Dynamic stability of flexible cam follower systems

Abstract

Dynamic stability of a flexible cam-follower system is considered. The shaft-cam-follower assembly is modelled by a single degree-of-freedom system. In the analysis, transverse and rotational flexibility of the camshaft along with flexibility and damping of the follower are taken into consideration. The governing equation of motion for the follower is given by a linear, second-order, ordinary differential equation with time dependent coefficients. In general, this class of equation is known as a second-order Hill's equation. The time responses of the cam-follower system for an eccentric circular cam for different rotational speeds are determined. In addition, stability analysis based on Hill's infinite determinant is performed, and the effects of operational speed and damping on the stability are determined. For the special case of the cam-follower system that has been considered, it has been found that the system is stable for low values of the angular speed of the cam. As the speed is increased gradually, a few unstable regions occur. In general, damping shows a significant effect on stabilizing the cam-follower system.