Effects of considering the existence of clearance at revolute joints on the response of mechanical systems

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to present a general methodology for modelling and analysis of planar mechanical systems with clearance revolute joints. When a clearance exists in a revolute joint, impacts between journal and bearing elements will take place, resulting in schoks, vibrations, wear and consequently the degradation of system performance. The present study is developed under the framework of multibody systems in the geometric and dynamics conditions will be established to treat the clearance joints. Numerical results for a four-bar mechanism with revolute joints between coupler and follower are presented and discussed. In addition, a comparison between the obtained results for ideal and clearance joints are compared and analyzed. The numerical results show that the existence of dry joint clearances causes high peaks on the kinematic and dynamic system’s characteristics due to the intrajoint contact forces developed.