A Determination of Contact-Loss at a Bearing of a Linkage Mechanism

Abstract

A method is described for analyzing the kinematic and dynamic response of a linkage mechanism in which one bearing has a known clearance. Assuming the clearance to be represented by a massless link, the analysis predicts the occurrence of contact-loss. Part of an extensive experimental investigation is presented in which the impact accelerations resulting from contact-loss are measured. A good correlation is shown to exist between the predicted and measured times of contact-loss. Although the analysis may predict no contact-loss, it does not readily indicate, from a design point of view, how this condition could be produced.