Final answer:
Increasing the damping factor in an underdamped second order system reduces oscillations and the amplitude of the response. The critically damped condition allows the system to reach equilibrium quickly without oscillations, whereas an overdamped system moves slowly towards equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effects of increasing the damping factor on the step response of an underdamped standard second order system are significant in terms of oscillations, response time, and system stability. An underdamped system will oscillate around the equilibrium point before settling. As the damping is increased, the system's response to disturbances becomes less oscillatory and the amplitude of the oscillations decreases.
With just the right amount of increase in damping, a system can become critically damped, which is the optimal scenario for reaching equilibrium quickly without any oscillations. However, if you continue to increase the damping beyond this point, the system becomes overdamped, and it will move more slowly towards equilibrium compared to a critically damped system. The period and frequency of the system are also affected as damping increases, with the system becoming slower to respond to inputs.
Overall, the right amount of damping is crucial for a system's performance. Too little damping can lead to excessive oscillations and too much can result in sluggish response. Engineers need to fine-tune the damping factor to achieve desired system behavior, for example, in car suspension where critical damping may be desired to minimize oscillation while still providing a quick response to road irregularities.