Plot animation of a pendulum moving with simple harmonic motion

Natee Panagant, Khon Kaen University, Mechanical Engineering

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Initial Publication Date: November 10, 2021

Summary

Calculate the simple harmonic motion of a pendulum with specified conditions. Then, plot animation of the motion with MATLAB.

Outcome: Student can convert the equation of motion into MATLAB code and using the plot command to generate the animation of the pendulum.

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Learning Goals

  • To apply the coding skill to analyze the engineering problems.
  • Coding skills with MATLAB can improve logic thinking. The visualization in MATLAB can help the students understand the problem easier.

Context for Use

  • Bachelor degree (Engineering)
  • 80 Student
  • Midterm Exam
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • The student need basic calculation and plot coding skill with MATLAB.
  • The student need basic Physics knowledge.
  • The problem is not too hard. Other type of motion problem can be employed.

Description and Teaching Materials

This file is the solution of the pendulum motion examination.

 

Teaching Notes and Tips

  • The student must have basic Physics knowledge.
  • The basic simple harmonic equation can easily found in the internet.
  • Length of the robe need to be pre-specified.
  • Then, the equation of motion can be established.
  • Basic calculations and plot commands of MATLAB are needed for coding the animation plot.

Assessment

  1. Student can calculate the motion with simple harmonic equation with MATLAB.
  2. Student can visualize the motion in MATLAB