13.88.

Two solid cylinders connected along their common axis by a short, light rod have radius R and
total mass M and rest on a horizontal tabletop. A spring with force constant k has one end
attached to a clamp and the other end attached to a frictionless ring at the center of mass of the
cylinders (see figure). The cylinders are pulled to the left a distance x, which stretches the spring,
and released. There is sufficient friction between the tabletop and the cylinders for the cylinders
to roll without slipping as they move back and forth on the end of the spring. Show that the
motion of the center of mass of the cylinders is simple harmonic and calculate its period in terms
of M and k. [Hint: the motion is simple harmonic if ax and x are related by ax = -2x, and the
period then is T = 2/. Apply z = Icm z and Fx Macm-x to the cylinders in order to relate
acm-x and the displacement x of the cylinders from their equilibrium position.]

Identify: Apply z cm z and x

I F Macm x
to the cylinders. Solve for acm x. Compare to
ax = -2x to find the angular frequency and period, T 2
Set Up:

Figure 13.88a
Let the origin of coordinate be at the center of the cylinders when they are at their
equilibrium position.
The free-body diagram for the cylinders when they are displaced a distance x to the left is
given in Figure 13.88b.

Figure 13.88b

Execute:
z I cm z

f s R ( 12 MR2 )
 f s 12 MR

But R acm so
f s 12 Macm

F x max

f s kx Macm
1
2 Macm kx Macm

kx 32 Macm

(2k/3M ) x acm

Eq. (13.8): ax x (The minus sign says that x and ax have opposite directions, as our diagram
2

shows.) Our result for acm is of this form, with 2k/3M and 2k/3M . Thus
2

T 2 / 2 M/2k .

Evaluate: If there were no friction and the cylinder didnt roll, the period would be 2 M/k .
The period when there is rolling without slipping is larger than this.