Problem 7: Dynamic Analysis of a Cam-follower Mechanism

Objective

Below is a simple, reciprocating follower eccentric-cam system, with a circular cam, flat-faced follower and a spring. The objective is to find:
  • Displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the flat-face follower.
  • Cam contact force.
  • Cam shaft torque.


Figure 1.

Entities Validated

  • Rigid body
  • Inline joint
  • Perpendicular axes joint
  • Revolute joint
  • Motion joint - rotational
  • Force_Spring damper – translational
  • Advanced joint – curve-to-curve

Type of Analysis

Dynamic

Reference

Theory of Machines and Mechanisms: SI Edition, Third Edition International version, by John J. Uicker, JR, Gordon R. Pennock and Joseph E. Shigley (2009): 645 (ISBN 13:978-0-19-806232-5)

Model Files

  • circular_cam_dynamics.mdl - MotionView Model
  • circular_cam_dynamics.xml - MotionSolve Deck

Graphical Results



Figure 2.


Figure 3.


Figure 4.

Result Comparison

Output Analytical MotionSolve % Error
Peak position of follower (mm ) 100 100 0%
Peak velocity of follower (mm/s ) 261.8 261.8 0%
Peak acceleration of follower (mm/s2 ) 1370.78 1370.31 0.04 %
Cam contact force (N) 196.02 196.02 0%
Cam shaft torque (N-mm) 7612.06 7611.28 0.01 %

Conclusion

MotionSolve results compare well with analytical results.