Free body diagrams for springs and dampers in torsion

In summary, there is a debate on the correct free body diagram for a spring/damper system in series. Some believe that the forces in the red box (k and c) should be considered "equal and opposite," while others argue that there needs to be a corresponding force in the blue box to meet this qualification.
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Homework Statement



I have been having a little discussion with a friend. We both know that for a spring/damper system in parallel like shown below, the associated free body diagram is correct.

[PLAIN]http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2023/para0.jpg

But when it comes to the same system in series, we have different opinions on what the FBD should look like.

Is the FBD in the blue box or red box correct?
[PLAIN]http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4028/series0.jpg
 
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  • #2
the point of discussion here, is whether the k and c forces in the red box diagram qualify as "equal and opposite forces" or whether the k/c force need a corresponding k/c force to be equal and opposite as shown in the blue box diagram.
 

FAQ: Free body diagrams for springs and dampers in torsion

What is a free body diagram?

A free body diagram is a visual representation of all the forces acting on an object. It shows the magnitude, direction, and location of each force, and is typically used to analyze the motion and equilibrium of the object.

How do you draw a free body diagram for a spring?

To draw a free body diagram for a spring, you need to identify the forces acting on the spring. These include the force of gravity, any external forces, and the force exerted by the spring itself. The spring force is typically represented by an arrow pointing in the opposite direction of the displacement of the spring.

What is the purpose of a free body diagram for a damper?

A free body diagram for a damper is used to analyze the forces acting on the damper and how they affect its motion and stability. This is important in designing and understanding the behavior of mechanical systems that use dampers, such as shock absorbers in cars.

Can a free body diagram be used for torsion?

Yes, a free body diagram can be used for torsion. In this case, the forces acting on the object are rotational rather than linear. The free body diagram will show the torque or moment acting on the object, as well as any other forces that may be present.

What are some common mistakes when drawing free body diagrams for springs and dampers in torsion?

One common mistake is not including all the forces acting on the object. Another is not correctly representing the direction or magnitude of the forces. It is also important to label all the forces and indicate the point of application for each force. Lastly, it is important to make sure the diagram accurately reflects the physical setup of the system being analyzed.

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