Past exam of the mathematical methods II course of the University of Oxford 2021 resit 11 b Solution 2026-10-25
To find the normal modes of two arc-spring-coupled beads on a hoop, take for a normal mode. The resulting generalized eigenvalue problem isIts determinant isThus the angular frequencies areThe ordinary nonzero frequency is . The zero mode has mode shape and represents a common rotation with no change in spring length. The oscillatory mode shape is .