Modeling of joints with clearance in flexible multibody systems

This paper is concerned with the modeling of joints with clearance within the framework of finite element based dynamic analysis of nonlinear, flexible multibody systems. For actual joints, clearance, lubrication and friction phenomena can significantly affect the dynamic response of the system. In this work, the effects of clearance and lubrication are studied for revolute and spherical joints. The formulation is developed within the framework of energy preserving and decaying time integration schemes that provide unconditional stability for nonlinear, flexible multibody systems. Numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach. The importance of modeling structural damping and limited driving power are discussed.     

The effect of the lubricated revolute joint parameters and hydrodynamic force models on the dynamic response of planar multibody systems

In this work a comprehensive methodology for dynamic modeling and analysis of planar multibody systems with lubricated revolute joints is presented. In general, this type of mechanical systems includes journal-bearings in which the load varies in both magnitude and direction. The fundamental issues associated with the theory of lubrication for dynamically loaded journal-bearings are revisited that allow for the evaluation of the Reynolds equation for dynamic regime. This approach permits the derivation of the suitable hydrodynamic force laws that are embedded into the dynamics of multibody systems formulation. In this work, three different hydrodynamic force models are considered, namely the Pinkus and Sternlicht approach for long journal-bearings and the Frêne et al. models for both long and short journal-bearings. Results for a planar slider?Ccrank mechanism with a lubricated revolute joint between the connecting-rod and slider are presented and utilized to discuss the assumptions and procedures adopted throughout the present study. Different test scenarios are taken into account with the purpose of performing a comparative study for quantifying the effect of the clearance size, lubricant viscosity, input crank speed and hydrodynamic force model on the dynamic response of multibody systems with lubricated revolute joints. From the global results obtained from computational simulations, it can be concluded that the clearance size, the lubricant viscosity and the operating conditions play a key role in predicting the dynamic behavior of multibody systems.     

柔性对多体系统中铰接副磨损的影响

通过集成柔性多体动力学与磨损计算程序,提出了一种用于对柔性多体系统中间隙铰接副部位的磨损进行了预测的方法.基于绝对节点坐标方法(ANCF)建立了柔性部件的多体动力学模型,引入Lankanrani和Nikravesh提出的连续接触力模型计算间隙铰接副部分的法向接触力,采用Lu Gre摩擦模型计算切向摩擦力,并利用基于Archard模型的迭代计算程序计算磨损.为了提高计算效率,引入了并行计算策略.最后,通过对一个含柔性连杆的曲柄滑块机构机构进行仿真计算,发现当考虑部件的柔性时,得到的间隙处的冲击力会大幅降低,预测的磨损量也随之降低,并且随着机构柔性的增强,这种效果更为明显.     

An approach for calculating the dynamic load of deep groove ball bearing joints in planar multibody systems

This study is focused on dynamic modeling of planar multibody systems with multiple deep groove ball bearing joints, in which the radial clearance, contact deformation, and bearing kinematics are included. By using the approach presented, the variation of the joint reaction force and the dynamic load on each ball element in bearings can be simulated. The deep groove ball bearing joints are modeled by introducing a nonlinear force system, which takes into account the contact elastic deformations between the ball elements and the raceways. The contact force is calculated by the Hertzian contact deformation theory that accounts for the geometrical and material properties of the contacting bodies. A planar slider-crank mechanism with two deep groove ball bearing joints is chosen as an example to demonstrate the application of the methodologies presented in this paper. In this model, one bearing locates at the joint between the ground and crank, while the other one locates at the joint between the crank and connecting rod. By numerical calculation, the dynamic load distribution characteristics of bearings under real mechanism movement conditions are simulated. From the results, it can be concluded that the dynamic load on each rolling element varies differently and belongs to a variable load with the change of mechanism configuration. Load characteristic analysis is the foundation of developing research on the fatigue life and reliability of bearings. This study will provide a key mechanical support for the performance evaluation, dynamic design, and geometrical parameter optimization of the joint rolling element bearings.     

Modeling 3D revolute joint with clearance and contact stiffness

The clearances in the kinematic joints are due to deformations, wear, and manufacturing errors; the accurate modeling of these effects in multibody analysis is a complex issue but in many practical applications, it is mandatory to take into them into account in order to understand the actual behavior of mechanical systems. In this paper, the authors present a general computer-aided model of a 3D revolute joint with clearance suitable for implementation in multibody dynamic solvers. While a perfect revolute joint imposes kinematic constraints, the proposed revolute joint with clearance leads to a force constraint. The revolute joint has been modeled by introducing a nonlinear equivalent force system, which takes into account the contact elastic deformations. The model depends on the structural and geometrical properties of materials in contact that have been investigated using finite element models. The purpose is to give a general approach to study the influence of actual joints on kinematic, dynamic, and structural behavior of mechanisms. The proposed model has been applied in dynamic simulations of a spatial slider-crank mechanism.     

Dynamic analysis of planar rigid-body mechanical systems with two-clearance revolute joints

In this paper, the behavior of planar rigid-body mechanical systems due to the dynamic interaction of multiple revolute clearance joints is numerically studied. One revolute clearance joint in a multibody mechanical system is characterized by three motions which are: the continuous contact, the free-flight, and the impact motion modes. Therefore, a mechanical system with n-number of revolute clearance joints will be characterized by 3 ⁿ motions. A slider-crank mechanism is used as a demonstrative example to study the nine simultaneous motion modes at two revolute clearance joints together with their effects on the dynamic performance of the system. The normal and the frictional forces in the revolute clearance joints are respectively modeled using the Lankarani–Nikravesh contact-force and LuGre friction models. The developed computational algorithm is implemented as a MATLAB code and is found to capture the dynamic behavior of the mechanism due to the motions in the revolute clearance joints. This study has shown that clearance joints in a multibody mechanical system have a strong dynamic interaction. The motion mode in one revolute clearance joint will determine the motion mode in the other clearance joints, and this will consequently affect the dynamic behavior of the system. Therefore, in order to capture accurately the dynamic behavior of a multi-body system, all the joints in it should be modeled as clearance joints.     

Modeling and simulation of planar multibody systems considering multiple revolute clearance joints

Nonlinear Dynamics - This paper presents a general procedure for dynamic modeling and simulation of planar multibody systems considering multiple revolute clearance joints. The normal contact force...     

Modeling of unilateral contact conditions with application to aerospace systems involving backlash, freeplay and friction

This paper describes an analysis procedure for the modeling of backlash, freeplay and friction in flexible multibody systems. The first two effects are formulated in a general manner as unilateral contact conditions in multibody dynamics. The incorporation of the effects of friction in joint elements is also discussed, together with an effective computational strategy. These non-standard effects are formulated within the framework of finite element based multibody dynamics that allows the analysis of complex, flexible systems of arbitrary topology. The versatility and generality of the approach are demonstrated by presenting applications to aerospace systems: the flutter analysis of a wing-aileron system with freeplay, the impact of an articulated rotor blade on its doop stop during engagement operation in high wind conditions, and the dynamic response of a space antenna featuring joints with friction.     

含摩擦滑移铰平面多刚体系统动力学的数值算法

基于LuGre摩擦模型和线性互补问题(LCP)的数值算法,给出了具有双边约束含摩擦滑移铰平面多体系统动力学的数值算法.首先,根据滑移铰的特点,当间隙充分小时,将其视为双边约束,给出了滑移铰中滑道作用于滑块上的法向接触力的互补关系;LuGre摩擦模型能有效地描述机械系统中的黏滞与滑移运动,将该模型用于描述滑块与滑道间的摩擦力.其次,结合Baumgarte约束稳定化方法,应用第一类Lagrange方程,建立了该多体系统的动力学方程,给出了Lagrange乘子与滑移铰中作用于滑块上的法向接触力的关系式.然后,将滑块与滑道间多种接触状态的判断以及作用于滑块上的法向接触力的计算转换为线性互补问题的求解,并用常微分方程的数值算法求解该多体系统的动力学方程.最后,通过数值仿真算例揭示了滑移铰中滑块的黏滞与滑移现象,以及滑块在滑道内的多种接触状态;另外,在文中分别采用Coulomb干摩擦模型和LuGre摩擦模型,对算例中的某些工况进行了数值仿真,并且分别用本文方法得到的数值仿真结果与已有方法得到的数值仿真结果对比,表明了本文给出的方法的有效性.      

Simulation of planar flexible multibody systems with clearance and lubricated revolute joints

Modeling of clearance joints plays an important role in the analysis and design of multibody mechanical systems. Based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), a new computational methodology for modeling and analysis of planar flexible multibody systems with clearance and lubricated revolute joints is presented. A planar absolute nodal coordinate formulation based on the locking-free shear deformable beam element is implemented to discretize the flexible bodies. A continuous contact-impact model is used to evaluate the contact force, in which energy dissipation in the form of hysteresis damping is considered. A force transition model from hydrodynamic lubrication forces to dry contact forces is introduced to ensure continuity in the joint reaction force. A comprehensive study with different lubrication force models has also been carried out. The generalized-α method is used to solve the equations of motion and several efficient methods are incorporated in the proposed model. Finally, the methodology is validated by two numerical examples.     

多体系统动力学中关节效应模型的研究进展

在一般的多体系统动力学研究中认为运动关节是理想运动副. 然而,实际中的运动关节不仅含有间隙与摩擦,还有间隙引起的关节元素之间的接触碰撞、局部变形和磨损. 多体系统动力学中的关节效应不仅引起了系统的振动和噪声,减小了系统的可靠性和寿命,而且损失了系统的精度和稳定性. 为此,对近十几年多体系统动力学中关节效应的研究进行了详细分析,总结了关节效应中间隙运动学模型、接触力模型与磨损模型在多体系统动力学中的建模过程. 其中,着重分析了多体系统动力学中关节磨损效应的研究进展,并对常用的Reye'shypothesis 和Archard 磨损模型进行了比较,详细地分析了Archard 磨损模型的演变形式以及主要磨损参数(接触应力,接触面积和滑移距离),特别分析了关键磨损参数接触应力的建模方法,解释了基于Winkler 弹性基础理论在求解接触应力时遇到的困难. 另外,介绍了4 种间隙运动副(转动副、移动副、圆柱副和球面副) 的运动学模型. 分析了考虑关节磨损多体系统动力学模型的一般建模方法,并以平面五杆机构为例说明了其建模过程.最后,简要地展望了多体系统动力学中关节效应模型的发展趋势以及应用前景.      

A new model for dry and lubricated cylindrical joints with?clearance in spatial flexible multibody systems

A new approach to model and analyze flexible spatial multibody systems with clearance of cylindrical joints is presented in this work. The flexible parts are modeled by using absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF)-based elements, while the rigid parts are described by employing the natural coordinate formulation (NCF), which can lead to a constant system mass matrix for the derived system equations of motion. In a simple way, a cylindrical joint with clearance is composed of two main elements, that is, a journal inside a bearing. Additionally, a lubricant fluid can exist between these two mechanical elements to reduce the friction and wear and increase the system??s life. For the case in which the joint is modeled as a dry contact pair, a technique using a continuous approach for the evaluation of the contact force is applied, where the energy dissipation in the form of hysteresis damping is considered. Furthermore, the frictional forces developed in those contacts are evaluated by using a modified Coulomb??s friction law. For the lubricated case, the hydrodynamic theory for dynamically loaded journal bearings is used to compute the forces generated by lubrication actions. The lubricated model is based on the Reynolds equation developed for the case of journal bearings with length-to-diameter ratios up to 1. Using this approach, the misalignment of the journal inside the bearing can be studied. Finally, two demonstrative examples of application are used to provide results that support the discussion and show the validity of the proposed methodologies.     

Spatial rigid-multibody systems with lubricated spherical clearance joints: modeling and simulation

The dynamic modeling and simulation of spatial rigid-multibody systems with lubricated spherical joints is the main purpose of the present work. This issue is of paramount importance in the analysis and design of realistic multibody mechanical systems undergoing spatial motion. When the spherical clearance joint is modeled as dry contact; i.e., when there is no lubricant between the mechanical elements which constitute the joint, a body-to-body (typically metal-to-metal) contact takes place. The joint reaction forces in this case are evaluated through a Hertzian-based contact law. A hysteretic damping factor is included in the dry contact force model to account for the energy dissipation during the contact process. The presence of a fluid lubricant avoids the direct metal-to-metal contact. In this situation, the squeeze film action, due to the relative approaching motion between the mechanical joint elements, is considered utilizing the lubrication theory associated with the spherical bearings. In both cases, the intra-joint reaction forces are evaluated as functions of the geometrical, kinematical, and physical characteristics of the spherical joint. These forces are then incorporated into a standard formulation of the system’s governing equations of motion as generalized external forces. A spatial four bar mechanism that includes a spherical clearance joint is considered here as an example. The computational simulations are carried out with and without the fluid lubricant, and the results are compared with those obtained when the system is modeled with perfect joints only. From the general results, it is observed that the system’s performance with lubricant effect presents fewer peaks in the kinematic and dynamic outputs, when compared with those from the dry contact joint model.     

Modeling and analysis of rigid multibody systems with driving constraints and frictional translation joints

An approach is proposed for modeling and anal- yses of rigid multibody systems with frictional translation joints and driving constraints. The geometric constraints of translational joints with small clearance are treated as bilat- eral constraints by neglecting the impact between sliders and guides. Firstly, the normal forces acting on sliders, the driv- ing constraint forces （or moments） and the constraint forces of smooth revolute joints are all described by complementary conditions. The frictional contacts are characterized by a set- valued force law of Coulomb＇s dry friction. Combined with the theory of the horizontal linear complementarity problem （HLCP）, an event-driven scheme is used to detect the transi- tions of the contact situation between sliders and guides, and the stick-slip transitions of sliders, respectively. And then, all constraint forces in the system can be computed easily. Secondly, the dynamic equations of multibody systems are written at the acceleration-force level by the Lagrange multiplier technique, and the Baumgarte stabilization method is used to reduce the constraint drift. Finally, a numerical example is given to show some non-smooth dynamical behaviors of the studied system. The obtained results validate the feasibility of algorithm and the effect of constraint stabilization.     

Robust decentralized force/position fault-tolerant control for constrained reconfigurable manipulators without torque sensing

Generally, multi-body mechanical systems in which the impact phenomena occur exhibit chaotic and quasi-periodic behavior. Mechanisms with clearance joint are categorized in such systems due to contact between the connecting bodies. In this paper, we would investigate the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a four-bar mechanism with joint and clearance at the connection between the coupler and rocker. Motion equations are derived based on the Lagrangian approach. The nonlinear continuous contact force model proposed by Lankarani and Nikravesh is utilized to evaluate the normal contact force developed in the journal–bearing system. Furthermore, the friction effect on the clearance joint is considered using a modified Coulomb friction law. The dynamical behaviors are numerically identified in discrete state space, based on the Poincaré portraits. Numerical simulations display both periodic and chaotic motions in the system behavior. Therefore, bifurcation analysis has been performed with a change in the size of clearance corresponding to the various values of crank rotational velocities. Then, we compare some clearance ranges, in which the system response becomes stable for these cases. Fast Fourier transformation is also applied to analyze the frequency spectrum of the system response.     

Application of the nonsmooth dynamics approach to model and analysis of the contact-impact events in cam-follower systems

The dynamic modeling and analysis of planar rigid multibody systems that experience contact-impact events is presented and discussed throughout this work. The methodology is based on the nonsmooth dynamics approach, in which the interaction of the colliding bodies is modeled with multiple frictional unilateral constraints. Rigid multibody systems are stated as an equality of measures, which are formulated at the velocity-impulse level. The equations of motion are complemented with constitutive laws for the forces and impulses in the normal and tangential directions. In this work, the unilateral constraints are described by a set-valued force law of the type of Signorini??s condition, while the frictional contacts are characterized by a set-valued force law of the type of Coulomb??s law for dry friction. The resulting contact-impact problem is formulated and solved as an augmented Lagrangian approach, which is embedded in the Moreau time-stepping method. The effectiveness of the methodologies presented in this work is demonstrated throughout the dynamic simulation of a cam-follower system of an industrial cutting file machine.     

Study of the effect of contact force model on the dynamic response of mechanical systems with dry clearance joints: computational and experimental approaches

The main objective of this work is to present a computational and experimental study on the contact forces developed in revolute clearance joints. For this purpose, a well-known slider-crank mechanism with a revolute clearance joint between the connecting rod and slider is utilized. The intra-joint contact forces that are generated at these clearance joints are computed by considering several different elastic and dissipative approaches, namely those based on the Hertz contact theory and the ESDU tribology-based cylindrical contacts, along with a hysteresis-type dissipative damping. The normal contact force is augmented with the dry Coulomb’s friction force. In addition, an experimental apparatus is used to obtained some experimental data in order to verify and validate the computational models. From the outcomes reported in this paper, it is concluded that the selection of the appropriate contact force model with proper dissipative damping plays a significant role in the dynamic response of mechanical systems involving contact events at low or moderate impact velocities.     

Numerical and experimental investigation on multibody systems with revolute clearance joints

A comprehensive combined numerical and experimental study on the dynamic response of a slider-crank mechanism with revolute clearance joints is presented and discussed in this paper to provide an experimental verification and validation of the predictive capabilities of the multibody clearance joint models. This study is supported in an experimental work in a test rig, which consists of a slider-crank mechanism with an adjustable radial clearance at the revolute joint between the slider and the connecting rod. The motion of the slider is measured with a linear transducer and an accelerometer. Dynamic tests at different operating crank speeds and with several clearance sizes are performed. The maximum slider acceleration, associated with the impact acceleration, is used as a measure of the impact severity. The obtained results demonstrate the dynamical behavior of a multibody mechanical system with a clearance joint. Finally, the correlation between the numerical and experimental results is presented and discussed leading to validated models of clearance revolute joints.     

Modeling and analysis of sliding joints with clearances in flexible multibody systems

The modeling of the sliding joint with clearance between a flexible beam and a rigid hole is investigated in this paper. The flexible beam is discretized using the three-dimensional curved Euler–Bernoulli beam element of the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation, while the motion of the rigid hole is described by the Cartesian coordinates. Moreover, the cross sections of both the flexible beam and the rigid hole are assumed to be circular. The existing joints with clearances are mainly rigid joints with small clearances, and the contact detection algorithm adopted can solve only one pair of potential contact points within one section. In order to model the contact problem in the sliding joint with clearance, a new contact detection method based on the intersection of the rigid hole’s cross section and the flexible beam is proposed, which yields a two-dimensional contact detection problem. Based on the common-normal concept, the ellipse–circle contact detection problem within the hole’s cross section can be solved. The potential contact point on the hole’s cross section will be determined, and the closest point projection on the beam’s neutral axis can be defined further. The proposed contact detection method can deal with the sliding joint with large clearance and the multiple-point contact problem within one section. In addition, the penalty method is adopted to model the frictionless contact between the flexible beam and the rigid hole. Finally, two numerical examples about sliding joints with clearances, one with an initially curved beam under gravity and the other with a straight beam under zero gravity, are presented to demonstrate the influence of the clearance of sliding joint on the dynamic performance of flexible multibody systems.     

A validated model for a pin-slot clearance joint

The numerical modeling of joints with a certain amount of clearance and a subsequent validation of the model are important for accurate multibody simulations. For such validated modeling, not only the kinematic constraints, but also the contact models, are important. If a joint has no clearance, it is assumed to be ideal. However, in real applications, there is frequently some clearance in the joints. Adding clearance and kinematic conditions to a pin-slot joint significantly increases the number of kinematic and contact parameters. Consequently, the resulting kinematics and the contact forces can vary significantly with regard to the selection of those parameters. This research covers the development of a validated model for a pin-slot clearance joint. Different kinematic constraints and contact models are discussed. The presented model is an experimentally validated one for a pin-slot clearance joint that is commonly used in safety-critical applications like electrical circuit breakers. Special attention is given to the Hertz, Kelvin–Voigt, Johnson, and Lankarani–Nikravesh contact models. When comparing different contact models within numerical approaches and comparing the results with experimental data, significant differences in the results were observed. With a validated model of a pin-slot clearance joint, a physically consistent numerical simulation was obtained.