Impulse Load Timestep: Reverse Engineering to Obtain dt?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of the timestep (dt) for impulse loading in a system, particularly focusing on how variations in dt affect the maximum force (Fmax) calculated. Participants explore methods for reverse engineering to determine an appropriate dt, considering its critical role in modeling real-life systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that varying dt (e.g., 8, 9, or 11 ms) leads to significantly different values for Fmax, emphasizing the importance of selecting an appropriate dt.
  • Another participant suggests that the sensitivity of Fmax to dt should be acknowledged, indicating that multiple dt values could be valid depending on the physical system being modeled.
  • A different viewpoint questions why dt should not simply be 10 ms, asserting that dt has a specific meaning in the context of the applied force graph.
  • Another participant proposes that the concept of impulse might eliminate the need for a specific delta t, suggesting that an effective or average force could be used instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and determination of dt, with no clear consensus on the best approach or the implications of varying dt values.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence of results on the physical characteristics of the system, such as shapes and materials, which may complicate the determination of an appropriate dt.

gmseed
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Hi

I have a question regarding the dt timestep of an impulse load as discussed in the following video:



He uses dt=10ms. If we set dt=8 or 9 or 11 we get widely different values for Fmax.

Thus, a lot of such impulse loading boils down to the correct selection of dt.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a way or a more advanced method for reverse engineering a system to obtain dt? I have a system that includes a dt from impulse loading and as discussed above get very different results for small changes in dt.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Graham
 
Last edited:
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gmseed said:
He uses dt=10ms. If we set dt=8 or 9 or 11 we get widely different values for Fmax.

Thus, a lot of such impulse loading boils down to the correct selection of dt.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a way or a more advanced method for reverse engineering a system to obtain dt? I have a system that includes a dt from impulse loading and as discussed above get very different results for small changes in dt.

You don't say your criteria for deciding which answer is correct.

If you are modeling a real life system, then the shapes and materials and how elastic the objects are all play critical roles. So in the idealized model shown, all of the dt values might be correct for some unknown physical system.

Perhaps the lesson for you to learn is the sensitivity of Fmax to dt.
 
gmseed said:
Hi

I have a question regarding the dt timestep of an impulse load as discussed in the following video:



He uses dt=10ms. If we set dt=8 or 9 or 11 we get widely different values for Fmax.

Thus, a lot of such impulse loading boils down to the correct selection of dt.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a way or a more advanced method for reverse engineering a system to obtain dt? I have a system that includes a dt from impulse loading and as discussed above get very different results for small changes in dt.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Graham


I don't quite understand your question. Why would dt be anything else but 10 ms? The graph of the applied force clearly shows the time period that the force is acting. Why should it be 8 or 9 of 11 ms?

This is not something arbitrary or a matter of preference. dt in this case has a specific meaning, not simply any old "time".

Zz.
 
Surely the use of the concept of Impulse removes the need for a delta t. The value of the impulse is an integral over the total time that a variable force is applied. If you need an idea about the ‘effective delta t’ then an ‘effective’or average for the applied Force would be needed.
 

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