Analogy-based analysis of a mechanical system

1. Simplification of a real system by using a symbolic circuit
   
2. Transform of the symbolic circuit to the corresponding analogue circuit
   by using the duality relations between these circuits:
   elements that share a common flow replaced by elements connected in series in an equivalent circuit
   elements that share a common effort replaced by elements connected in parallel
   
3. Analysis of the analogue circuit

Example using a direct electro-mechanical analogy:

Spring-mass-dashpot assembly
all three elements share the same flow and thus a common variation of displacement

Symbolic circuit (a)

Equivalent circuit (b)

Mechanical impedance:

unit: mechanical Ohm, dimension: kg s-1