The graphing window at upper right displays solutions of the differential equation \(m\ddot{x} + b\dot{x} + kx = A \cos(\omega t)\) or its associated homogeneous equation.

Three buttons at lower right toggle display of the steady state solution (in green), the solution with given initial condition (in yellow), and the corresponding transient (in cyan). Rolling the cursor over that window creates crosshairs and a readout of \(t\) and \(x\).

The time value is set using a slider under the window. The [>>] key starts an animation. The [<<] key resets \(t\) to \(t = 0\). Rolling the cursor over this window creates crosshairs and a readout of the values of \(t\) and \(x\).

Sliders control the value of the parameters \(m, b, k, A,\) and \(\omega\).

At the upper left is a window displaying velocity and position. Its value at \(t = 0\) is controlled by dragging the yellow diamond or by grabbing the sliders along the edges of the window.

The phase plane trajectory is toggled by the [Show trajectory] button, and a line connecting the two graphs is toggled by the [Relate diagrams] button.

A slider at upper right controls a zoom feature in \(x\) and \(\dot{x}\) and the maximal displayed values of \(x\) and \(\dot{x}\) is read out to the right of the slider.

© 2008 H. Hohn, H. Miller, and J.-M. Claus