Dynamic analysis of a flexible slider–crank mechanism with clearance

In this paper we are interested in the study of the dynamic behavior of a planar flexible slider–crank mechanism with clearance. Simulation and experimental tests were carried out for this goal. For the simulation tests, we have built the model under the software ADAMS. We used a contact model based on the so called Impact-function. An experimental set-up was designed and built to achieve some experimental validations. The presented results show that, in the presence of clearance, the mechanism responses were greatly influenced. The motion is characterized by the occurrence of three phases: a free motion, a continuous contact motion and an impact motion. In this paper, both the case of the mechanism with rigid link and the case with flexible link were studied. It is shown that in the presence of clearance, the coupler flexibility has a role of suspension for the mechanism.