The Sensitivity Analysis of Cam Mechanism Dynamics

Abstract

In order to improve the dynamic performance of a cam mechanism, it is desired to have a method that does not require a trial-and-error procedure based on total system re-analysis or re-synthesis. In this paper a new sensitivity analysis method will be presented that allows the designer to make system modifications to move the design in the direction of the global optimum. To implement this method the output response of the system is first expressed in terms of the system eigendata. Then an efficient procedure for determining sensitivity of the system response to changes in individual system parameters is developed utilizing the eigenvalue and eigenvector derivatives with respect to the system design parameters. An example of a double lever cam mechanism with a four-degree-of-freedom dynamic system model is used to illustrate the technique.