Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 7-24

Central-Force Motion — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · lagrangian-hamiltonian-shortening-pendulum

Problem

Consider a simple plane pendulum consisting of a mass mm attached to a string of length ll. After the pendulum is set into motion, the length of the string is shortened at a constant rate dldt=−α=constant\frac{dl}{dt} = -\alpha = \text{constant} The suspension point remains fixed. Compute the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian functions. Compare the Hamiltonian and the total energy, and discuss the conservation of energy for the system.

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