CSE 541 – Numerical Methods
Linear Systems y
E l Example
- Suppose we have three
masses all connected by i springs.
- Each spring has the same
constant k. constant k.
- Simple force balance gives
us accelerations in terms of di l displacements.
S l F E Simple Force Equation
- Recall from elementary
physics that F=ma or
( )
2
d
physics, that F ma, or ma=F).
( ) ( )
2 ) ( 2
2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1
k k d kx g m x x k x dt d m − + − =
( )
) ( 2 ) (
2 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2
x x k g m x d m x x k g m x x k x dt d m − − + − = ) (
2 3 3 3 2 3
x x k g m x dt m − − =
S l F E Simple Force Equation
- If we attach the masses and then let go, physically we
know that it will oscillate
- Crucial question is what is the steady state
Crucial question is what is the steady state
– i.e., no acceleration
1 2 1
3 2 kx kx m g − + =
1 2 3 2 2 3 3
2 3 kx kx kx m g kx kx m g − + − = − + =
- How do we solve such a linear system of equations?
- Occurs in many circumstances: mass balances, circuit
design, stress-strain, weather forecasting, light i propagation, etc.