terms will be useful for fitting a solution within the fixed length L.Prove that this solution satisfies the differential equation.

What form of solution would you get if you chose k= +2 ?

We must now find values for the constants A-D and . (8)Step 3: Fit the solution to the boundary conditionsWhat boundary conditions would we use? The spring is tethered at the ends.

Boundary conditionsAt x=0 u(0,t) = 0Thus B= 0

At x=Lu(L,t) = 0So sin(L) = 0

or

L = n where n= 0,1,2,3,.

so

orn= 1,2,3,. Note n=0 gives u0 =0(9)

1st string modeModeshapeNat. frequency

2nd string mode

3rd string mode

The observed pattern of vibration for the bias spring resembled mode #1 The natural frequency is (Radians per second):Note: frequency in Hz can be obtained by dividing this by 2.

ConclusionsMeasurements of T, (mass per unit length), and L from the bias spring confirmed that it would be resonant at 1 = 115 radians/sec. This is equivalent to 18.3 Hz or 1100 rpm!

The spring was de-tuned by careful redesign, to give it a lower linear density (mass per coil) so that its first mode would have a safe high resonant frequency of 146 radians/sec (1400rpm). Note that this wasnt easy. Other factors had to be taken into account associated with the required spring stiffness and strength.