OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES ChYU 2

Q2: Stick-Slip Friction

Solution: Stick-Slip Oscillation

Diagram: Phase Space (v vs x)

x v Stick (v=u) Slip (SHM) x_break x_stick x₀
(a) Qualitative Mechanism

1. Stick: Initially, friction holds the block to the belt. It moves at constant speed \( u \). The spring force \( kx \) grows linearly.

2. Break: When \( kx = \mu_s mg \), the spring force overcomes static friction. The block slips.

3. Slip: Kinetic friction \( \mu_k mg \) acts. The block performs SHM around a new equilibrium \( x_0 = \mu_k mg / k \).

4. Re-stick: The block slows, reverses, and accelerates forward. When its speed hits \( u \) again (at a lower extension), static friction re-engages.

(b) Deformations The motion is SHM centered at \( x_0 = \frac{\mu_k mg}{k} \). The oscillation starts at \( x_{break} = \frac{\mu_s mg}{k} \) with velocity \( u \). The amplitude \( A’ \) is: \[ A’ = \sqrt{ (x_{break} – x_0)^2 + \left(\frac{u}{\omega}\right)^2 } \] \[ x_{max} = x_0 + A’, \quad x_{min} = x_0 – A’ \]
(c) Period Calculation The total period \( T = t_{stick} + t_{slip} \).
  • Stick time: Distance covered is \( 2(x_{break} – x_0) \). Speed is \( u \). \[ t_{stick} = \frac{2(\mu_s – \mu_k)mg}{uk} \]
  • Slip time: Time spent in SHM arc. \[ t_{slip} = \frac{2}{\omega} \left[ \pi – \tan^{-1}\left( \frac{(\mu_s – \mu_k)g}{u\omega} \right) \right] \]
Total Period T is the sum of linear stick time and harmonic slip time.