Chain sliding over a table edge ($(M+m+\rho L)\ddot{x}=g(M+\rho x)$)

An inextensible uniform chain of length L and linear mass density $\rho$ links a mass m sliding on a frictionless table to a hanging mass M. If the initial hanging chain length is zero and x is its subsequent hanging length, all moving material has speed $\dot{x}$. The kinetic energy is $(M+m+\rho L){\dot{x}}^2/2$, while the gravitational potential energy is $-Mgx-\rho g{x}^2/2$. The Euler-Lagrange equation gives the displayed equation until a mass hits the floor or reaches the edge. Increasing hanging chain weight produces a hyperbolic cosine displacement from rest, rather than uniform acceleration.

Attach the table-end mass to a linear spring of spring constant k. Adding spring potential energy $k(e_0+x{)}^2/2$ gives restoring curvature $k-\rho g$ about equilibrium. The positive gravitational feedback from increasing hanging chain length subtracts from the spring stiffness. Stable oscillations require $k>\rho g$; equality is neutral in this ideal linear model, while $k<\rho g$ gives exponential departure. The frequency is independent of the preload, although the equilibrium position is not.