# Lever

Generic mechanical lever

Mechanisms

## Description

The Lever block represents a mechanical lever in its generic form, known as a free or summing lever, shown in the following schematic.

The summing lever equations are derived with the assumption of small angle deviation from initial position:

${v}_{C}={K}_{AC}·{v}_{A}+{K}_{BC}·{v}_{B}$

${F}_{A}={K}_{AC}·{F}_{C}$

${F}_{B}={K}_{BC}·{F}_{C}$

${K}_{AC}=\frac{{l}_{BC}}{{l}_{AC}+{l}_{BC}}$

${K}_{BC}=\frac{{l}_{AC}}{{l}_{AC}+{l}_{BC}}$

where

 `vA`,`vB`,`vC` Lever joints velocities `FA`,`FB`,`FC` Lever joints forces `lAC`,`lBC` Arm lengths

The above equations were derived with the assumption that the lever sums forces and motions at node C. The assumption was arbitrary and does not impose any limitations on how the forces or motions are applied to the lever. In other words, any of the lever nodes can be "input" or "output" nodes, depending on the value of the force. Moreover, any of the block nodes can be connected to the reference point, thus converting a three-node lever into a first-class lever, with the fulcrum at the end, or a second-class lever, with the fulcrum in the middle.

The following illustration shows a schematic of a two-node first-class lever, with the fulcrum at node A.

It is described with the following equations:

${v}_{C}={K}_{BC}·{v}_{B}$

${F}_{B}={K}_{BC}·{F}_{C}$

The next illustration shows a schematic of a second-class lever, with the fulcrum in the middle.

It is described with the following equations:

${v}_{A}=-\frac{{l}_{AC}}{{l}_{BC}}·{v}_{B}$

${F}_{B}=-\frac{{l}_{AC}}{{l}_{BC}}·{F}_{A}$

As far as the block directionality is concerned, the joints' absolute displacements are positive if they are in line with the globally assigned positive direction.

## Dialog Box and Parameters

### Parameters Tab

AC arm length

Arm length between nodes A and C. The default value is `0.1` m.

BC arm length

Arm length between nodes B and C. The default value is `0.1` m.

### Variables Tab

Use the Variables tab to set the priority and initial target values for the block variables prior to simulation. For more information, see Set Priority and Initial Target for Block Variables.

## Ports

The block has the following ports:

`A`

Mechanical translational conserving port associated with the node A of the lever.

`B`

Mechanical translational conserving port associated with the node B of the lever.

`C`

Mechanical translational conserving port associated with the node C of the lever.

## Examples

The Linkage Mechanism example illustrates the use of the Lever block in three different modes. Linkages L_1 and L_4 simulate first-class levers with the fulcrum at the end. Linkage L_2 represents a summing lever. Linkage L_3 simulates a second-class lever with the fulcrum in the middle.