Computer Simulation of Coupled Oscillator Using Xcos

In this paper, we numerically solve the Coupled Oscillator (CO) using a model-based simulation approach. The simulation is set up in the form of a block diagram in Xcos, an application of Scilab. By choosing appropriate initial conditions, the various modes of the CO, such as symmetric, anti-symmetric, and beats, are excited. The resulting corresponding waveforms are analyzed in the Scilab console to obtain the frequencies for the respective modes and are validated with those obtained using analytical considerations. This approach is very suitable as an interesting simulation activity for undergraduate students.