TITLE:
Vibrational Normal Modes of an Equilateral Triangular Mechanical Molecule
AUTHORS:
Haiduke Sarafian
KEYWORDS:
Triatomic Mechanical Molecule, Vibrating Normal Modes, Computer Algebra System, Mathematica
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Mechanics,
Vol.12 No.5,
May
31,
2022
ABSTRACT: Three point-like massive particles/atoms are connected with three springs
forming an equilateral triangle replicating a prototype triatomic molecule. The
triangle is inscribed within a stationary frame via three additional springs
confining the vibrations of the molecule to a 2D space. It is the objective of
this research flavored investigation to seek the normal vibrational modes for
this three-body six-spring structure. The entire analysis including
symbolic, numeric, and graphics is carried out by adapting a suitable Computer
Algebra System (CAS), Mathematica. For a comprehensive understanding,
the frequency of the normal mode is used for a visual animation; an actual
mechanical replica of the “molecule” for the scenario on hand is fabricated.