Solving Initial Value Problems in polar coordinates

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Hi there. So I'm trying to solve a differential equation, but I just don't know where to start. I have a problem where a block is connected to a spring, and that spring is a swinging pendulum (think a normal pendulum but instead of a string, a spring is used).
I have the following differential equations:
-in the r direction: d2rdt2 = -(k*r)/m + g*cos(theta)
-in the theta direction: d2thetadt2 = -g*sin(theta)
I want to use something along the lines of 'ode45' to solve these, I'm just not sure how to do this. Eventually, I want to get to the total displacement of the swinging/bouncing block over a set period of time.
If anybody could help in anyway, or just get me started in the right direction, that would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You, Brayden
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Mohammad Abouali
Mohammad Abouali on 16 Oct 2014
Edited: Mohammad Abouali on 16 Oct 2014
My question is regarding your equations. How did you got these equations? Theta seems to be completely independent of r. So in a way you do not have a coupled equation.
If your equations are correct, you should be first solving Theta completely independently and then solve r by plugin in the value of Theta back into r equation.
However, I think something is missing in your equations. The period of movement is related to the length of the rope (or spring here). and that period is related to changes in time of theta. So, somehow I do think that the equation for theta should have some sort of r in it.

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