Analysis and Design of Cam-Driven Mechanisms With Nonlinearities

Abstract

The cam-and-follower mechanism is represented by a lumped parameter model of finite degrees of freedom, in which nonlinear system parameters may be taken into account. An approximate dynamic analysis of the system excited by either functional or numerical form of the base motion of a cam is obtained. The method of solution which uses an interpolating polynomial for approximating the excitation function and mechanical quadrature for evaluating the convolution integral is well suited for computer programming. A digital computer program for analysis based on this scheme is developed. In order to utilize the analysis tool for design purposes, parametric studies are conducted, design stratagems are presented and a rational procedure of closed loop computer-aided design is outlined and discussed.