Spring - Damper - Mass System (in series)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on setting up the equations for a Spring-Damper-Mass system arranged in series. The user identifies two key equations: one representing the mass's acceleration influenced by an external force and the damper's counteracting force, and the other equating the spring force to the damper force. The correct interpretation of the variables x1 and x2 is crucial, as they represent the lengths of the spring and damper, respectively, and adjustments are made to clarify their positions in relation to the fixed wall. The user successfully resolves their confusion after reviewing relevant literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, specifically Newton's second law.
  • Familiarity with spring and damper dynamics in mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge of differential equations and their application in modeling physical systems.
  • Basic concepts of force analysis in multi-body systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of equations of motion for coupled oscillators.
  • Learn about the Laplace transform for solving differential equations in mechanical systems.
  • Explore simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink for modeling dynamic systems.
  • Investigate the effects of damping ratios on system stability and response.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in the analysis and design of dynamic systems, particularly those focusing on vibration analysis and control systems.

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Spring - Damper - Mass System in series

fixed-----Spring-----Damper-----Mass----->F
c d m
--> -->
x1 x2

I need help setting up the equations, I know it has to have 2 subsystems but I just can't figure out the two equations I'm supposed to get.

thanks in advance
 
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Could it be something like:

m d(x1 + x2)/dt^2 = F - d dx2/dt

c x1 = d dx2/dtAs in:

Mass x acceleration = external force - counteracting damper force
Spring force = damper force (= reaction force on the fixed 'wall')

With the origin of the X axis at the fixed wall (duh) and its plus direction pointing to the right.

Took x1 and x2 to be the lengths of the spring and damper, respectively. ('Picture' isn't too clear.)
Just in case they're really the positions of the spring-damper midpoint and the mass, well... replace x1 + x2 with x2 and wherever it says x2 above should become x2 -x1...
 
yea it is after stayin a while in the library and looking at a couple of books i finally figured it out.
and it was x1-x2 and x2-x1 i really should have looked at my drawing again after it was posted it was much clearer before i pressed on submit (a lot of empty spaces weren't there anymore)

thank you!
 

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