Novice trouble modeling a system in Simulink

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on modeling a mechanical system in Simulink, specifically addressing the inclusion of equations related to torque (τ) and its representation. The user, Nick, seeks guidance on incorporating the first equation from his reference material and how to represent τ(t) in his model. Participants suggest starting with simpler systems, such as a spring-mass-damper system, to build foundational skills before tackling more complex models. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the context of equations and the potential implications of modeling choices, such as representing torque as a step function.

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  • Familiarity with Simulink for modeling mechanical systems
  • Understanding of basic mechanical equations, particularly torque (τ)
  • Knowledge of system dynamics and control theory
  • Ability to interpret and analyze engineering diagrams and equations
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Playbacknick
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Greetings,
For the past 5 days i have been learning how to use simulink.I decided to try and model a mechanical system described by the equations in the picture below.I provide a second picture with my work so far.A couple of questions that i have are: a)How do i include the first equation? and b) how do i represent the tau(t) in the second equation? Any suggestions about mistakes are welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Nick

problem.png


simulink2.png
 
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It would help a lot if you would tell us what this system is and perhaps present a system drawing (not just a block diagram).
Playbacknick said:
How do i include the first equation?
When you say "the first equation," I presume you are referring to eq(4.26a), in which case, the answer is that it is represented in eq(4.31b).

As to how to include tau, who knows? You have not told us what tau is.

I might also suggest that you make your first attempt to use Simulink on something much more simple, something for which you already know what to expect at every part. How about a simple spring-mass-damper system?
 
Dr.D thanks for your reply
In the following picture you can see the rotational system. Equation 4.24 describes tau.

01_rotational2dof.png


Should τ(t) be represented by a step function?
 
Eq(4.24) describes something called tau-sub-tau (or is it tau-sub-t?), but is that the same thing as plain tau? I would not expect it to be.

In Fig. 4.5, I see a tau on the end of the shaft. Who knows what this is supposed to be! (All of your text and figures are so small I can hardly read them; I'm about 4 times your age, and my eyesight is not all that great.)

I suspect that this problem is rather closely linked to the text where you found it, and consequently you are going to have to answer your own question based on re-reading the text material.
 
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Thanks again it means a lot that you devoted some of your time to reply.
My understanding is that tau is the torque and i think it is the input of the system.Assuming that, I'm going to represent as a step function and run the simulation tomorrow.
 
I would agree that your book uses tau for torque, but there seems to be more than one torque that is represented by that symbol (also tau-sub-t).

Your figure appears to show a clutch. If you think that tau is the torque through the clutch, then making it a step function amounts to snapping the clutch. Great for drag racing, but very hard on clutches!
 

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