Malcolm C. Smith is a Cambridge researcher in control theory whose work connects robust control and mechanical network synthesis with physical system design. The Cambridge research profile identifies uncertainty, robustness and mechanical applications as themes of his work; the IEEE Control Systems Society independently identifies his Cambridge affiliation.[ref]
His 2002 paper Synthesis of Mechanical Networks: The Inerter by Malcolm C. Smith introduced the inerter as a two-terminal mechanical element. Its ideal terminal force is proportional to relative acceleration,where is mechanical inertance. Both terminals can move, so equal terminal accelerations produce zero force in this ideal constitutive relation. This makes the element useful for synthesizing mechanical responses through networks, alongside springs and dampers.[ref]
Synthesis of Mechanical Networks: The Inerter by Malcolm C. Smith. Abstract and pp1648–1651, two-terminal element and physical realizations
For an original ideal transmission example, relative terminal displacement drives a flywheel with angle . With moment of inertia , its kinetic energy isso equivalent mechanical inertance is . Choosing and gives . A relative acceleration then gives . The coefficient has mass units, but it is not a statement that the flywheel's physical mass is20kilograms.
The calculation neglects friction, compliance and transmission inertia beyond the chosen flywheel. It illustrates the design idea, not measured performance of a particular device. The IEEE Control Systems Society profile includes a labeled headshot.
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Malcolm C. Smith is not a widely recognized figure or entity in popular culture, literature, or current events as of my last knowledge update in October 2023. If he is a specific person, it is possible that he may be a private individual, a professional in a specialized field, or someone who has gained prominence after my last update. If you provide more context or specify the area of interest related to Malcolm C.