Coupled Oscillations
This coupled oscillator system consists of two masses on spring "blades" arranged so that they can oscillate horizontally. The positions of both masses can be qualitatively measured with a pair of hall-effect sensors on the associated circuit-board. The coupling between the two oscillators is provided by a weak spring slotted onto the two blades, as shown below. Coupling strength can be adjusted by changing the number of spring loops between the blades.
Equipment built by Eric Ayars and Jaydie Lee based on a design stolen from Alastair McLean and Bei Cai at Queen's University, Ontario.
Options
- Measure Q of the oscillators
- Measure the frequencies of the two normal modes using Fourier methods
- Build a computational model of this system and compare that model with the observed behavior.
- Measure how the normal mode frequencies depend on the coupling strength.
Reading
- See relevant sectios from your preferred Classical Mechanics textbook
Location
Room 108E, medium-sized blue bin cabinet 4.