How Do You Derive the Equation for a Damper and Spring in Series?

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SUMMARY

The equation for a damper and spring in series can be derived by recognizing that the force applied is the same across both components. This force results in a change in length for the spring and a variation in velocity for the damper. The discussion draws an analogy to electric circuits, where force corresponds to current, velocity to voltage, and displacement to magnetic flux. The relationship can be expressed as velocities resulting from the force applied, specifically \(\frac{1}{b}f\) for the damper and \(\frac{1}{k}\frac{df}{dt}\) for the spring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics, specifically forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of dampers and springs in mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge of analogies between mechanical systems and electrical circuits.
  • Basic calculus for understanding derivatives and rates of change.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of mechanical vibrations and damping ratios.
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of mechanical systems using differential equations.
  • Explore the analogy between mechanical and electrical systems in greater depth.
  • Investigate the effects of varying damping coefficients and spring constants on system behavior.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in the analysis and design of mechanical systems with dampers and springs.

jackycheun
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1. Please help. How should I derive the equation for the damper and spring at right side of the mass(as shown in attach pic)? Can I combine both together as Fd + Fs or I need to have set a point between the spring and damper? Thanks.



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jackycheun said:
1. Please help. How should I derive the equation for the damper and spring at right side of the mass(as shown in attach pic)? Can I combine both together as Fd + Fs or I need to have set a point between the spring and damper? Thanks.



View attachment 17877


If the damper and the spring are in series, the force applied is the same on both of them and propagates to the mass. This force will cause a change of length in the spring and a variation of the velocity in the damper.
I prefer to make an analogy with electric circuits. Force is analog to current, velocity is analog to voltage, displacement is analog to magnetic flux, mass is analog to capacitance, elastic constant is analog to the inverse of inductance and viscous friction is analog to conductance.
So, in the same way that a current in series with a resistor and an inductor will give origin to voltages Ri and L\frac{di}{dt}, the force in series with a damper and a spring will give origin to velocities \frac{1}{b}f and \frac{1}{k}\frac{df}{dt}
 

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