Mass

Ideal mechanical translational mass

Libraries:
Simscape / Foundation Library / Mechanical / Translational Elements

Description

The Mass block represents an ideal mechanical translational mass that is described with the following equation:

$F = m \frac{d v}{d t}$

where:

F is inertia force.
m is mass.
v is velocity.
t is time.

By default, the block has one mechanical translational conserving port. The block positive direction is from its port to the reference point. This means that the inertia force is positive if mass is accelerated in the positive direction.

In some applications, it is customary to display mass in series with other elements in the block diagram layout. To support this use case, the Number of graphical ports parameter lets you display a second port on the opposite side of the block icon. The two-port variant is purely graphical: the two ports have the same velocity, so the block functions exactly the same whether it has one or two ports. The block icon changes depending on the value of the Number of graphical ports parameter.

Number of graphical ports Block Icon

Number of graphical ports	Block Icon
`1`
`2`

1

2

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.

Examples

Mass-Spring-Damper with Controller

A controlled mass-spring-damper. A controller adjusts the force on the mass to have its position track a command signal. The initial velocity for the mass is 10 meters per second. The controller adjusts the force applied by the Force Source to track the step changes to the input signal.

Open Model

Simple Mechanical System

A model of a system that connects rotational and translational motion. A summing lever drives a load consisting of a mass, viscous friction, and a spring connected to its joint C. Joint B is suspended on two rotational springs connected to reference point through a wheel and axle and a gear box. Joint A is connected to a torque source through a gear box and a wheel and axle mechanism.

Open Model

Ports

Conserving

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M — Port that connects mass to the circuit
mechanical translational

Mechanical translational conserving port that connects the mass to the physical network.

N — Second graphical port
mechanical translational

Second mechanical translational conserving port that lets you connect the mass in series with other elements in the block diagram. This port is rigidly connected to port M, therefore the difference between the one-port and two-port block representations is purely graphical.

Dependencies

To enable this port, set the Number of graphical ports parameter to 2.

Parameters

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Mass — Constant mass
`1 kg` (default) | positive scalar

Mass value. The mass is constant during simulation.

Number of graphical ports — Select whether the block is graphically connected to the side of a circuit or in series with other elements
`1` (default) | `2`

Select how to connect the block to the rest of the circuit:

1 — The block has one conserving port that connects it to the mechanical translational circuit. When the block has one port, attach it to a connection line between two other blocks.
2 — Selecting this option exposes the second port, which lets you connect the block in series with other blocks in the circuit. The two ports are rigidly connected and have the same velocity, therefore the block functions exactly the same as if it had one port.

Extended Capabilities

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

Version History

Introduced in R2007a

Mass