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Theory of Small Oscillations and
Theory of Small Oscillations and
Coupled Oscillators
14.1 INTRODUCTION
In Chapters 3 and 4, we discussed the oscillatory motion of undamped,
damped, and forced oscillators.
As in the previous chapters where we extended the motion of single
particles to the motion of rigid bodies, we now investigate the oscillatory
motion of system of particles. One of the most deeply investigated
concepts in modern physics is that of oscillatory motion of atoms in the field
of molecular physics and solids in the field of solid state physics.
We will describe the oscillatory motion of many coupled oscillators in terms
of normal coordinates and normal frequencies. Theory of small oscillations
in analyzing coupled oscillatory motion uses methods of Lagrange's
equations together with matrix tensor formulation. We will close the chapter
with the discussion of vibrations and beats in the vibrating systems. Also,
we will briefly touch the topic of dissipative systems under forced
oscillators.
Qk = ~ — = 0 (14.3)
To + Vo = T + V
T-To= -(V-Vo) (14.4)