132 Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations
2.5. A particle P of mass m is attached by a flexible massless string of constant length L
to a point A on the rim of a smooth fixed vertical cylinder of radius R. The string can
wrap around the cylinder, but leaves at point C, creating a straight portion CP.At
any given time, all portions of the string maintain the same slope angle φ relative to
a horizontal plane. (a) Using (θ,φ) as generalized coordinates, obtain the differential
equations of motion. (b) Solve for the tension in the string. Assume that the string
remains taut and the distance CP > 0.
g
O
R
A
C
P
m
e
θ
e
z
θ
e
R
φ
Figure P 2.5.
2.6. A particle of mass m moves on the surface of a spherical earth of radius R which
rotates at a constant rate . Linear damping with a damping coefficient c exists for
motion of the particle relative to the earth’s surface. Choose an inertial frame at the
center of the earth and use (θ,φ) as generalized coordinates, where θ is the latitude
angle (positive north of the equator) and φ is the longitude angle (positive toward the
east). (a) Obtain the differential equations of motion. (b) Show that the work rate
˙
W
p
of the damper acting on the particle plus its work rate
˙
W
e
acting on the earth plus the
energy dissipation rate
˙
D sums to zero.
2.7. A dumbbell consists of two particles, each of mass m, connected by a massless rod of
length l. A knife edge is located at particle 1 and is aligned at 45
◦
to the longitudinal
direction, as shown in Fig. P 2.7. Using (x, y,φ) as generalized coordinates, find the
differential equations of motion of the system.
2.8. Two particles, each of mass m, can slide on the horizontal xy-plane (Fig. 2.8).
Particle 1 at (x, y) has a knife-edge constraint and is attached to a massless rigid
rod. Particle 2 can slide without friction on this rod and is connected to particle 1
by a spring of stiffness k and unstressed length l
0
. Using (x , y,φ,s) as generalized
coordinates, obtain the differential equations of motion.