Lab # 2
Lab # 2
Lab # 2
Air University
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Institute of Avionics and Aeronautics
(IAA)
Lab No. 2
Simple Pendulum
Submitted To:
Submitted By:
Lab # 2
Objective:
Equipment Required:
Theory:
a) Mathematical Pendulum
m. = -m.g.sinφ
x = L.φ, =L
+ sin =0
for small
sin =
So the equation of motion for mathematical pendulum becomes
+ =0 ………… ( I )
The solution is a harmonic oscillation expressed as (t) = A sin ωnt where ωn is the
natural frequency of the oscillation so the above mentioned equation No. I becomes
By solving
ωn =
T = = 2π
b) Physical Pendulum
A physical is a pendulum where the pendulum mass is not concentrated at one point.
Strictly speaking, in reality all pendulums are physical, since it is not possible to
achieve the ideal concentration of mass at a single point. A moment equilibrium is
formed about the suspension point to establish the equation of motion. Here again the
pendulum is deflected about the angle . The component FR = m.g.sin of the force
due to weight applied with the lever are rSO at the center of gravity S likewise attempts
to return the pendulum to its initial position. Given the mass moment of inertia (MMI)
JO about the suspension point O this result in.
JO. = - rSO.m.g.sin
Substitution, linearization and normalization then produce the equation of motion for
physical pendulum.
+ =0
ωn =
T= =2
The MMI JO about the suspension point O determined from the MMI JS about the
center of gravity and the Steiner component with a center of gravity distance rSO.
JO = JS + m. rSO2 = +m. = m.
+ =0
ωn =
T= =2
Procedure:
Measure and note the length L, the distance of pivot point O to the end of the bar.
Displace the pendulum through a small angle, and allow to swing freely. Once settled,
measure the time taken for 20 oscillations and record the periodic time, t.
Repeat the procedure for various values of L for both the wooden ball and the steel
ball.
b) Compound Pendulum
Conclusions:
Concluding remarks should be given for all (5) above mentioned objectives.
Sources of Error:
List all factors that are contributing for different errors.