Dynamic analysis of a flexible linkage mechanism with cracks and clearance

In this paper a planar mechanism with a flexible rod with cracks and slider clearance is investigated. The flexible rod is modeled with lumped masses. The equations of motion in which the influence of the cracks size, slider clearance and impact effects are taken into account, are developed. For the present study, the impact is modeled using a kinematic coefficient of restitution. The stability of the motion is studied using Lyapunov exponents. Numerical solution results show that clearance (that can be associated with fatigue and wear phenomena) and imperfect links change the dynamical behavior of the system. The effects of clearance combined with imperfect links should not be ignored when analyzing the dynamic performance and vibration characteristic of mechanical systems.