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Difference between acceleration and total acceleration

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Hi all,

In multibody dynamics physics I want to generate acceleration of a certain point in the global frame. Among the variables there is 'acceleration' and 'total acceleration' and both consist of 3-axe variable. Just wonder what is the difference between them?

Best regards, Boyue


1 Reply Last Post 13 mar 2020, 07:25 GMT-4
Pawan Soami COMSOL Employee

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Posted: 5 years ago 13 mar 2020, 07:25 GMT-4
Updated: 5 years ago 13 mar 2020, 08:08 GMT-4

Hi Boyue,

The 'total acceleration' is defined as the summation of 'acceleration' and ‘frame acceleration'. Frame accelerations could be present in the model when we use Gravity or Rotating Frame nodes.

In the absence of above two nodes or frame accelerations, the acceleration and total acceleration both are the same.

Hope the difference is clear to you.

Best regards,
Pawan Soami

Hi Boyue, The 'total acceleration' is defined as the summation of 'acceleration' and ‘frame acceleration'. Frame accelerations could be present in the model when we use Gravity or Rotating Frame nodes. In the absence of above two nodes or frame accelerations, the acceleration and total acceleration both are the same. Hope the difference is clear to you. Best regards, Pawan Soami

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