Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 12.4

The calculus of variations and Hamilton's principle — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · lagrangian-mechanics-swinging-door

Problem

The swinging door A uniform rectangular door of width 2a2a can swing freely on its hinges. The door is misaligned and the line of the hinges makes an angle α\alpha with the upward vertical. Take the rotation angle of the door from its equilibrium position as generalised coordinate and obtain Lagrange's equation for the motion. Deduce the period of small oscillations of the door about the equilibrium position.

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