Past exam of the mathematical methods I course of the University of Oxford / 2019 / 10 / b / Solution

Take $m,k,\gamma ,F_0>0$ and $\omega >0$, and write $D_{\omega }=k-m{\omega }^2$ and $B_{\omega }=m\gamma \omega$. Substitution of $z=A\cos \omega t$ into the forced harmonic oscillator equation givesEquating the independent sine and cosine coefficients yieldsThus the required phase matching for a displacement referenced driven oscillator isFor a positive amplitude $A$, one must also choose the correct quadrant: $\cos {\varphi }_0=D_{\omega }/\sqrt{D_{\omega }^2+B_{\omega }^2}$ and $\sin {\varphi }_0=B_{\omega }/\sqrt{D_{\omega }^2+B_{\omega }^2}$. Squaring and adding the coefficient equations givesFor arbitrary forcing phase, the steady response is instead $z=A\cos (\omega t+{\varphi }_0-\delta )$, where $\delta$ has the sine and cosine just specified. A change of time origin can put this displacement into $A\cos \omega t$, but it also changes the stated forcing phase.

The source's requested parameter list for $A$ omits $\gamma$; in general it cannot be omitted. As a concrete counterexample, take $m=k=F_0=\omega =1$ and ${\varphi }_0=\pi /2$. The prescribed cosine response exists for every $\gamma >0$, but $A=1/\gamma$, so fixing all four listed parameters does not fix the amplitude. Likewise, with fixed ${\varphi }_0=0$, positive damping and nonzero $\omega$, the second coefficient equation prevents a nonzero pure-cosine response. The forcing phase is an essential part of the condition.