Use of Linear Graphs and Thevenin/Norton Equivalent Circuits in the Modeling and Analysis of Electro-Mechanical Systems

This paper presents a unified approach for the modeling and analysis of electro-mechanical systems. First, the need for a unified approach is justified in view of the presence of electro-mechanical dynamic coupling. Next, linear graphs are promoted as a useful tool for unified modeling of multi-domain systems, where the existing analogies across domains can be exploited. Finally, Thevenin's theorem is extended to mechanical systems. Specifically, equivalent circuits of Thevenin and Norton are integrated with linear graphs, in the frequency domain, to facilitate analytical modeling. The choice of a particular equivalent circuit is shown to depend on the problem objective. Worked examples are provided throughout to illustrate the approaches presented in the paper.