An enhanced simplified model for dynamic analysis of deployable Bennett linkages considering link cross-sectional size and contact

Abstract

Deployable Bennett linkage has broad application prospects in engineering. Existing simplified models generally do not consider the link cross-sectional size and contact, and therefore, deviate from real-world Bennett linkages. This paper proposes an enhanced simplified model based on finite particle method (FPM) to consider link cross-sectional size and contact. Specifically, this model introduces virtual beams at the end cross-sections to consider the link cross-sectional size; furthermore, contacts between link surfaces, when Bennett linkage is fully folded or deployed, are considered by applying contact forces directly. The modeling methods for a single unit of Bennett linkage and an assembly are presented. The dynamic analysis method based on FPM is proposed for the enhanced simplified model, and the corresponding beam element, revolute hinge element, and contact element are derived. The dynamic responses of the unit of Bennett linkage are compared to those by the fine model to verify the proposed enhanced simplified model, and the influences of structural parameters are further investigated. The assembly of Bennett linkage is also analyzed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in the assembly of large-scale units. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and provides a promising approach for dynamic analysis of large-scale deployable Bennett linkages.