Modeling mass-spring-damper system using scilab

Abstract

Modeling a system means developing a mathematical representation to simulate certain properties observed in real systems. These systems can range from a car suspension to the most complex robotics. In modern mechanical engineering, it is routine to model a physical dynamic system as a set of differential equations that will later be simulated using a computer. This systems can range from a car suspension to the most complex robotics. Use software for numerical analysis and qualitative analysis of dynamic systems in engineering and applied science education simplifies the analysis and analysis. In this paper, the dynamic behavior of mass-spring-damper system has been studied by mathematical equations in free software Scilab. Scilab is free and open source software for numerical computation providing a powerful computing environment for engineering and scientific applications. The resulting equations represent a generalization of the classical mass-spring-damper model; the proposed representation can be used to describe a wide variety of systems, which had not been addressed due to the limitations of the classical calculus. Software implementation of the model and calculations are performed in the Scilab environment. The massive use of software generated a great business. Although the reliability and effectiveness of commercial software is undeniable, their cost is not available to most researchers, students, and public universities. This paper clearly shows that Scilab is capable of handling such uncertainties with little effort. It should be noted that this paper is written with the intention of disseminate the ideas of how to use Scilab for teaching theory modelling, dynamic of machine or performing related research works.