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Translational Spring

Ideal spring in mechanical translational systems

Library

Mechanical Translational Elements

  • Translational Spring block

Description

The Translational Spring block represents an ideal mechanical linear spring, described with the following equations:

F=Kx

x=xinit+xRxC

v=dxdt

where

FForce transmitted through the spring
KSpring rate
xRelative displacement (spring deformation)
xinitSpring initial displacement (initial deformation); the spring can be initially compressed (xinit > 0) or stretched (xinit < 0)
xR,xCAbsolute displacements of terminals R and C, respectively
vRelative velocity
tTime

The block positive direction is from port R to port C. This means that the force is positive if it acts in the direction from R to C.

Variables

To set the priority and initial target values for the block variables prior to simulation, use the Initial Targets section in the block dialog box or Property Inspector. For more information, see Set Priority and Initial Target for Block Variables.

Nominal values provide a way to specify the expected magnitude of a variable in a model. Using system scaling based on nominal values increases the simulation robustness. Nominal values can come from different sources, one of which is the Nominal Values section in the block dialog box or Property Inspector. For more information, see Modify Nominal Values for a Block Variable.

Parameters

Spring rate

Spring rate. The default value is 1000 N/m.

Ports

The block has the following ports:

R

Mechanical translational conserving port.

C

Mechanical translational conserving port.

Extended Capabilities

C/C++ Code Generation
Generate C and C++ code using Simulink® Coder™.

Version History

Introduced in R2007a