WK2 FROM SYSTEM INERTIA

Abstract:
The Allen-Bradley family of drives calculates a per unit system inertia. This technote will
convert the per unit system inertia into engineering units for system inertia

Key Words:
WK2
Inertia
Per Unit

Nomenclature:
Symbol Description of Symbol Units
J Per Unit System Inertia seconds
I Moment of Inertia Slug-ft2
Kg-m2
WK2 Inertia in Engineering Units lb-ft2, kg-m2
T Torque ft-lbs,
Newton-meters
N Motor Base Speed RPM
HP Rated NamePlate Horsepower HP
W Rated Name Plate Watts Watts
M Mass Kg
t time seconds
α angular acceleration rad/sec2
ω angular velocity rad/sec

1. Introduction:
The mechanical designers calculate the inertia of their system. The following will show how to
use the drive parameters to verify the sytem inertia in engineering units. This method can be
applied if the system inertia is unkown.

SUBJECT PREFIX LEV SUBJECT LOCATION DEPARTMENT POSTFIX

EL
RSP
APPLICABILITY: North American Drives and Systems Division
STD_ENG 17-JUNE-98
BY APPR. (RE)ISSUE Page: 1 of 3
2. Calculations
The root equation that relates torque, inertia, and acceleration is as follows:

Imperial Units Metric

  
  
WK 2
  I  MK 2
32.2
 
 
t t

WK 2    MK 2
 t
32.2 t
2N
2N  
  60
60
MK 2 N
WK 2 N 
 9.54 t
308 t

In the above example T=Rated Motor Torque. This can be calculated as follows. Note HP and
W are rated power of the motor. This should be stamped on the motor.

HP5252 W 9.54
T  T 
N N

Rearranging the above equations:

t 308 t 9.54
WK 2  MK 2 
N N
WK 2 has the units of lb-ft2
MK2 has the units of kg-m2

Conclusion
The above formulas can be used to convert system inertia in seconds to engineering units.

Drive Parameter for system inertia

Drive Parameter Number
P700S P9
1336 Impact P157
SUBJECT PREFIX LEV SUBJECT LOCATION DEPARTMENT POSTFIX
EL
RSP
APPLICABILITY: North American Drives and Systems Division
STD_ENG 17-JUNE-98
BY APPR. (RE)ISSUE Page: 2 of 3
 1336 Force P234

SUBJECT PREFIX LEV SUBJECT LOCATION DEPARTMENT POSTFIX

EL
RSP
APPLICABILITY: North American Drives and Systems Division
STD_ENG 17-JUNE-98
BY APPR. (RE)ISSUE Page: 3 of 3