26.8. COMPOUND PENDULUM A compound pendulum, in its simplest form, consists of a rigid body suspended vertically at O and oscillating with a small amplitude under the action of the force of gravity. At some instant, let the position of the rigid body be at its extreme position as shown in Fig. 26.7. Let m = mass of the pendulum h=Distance between point of suspension (O) and the centre of gravity (G) of the body. A little consideration will show, that if the pendulum is given a small angular displacement 8, then the moment of the couple tending to restore the pendulum in the equilibrium position OA =mgh sin @=mgh0— ...@) ..(Since @ is very small, therefore substituting sin 6 = 8) mg sin 0! mg cos @ x ' \ mg A Fig. 26.7. Compound pendulumChapter 26 : Hellcal Springs and Pendulums «© 543 Now let Jy = Mass moment of inertia of the body about O oc = Angular acceleration of the body, + Disturbing moment due to angular displacement Bly a el) Equating two moments i.e, equations (i) and (ii), mgh 0 = 1) 0 mghO x aot’ Ig We know that periodic time, te2n Displacement =2n 0 =2n Acceleration a 1 and frequency of motion, = fash waliv) t any ly meno = > fy wld) Note. The above formula for periodic time (or frequency of motion may also be expressed in terms of radius of gyration (A) as discussed below : We know from the theorem of parallel axis (Art. 7-12) that the mass moment of inertia of the pendulum about O, f=, + mh 2 = mk? + mh? =m (k2 +h?) Now substituting the value of Jy in equation (iii), p2 2 boon (MEAD _ on mgh 1 fh Similarly n= 1 "z a Cont