Modeling impact on a one-link flexible robotic arm

A finite-element model for a single-link flexible robotic arm including the effects of beam damping, hub inertia and both Coulomb and viscous hub friction is derived. The initial conditions required to represent impact loading are determined, and the motion of the arm under impact loading is simulated. Simulation results are compared to experimental data. From the experimental results it is concluded that this model provides an accurate representation of the physical process. It also provides a vehicle for investigating the effects of parameters of the process model, in particular, frictional effects and load profiles. Impact loading has been effectively represented in terms of initial conditions and can be applied to a range of finite-element models