Translational Spring

Purpose

Ideal translational spring

Library

Mechanical / Translational / Components

Description

../../_images/translationalspring.svg

The Translational Spring models an ideal linear spring in a translational system described with the following equations:

\[\begin{split}F = -&c \cdot \Delta x \\ \Delta x = \; &x - x_0 \\ \frac{d}{dt}x &= v\end{split}\]

where \(F\) is the force flow from the unmarked towards the marked flange, \(x\) is the displacement of the marked flange with respect to the unmarked one, and \(x_0\) is the equilibrium displacement.

Note

A translational spring may not be connected in series with a force source. Doing so would create a dependency between an input variable (the source force) and a state variable (the spring force) in the underlying state-space equations.

Parameters

Spring constant

The spring rate or stiffness \(c\) in \((\frac{\mathrm{N}}{\mathrm{m}})\).

Equilibrium (unstretched) displacement

The displacement \(x_0\) between the two flanges of the unloaded spring \((\mathrm{m})\).

Initial deformation

The initial deformation \(\Delta x_0\) of the spring, in meters \((\mathrm{m})\).

Probe Signals

Force

The spring force \(F\), in newtons \((\mathrm{N})\).

Deformation

The spring deformation \(\Delta x\), in meters \((\mathrm{m})\).