Analysis of a coupled physical discrete time system by means of extended Euler-Lagrange difference equation and discrete dissipative canonical equation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is the application of the following concepts to the time discrete form. Variational Calculus, potential and kinetic energies, velocity proportional Rayleigh dissipation function, the Lagrange and Hamilton formalisms, extended Hamiltonians and Poisson brackets are all defined and applied for time-continuous physical processes. Such processes are not always time-continuously observable; they are also sometimes time-discrete. Design/methodology/approach The classical approach is developed with the benefit of giving only a short table on charge and flux formulation, as they are similar to the classical case just like all other formulation types. Moreover, an electromechanical example is represented as well. Findings Lagrange and Hamilton formalisms together with the velocity proportional (Rayleigh) dissipation function can also be used in the discrete time case, and as a result, dissipative equations of generalized motion and dissipative canonical equations in the discrete time case are obtained. The discrete formalisms are optimal approaches especially to analyze a coupled physical system which cannot be observed continuously. In addition, the method makes it unnecessary to convert the quantities to the other. The numerical solutions of equations of dissipative generalized motion of an electromechanical (coupled) system in continuous and discrete time cases are presented. Originality/value The formalisms and the velocity proportional (Rayleigh) dissipation function aforementioned are used and applied to a coupled physical system in time-discrete case for the first time to the best of the author’s knowledge, and systems of difference equations are obtained depending on formulation type.