Analysis of Mechanical

System
Mechanical System
In mechanical systems, motion can be of different type
(Translational, Rotational or combination of both. The
equations governing such motion in mechanical
systems are often directly or indirectly governed by
Newtons Law of Motion.
Translational Motion
A mechanical system in which motion is taking place
along a straight line.
These systems are characterized by displacement,
linear velocity and linear acceleration.
According to newtons law of motion, sum of forces
applied on rigid body or system must be equal to sum of
forces consumed to produce displacement, velocity and
acceleration in various elements of the system.
The following elements are dominantly involved in the
analysis of translational motion systems: Mass,
Spring, and Friction
Mass (M)
The displacement of mass always takes place in the
direction of the applied force results in inertial force.
This force is always proportional to the acceleration
produced in mass (M) by the applied force.
The applied force f(t) produces
displacement x(t) in the
direction of the applied force
f(t).

Taking the Laplace transform

Linear Spring
In actual mechanical system there may be an actual
spring or indication of spring action because of elastic
cable or belt.
The force required to cause the displacement is
proportional to the net displacement in the spring.

Assuming linear spring constant
K for the spring

Taking the Laplace Transform

Linear Spring
Spring connected between the two moving elements
having masses M1 and M2.
Friction
Whenever there is a motion, there exist a friction.
Viscous friction is assumed to be linear, with frictional
constant B.
The friction is generally shown by a
dash-pot or a damper.
Friction will oppose the motion of
mass M and opposing force is
proportional to velocity of mass M.

Taking the Laplace Transform

Friction
Friction is between two moving surfaces.

The friction between two moving points, causes a

change in displacement from one point to other.
Mechanical System
Due to the applied force, mass M will displace by an
amount x(t) in the direction of the force f(t) as shown.
According to Newtons law of motion, applied force will
cause displacement x(t) in spring, acceleration to mass
M against frictional force having constant B.
Equivalent Mechanical System
(Node Method)
To draw the equivalent mechanical system from the given mechanical
system use the following steps.
Step 1: Due to applied force, identify the displacement in the mechanical
system.
Step 2: Identify the elements which are under the influence of different
displacements.
Step 3: Represent each displacement by a separate node, using nodal
analysis.
Step 4: Show all the elements in parallel under the respective nodes
which are under the influence of respective displacements.
Step 5: Elements causing same change in displacement will get
connected in parallel in between the respective nodes.
Example: Draw the equivalent
mechanical system from a given
mechanical system
1) 2)

3)
Example: Draw the equivalent
mechanical system from a given
mechanical system
4) 5)
Force Voltage Analogy
In this method, the force in mechanical system is
assumed to be analogous to voltage.
For this method use current as rate of flow of charge.
Force Voltage Analogy

Inductance L is analogous to
mass M
Resistance R is analogous to
friction B
Reciprocal of capacitor 1/C is
analogous to spring of
constant K
Example
1) Draw the equivalent mechanical system of the given
system and write the set of equilibrium equation for it
and obtain electrical analogous circuits using
a) F-V analogy
Example
2) Draw the equivalent mechanical system and
analogous system based on F-V methods for the given
system.