Dynamic Interactions of Joint Clearances and Torsional Elasticity of Driving Shaft in Link Mechanism

Abstract

This study is an investigation of effects of both joint clearances and torsional elasticities of driving shafts on dynamic behaviours of link mechanisms. A dynamic analysis is developed under an assumption that pairing elements of each clearance connection are in contact with each other. An example cited in this study is a crank-lever mechanism with a clearance at the crank-pin joint. Calculated results are compared with experimental results about the input torque of the mechanism and the correctness of the dynamic analysis is confirmed. It is clear that impulsive forces due to the joint clearance cause principal vibrations of the torsional system when the torsional spring constant is small. Conditions of detecting dynamic responses due to joint clearances are examined about the experimental method used in this study.