Dynamic modeling and comparative analysis of a 3-PRR parallel robot with multiple lubricated joints

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology to study the dynamic response of a parallel robot with multiple lubricated joints. Based on Gumbel’s boundary conditions, the hydrodynamic force of the journal bearing is calculated with the Pinkus–Sternlicht model. Considering the dynamic loads on the multiple lubricated joints, the Pinkus–Sternlicht model is modified to ensure numerical stability of the solution of the system’s equations. A comparative analysis of four joint force models is presented to show the advantages of the modified model for a 3-PRR (P and R represent prismatic and revolute pairs respectively and the underline of the P represents the actuated joint) parallel robot. The improvement in the numerical stability of the modified Pinkus–Sternlicht model is proven. Subsequently, the dynamic behavior of the 3-PRR parallel robot with multiple lubricated joints is analyzed comprehensively, compared with the 3-PRR parallel robot with multiple dry clearance joints. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the dynamic methodology containing the modified Pinkus–Sternlicht model for the 3-PRR parallel robot with multiple lubricated joints. This dynamic methodology can illustrate the better periodicity of such parallel robots considering lubricated joints.