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Rotational Inerter

Two-port inertia in mechanical rotational systems

Library

Mechanical Rotational Elements

  • Rotational Inerter block

Description

The Rotational Inerter block represents a device that has torque proportional to the rate of change of the relative angular velocity across the ports. It is essentially a two-port inertia that works on the velocity difference between the ports, not the absolute velocity.

Use this block in high performance suspension systems, to decouple weave and roll modes, or in applications where you need to model a passively tuned mass-spring-damper response.

The block is described with the following equations:

T=Bdωdt

ω=ωRωC

where

TTorque transmitted through the inerter
BRotational inertance
ωRelative angular velocity
ωR, ωCAbsolute angular velocities at ports R and C, respectively

The block positive direction is from port R to port C. This means that the torque 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

Rotational inertance

Proportionality coefficient between the torque and the rate of change of the relative angular velocity across the ports. The default value is 1 kg*m/^2.

Ports

The block has the following ports:

R

Mechanical rotational conserving port associated with the rod.

C

Mechanical rotational conserving port associated with the case.

Extended Capabilities

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

Version History

Introduced in R2015b

See Also