Handout # 1

Modeling of Mechanical (Lumped

Parameter) Elements
The fundamental components of a mechanical system
are: masses or inertias, springs (stiffnesses), and
dampers.

Lumped elements lead to ordinary differential equations of

motion describing the system dynamical behavior.

Each mechanical element has a particular function within the

mechanical system:

All systems are just an ensemble of inertias, stiffnesses, and

damping elements with definite relationships between its
components:
Inertia elements are conservative, store kinetic energy, and
relate momentum to velocity (linear momentum to
translational velocity, and angular momentum to angular
velocity);

Stiffness (compliant or elastic) elements are conservative

store potential or strain energy, and relate the element
force (torque) to a translational (angular) displacement;
and,

Damping elements are non-conservative and dissipate

energy from the system. They convert the energy into
another form of energy (usually heat). Dampers relate
the element force (torque) to a translational (angular)
velocity.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.1

Our objective:
to determine equivalent system elements as those capable of
reproducing an identical action as all the elements of the same
class, and combined by virtue of rendering the same energy or
dissipated power. This can be achieved once a particular
coordinate or generalized displacement is selected to represent
the system or element behavior.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.2

Stiffnesses (Springs) in Mechanical Systems

Translational Springs: relate force to displacements

(deflections). Springs are commonly assumed as MASSLESS, so
that a force F at one end must be balanced by a force Fs (reaction)
acting on the other end. Due to this force applied at one end, the spring
undergoes an elongation (deformation) equal to the difference
between its two end displacements (e = X2-X1). For small values of (e),
the spring constant or stiffness is:

K = F/e [N/m, lb/in]

A spring element is an energy

storage device. This energy (Vs) is of
strain (potential) type. In the linear
range this energy is:
Vs =
Fs dx = K e2

and indicated by the area under the

Fs vs. e (force vs. deformation) curve.

Special cases of non-linear springs are

denoted as softening if the slope of
the curve Fs vs. e curve decreases as
the elongation increases; and as
hardening if the slope increases as the
deformation e also increases.

In general, for small amplitude motions

about an equilibrium point, a local or
linearized stiffness is defined as:

K = -Fs/Xo
where the sub index o denotes a point of static equilibrium.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.3

Equivalent Spring Coefficients:
Select an equivalent displacement, find the total strain energy
and equate to that of the equivalent element.

(a) springs connected by levers

2 2 2
Vs= {K1 X 1 + K2 X 2 } = Keq X eq [N.m=J]

Let Xeq = X1, then X2 = L2, X1 = L1

so then X2 = X1 (L2 / L1) and

2
Keq = K1 + K2 (L2 / L1) [N/m]

(b) torsional springs on geared shafts

2 2 2
Vs= {K 1 1 + K2 2 } = Keq eq [N.m=J]

since 1N1 = 2 N2, where N is the number of teeth

and select eq = 1 , then

Keq = K1 + K2 (N1 / N2)2 [N.m/rad]

(c) coupled torsional and translational

springs
2
Vs = {K x2 + Kt 2 } = Keq X eq

Let Xeq = X , and since X = R , then

Keq = K + Kt / R2 [N/m], or
Let Xeq = , then the equivalent torsional spring is

2
Kteq = K R + Kt [N.m/rad]

Note: in (a) thru (c) one of the spring ends is connected to ground.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.4

Equivalent Spring Coefficients: (continued)

(d) springs with two end displacements

F = K (Xb Xa) [N or lb]; Xb > Xa

the spring deflection is e=(Xb Xa)

(e) springs connected in parallel

Both of the spring ends share common boundaries.

Fs = Fa + Fb, let X2 > X1

Fa = Ka (X2 X1), Fb = Kb (X2 X1)

hence Fs = Ka (X2X1) + Kb (X2 X1)

Fs = (Ka + Kb) (X2X1) = Keq Xeq ;

Let, Xeq = X2 - X1
Hence, Keq = Ka + Kb [N/m]

(f) springs connected in series

If end of one spring is fastened to the end of the other springs, then both springs
transmit the same force.

For equilibrium: Fa = Fb = F

since (X2X1) = Fa / Ka

(X3X2) = Fb / Kb
and (X3X1) = F / Keq;

let Xeq = X3 - X1

then F / Keq = Fa / Ka + Fb / Kb;

1 / Keq = 1 / Ka + 1 / Kb. Thus,

Keq = (Ka Kb) / (Ka + Kb) [N/m]

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.5

Equivalent mass (inertia) elements
The mass of a body is a fundamental material property and thought as
the amount of matter within a body. The mass (M) is a constant (at
velocities well below the speed of light) and not to be confused with its
weight (W = Mg).

Mass enters the system dynamics through the fundamental

laws of motion (linear and angular momentum conservation),

In translational systems:

F = M X [N]
where

 = d 2 X
X 2 : acceleration [m/s2]
dt

In rotational systems:

M = I  [N.m]
where

 = d
2
2 : angular acceleration [rad/s2]
dt

With I [N.m.s2/rad=kg.m2] as the mass moment of inertia.

Recall some definitions:

US system SI system____
displacement inch =0.0254 m meter (m) = 100 cm
mass lb-sec2/inch=snail kilogram (kg) = 2.2 lbm
time second (s) second (s)
force lb = 4.448 N Newton (N)

US: A force of 1 lb applied to a mass of 1 lbm produces an acceleration of 386 in/s2

SI: A force of 1 N applied to a mass of 1 kg produces an acceleration of 1 m/s2

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.6

If the body is rigid (not deformable), a lumped mass may be condensed
at the center of mass of the body, and hence all material points translate
or rotate together, i.e.

M= dV

I= r2 dV

where : mass density, V: body volume, r: distance from

reference axis to dm = dV

The kinetic energy (due to motion) is associated to masses and

moments of inertia. For translation,
1
T = M X 2
2
while for rotation about a fixed axis,
1
T = I  2
2

Newtons 2nd law of motion in terms of the body linear momentum

(p = M v) as
dp dV dX
F= =M ; where V =
dt dt dt

From this definition, p = F dt is also known as the impulse.

The mass element is energy-conservative since,

work performed = change in kinetic energy

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.7

 X2 X2 2 X
dV dV dX
W12 = F dX = M dX = M dt =
X1 X1
dt X1
dt dt
t2 t
dV 2
d 1
=M V dt = M V 2 dt =
t1
dt t1
dt 2
V2
1 1
= M d V 2 = M (V22 V12 ) = T2 T1
V1 2 2

Note: Kinetic Energy (T) is independent of the path followed; it is a

function of the end and beginning states.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.8

 Equations of motion for a rigid body on plane XY

bog

K K
Summation of Forces: =
F = M 
r
G
Summation of Moments: let
=  as the angular acceleration of the rigid body

M G = I G  About center of mass,

M o = I o  About a fixed axis of rotation, or

G
( )
G
M o = Io  + m bog x Ro z
G
About point o moving with acceleration

R o

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.9

Equivalent Inertia elements: rendering same kinetic energy
(a) Rigidly connected masses
have identical velocities, and hence
Veq = V1 = V2
Meq = M1 + M2

(b) Masses connected by a lever

for small amplitude angular motions. Let
Veq = V1, then since the lever is RIGID,
V2 = V1 (L2/L1)
and the total kinetic energy is equal to

2 [N.m=J]
T = {M1 V 12 + M2 V 22 } = Meq V eq

T = {M1 + M2 (L2/L1)2 } V1 , let V1 = Veq

hence Meq = {M1 + M2 (L2/L1)2 } [kg]

(c) Inertias on geared shafts (rotation)

Consider two shafts with mass moments of inertias, I1 and I2, connected by
massless gears.
Let the number of teeth on each gear be N1 and N2, respectively.

Since  2 N 2 =  1 N 1 ,
because the contact speed is the same.
Select  eq =  1

and using the equivalence of kinetic

energies find:

I eq = I1 + I 2 ( N1 / N 2 ) 2 [N.m/(rad/s2) =
kg.m2]

(d) Masses in series

Masses do not have two ends (terminals or ports), and thus can not be connected in
series.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.10

(e) Coupled rotation and translation

 2 [N.m]
2 = M V2 + I
T = Meq V eq

since V = R  at the contact

point without slipping, then

for Veq = V, Meq = M + I/R2, [kg]

or
for Veq = , Ieq = I + M R2, [kgm2]

LUMPED MASS FOR SPRING ELEMENT:

M
1 1
T =
2
M eq Veq2 =
2
0
v(2x ) dm. Let Veq = Vm , the spring tip speed,

x dx
since v( x ) = Vm and dm = M for uniform density
L L
Then
L x2 M
0 V L2 L dx
M 2
1
2 v 2 dm m
L M 2
M eq = 0
1
2 Veq2
=
Vm2
= 0
3 x dx
L

M x3 L M
M eq = =
3 L3 0
: Not all of the element mass moves with same speed
3

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.11

Dissipation elements in mechanical systems
These are mechanical components which dissipate power (remove
energy from system) converting it usually into heat. The process is
irreversible!

Energy dissipation elements are known as dampers or dashpots, and

typically used as:
ISOLATORS: to reduce the amount of transmitted forces (moments) to
other system components, and/or
VIBRATION ABSORVERS: to dissipate energy of undesirable
vibrations and to decrease the amplitude of vibrations in a mechanical
system.

(Note: effort=force or moment, flow: velocity or angular speed)

TYPES of DAMPING:

VISCOUS (Linear)

effort = D flow
Typically found at low speeds and
with viscous fluids

NONLINEAR DAMPING:

Aerodynamic:

effort = C |flow| flow

Typically found at high speeds and
with non-viscous fluids

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.12

Dry (Coulomb) friction:

Effort = {|flow|/flow} N
Typically found between dry surfaces
in relative motion. is the coefficient of
friction (static and dynamic),

Histeretical or structural damping:

Material damping with structural
components

Except for linear (viscous) damping, all other forms of damping are
difficult to analyze (and to include) in dynamic models, even for
simple cases.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.13

Viscous damping elements
Viscous (Linear) Damper: is the mechanical dissipative element which relates
force to velocity. Dampers or DASHPOTS are commonly assumed as
MASSLESS, so that a force F at one end must be balanced by a force FD
(reaction) acting on its other end. Due to the force applied at one end, the damper
follows a motion equal to the difference between its two end velocities (V=V2-V1).
For small values of V, a linear relationship appears so that the damping constant is
defined as:

D = F/V [N-sec/m, lb-sec/in]

A linear damper denotes a viscous shear

mechanism for its action. A damper
dissipates energy lost to
the surroundings (outside of system)
or transferred to other systems
usually in the form of heat. The
energy dissipated is given as:

t2
x
Ed = FD dX = 2
F D V dt
x1
t1

t2 t2

Ed = Pv dt = D V 2 dt > 0
t1 t1

if D>0
In general, for small amplitude
motions about an equilibrium point,
a local or linearized damping
coefficient can be defined as:

D = -F/Vo
where the sub index o denotes a point
of equilibrium.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.14

MORE on VISCOUS DAMPER ELEMENTS
A fluid is a material that can not withstand tension. A fluid flows as soon
as a shear stress is applied to it. In general, it is sufficient to know
(for now) that the shear stress [N/m2] in a newtonian fluid is
proportional to the spatial rate of change of its velocity V [m/s]. The
proportionality constant is the fluid viscosity [Pa.s = N.s/m2], i.e.
[N/m2] = V/x
Consider two parallel plates of area A and separated by a gap h. A
viscous fluid fills the space between the plates. The top plate moves
with velocity V. Then, the shear force resisting the relative motion is:

F = A = A V/h = Deq V
Assumed a linear velocity profile between the
stationary plate and the moving plate.
Note that Deq corresponds
to a damping coefficient for translation
with physical units [N.s/m].

Consider two cylinders of length L

and radii R and R+h, respectively. The
inner cylinder rotates at angular speed
(rad/s). The gap between the two cylinders
is filled with a viscous fluid. Note h < < R.

For concentric cylinders, the resistive torque To

opposing the rotation at angular speed () is

To = F R = A (V/h) R = (2 R L) ( R/h) R

To = 2 R3 (L/ h) = Deq
Note that Deq is a damping coefficient for rotational motions with physical
units [N.m.s/rad].

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.15

Equivalent Damping Coefficients:
Select an equivalent velocity and equate the dissipated powers

PD = Fd X = D V 2

(a) dampers connected by levers

2 2 2
PD= {D1 V 1 + D2 V 2 } = D eq V eq [N.m=J]

= 
Let Veq = V1 & since V2 = L2, V1 = L1

then V2 = V1 (L2 / L1) and

2
Deq = D1 + D2 (L2 / L1) [Ns/m]

(b) torsional dampers on geared shafts

Since 1 N1 =2 N 2 , where N is the number of teeth

and selecting eq =1 , then

2
Deq = D1 + D2 (N1 / N2) [N.m.s/rad]

(c) coupled torsional and translational

dampers

Let =  , Veq = V & since V = R, then

2
Deq = D + Dt / R [N.s/m]

Or let eq =1 then the equivalent torsional damper is

Deq = D R2 + Dt [N.m.s/rad]

Note: in (a) thru (c) one of the dashpot ends is connected to ground.

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.16

Equivalent Damping Coefficients: (continued)

(d) damper with two end velocities

FD = D ( X 2 X 1 ) [N or lbs]

(e) dampers connected in parallel

Both damper ends share common boundaries

Fp = Fa + Fb = Fd

Fa = Da (V2-V1), Fb = Db (V2-V1)
hence Fp = (Da + Db ) (V2-V1)

select Veq = (V2-V1)

Thus,
Deq = Da + Db [N.s/m]

(f) dampers connected in series

If the end of one damper is fastened to the
end of the other damper. The same force is
transmitted.

For equilibrium: Fa = Fb = F = Fd

since (V2-V1) = Fa/Da

(V3-V1) = Fb/Db

(V3-V1) = F/Deq; and let Veq=(V3-V1)

then F/Deq = Fa/Da + Fb/Db

1/Deq = 1/Da + 1/Db

Thus, Deq = (Da Db) / (Da + Db) [N.s/m]

MEEN 617 Notes: Handout 1 / Luis San Andrs 2008 1.17