Transforming Subsystems to Frequency Domain for Transfer Function Calculation

[GreenLRan]

I have two subsystems that I'm trying to transform into the frequency domain, and trying to obtain the transfer function for each.

I have an equation (for system 1)

m\ddot{x} -k(x₂-x₁) - b*\dot{x}₁ = f

Since this is for system 1, when I take the laplace transform of it, do i have x₂ as a function of s (x₂(s)) or do i treat x₂ as a constant?

Thanks

 

[LCKurtz]

I have two subsystems that I'm trying to transform into the frequency domain, and trying to obtain the transfer function for each.

I have an equation (for system 1)

m\ddot{x} -k(x₂-x₁) - b*\dot{x}₁ = f

Since this is for system 1, when I take the laplace transform of it, do i have x₂ as a function of s (x₂(s)) or do i treat x₂ as a constant?

Thanks

I suppose that first term should have a 1 subscript on the second derivative. You have to use x₂(s) and you won't be able to solve for x₁(s) or x₂(s) without transforming both equations.