How to simulate mass spring dampener system

[Ron@ld]

Hello,

I'm interested in the possibilities of simulating a mass-spring-dampener system as I'm currently working with one. The fact is that my spring isn't a linear one, but relation to acceleration is known.
Is there any method of building one similar to the one you would do in simulink? I don't want to buy the labview simulation toolbox as I think this is too much right now.
I can't find a usable example anywhere. I don't think I'm the only person who has interest in this??

Thank you,


Ron@ld

[ElSmitho]

Salutations,

Well, you can always build your own model by solving the equation for the system. Then using formulae nodes to apply the information to the constants that you have, ie, mass, spring constant, damping constant, if there's friction etc... You'll be able to generate a solution. I've done this process before in a system dynamics class, so I know it's possible and normally not really painful. Depends on how many ideal assumptions you want to make etc... I'm not sure what assumptions simulink makes, that'd be something to investigate prior to using it.

I found:
http://www.music.mcgill.ca/~gary/614/week5/lumped.html
Has a rather indepth approach at how to solve such systems. Just as most places do, they assume a linear spring, and i believe a lot of ideal situations. So, this might require you to do some tweaking, but it'll provide a starting ground.

Now, is there an easy way that doesn't involve you using some system analysis? Buy the tool kit; maybe it'll offer the desired information, I really don't know.

Sincerely,
ElSmitho

[Bob_Y.]

I would start here: \Express\Express Vibration Lab.vi .

VI description:
"This application simulates a vibratory system of two masses and springs. You can control the system manually, automatically or by introducing generated signals. The parameters of the system, such as mass and rigidity of the springs can be changed. On the right side are graphs showing the values in the time and frequency domains.

This example uses the following Express VIs: Comparison, Formula, Repack Values, Spectral Measurements, Build XY Graph, and Simulate Signal."

From here, you can modify it to use your formula and remove the lower weight and spring.

Hope that this helps,
Bob