Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 8.1

The energy principle — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · lindstedt-method-nonlinear-oscillations

Problem

A non-linear oscillator satisfies the equation (1+ϵx2)x¨+x=0,\left(1 + \epsilon x^2\right)\ddot{x} + x = 0, where ϵ\epsilon is a small parameter. Use Lindstedt's method to obtain a two-term approximation to the oscillation frequency when the oscillation has unit amplitude. Find also the corresponding two-term approximation to x(t)x(t). [You will need the identity 4cos⁡3s=3cos⁡s+cos⁡3s4\cos^3 s = 3\cos s + \cos 3s.]

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