Abstract
This paper proposes a new approach for modeling and simulating roller-chain drives using multibody formulations. The presented approach models the chain links as spatial decoupled dynamic bodies. The chain links are modeled using two different dynamic representations for the pin-link and the bushing-link. The bushing-link is modeled with two descendent dynamic bodies to represent the rollers. The adjacent pin and bushing links are connected by compliant bushing force elements. An efficient search algorithm is used to detect the contact between the roller and the sprocket teeth while a nonlinear force module is used to predict the contact force. A generalized sprocket representation is used to model the sprocket. The spatial motion of the chain links allows the out-of-plane vibrational motion of the links as well as simulating sprockets misalignment. Using the compliant connection between links avoids using the iterative calculation needed to satisfy the joint constraint equations leading to more efficient calculation scheme. The nonlinear dynamic equations of motion are solved using recursive approach. Complex roller chains drives, bicycle chain and conveyance systems can be easily modeled and analyzed using the proposed approach.
Highlights
Recent design advances in roller chain opened new areas of simulation-based-optimization to improve the product quality
Ryabov [3] presented an optimization approach for selecting the sprocket teeth based on chain drive cost and service life
The forces in the chain links were measured experimentally by Kidd et al [13] and showed that sprocket misalignment leads to localized bending of the chain links
Summary
Recent design advances in roller chain opened new areas of simulation-based-optimization to improve the product quality. Modeling the link-sprocket contact was investigated by Liu [11] using impulsive function. This review shows the importance and need to develop an efficient multibody simulation capability that should be able to address the out-of-plane link motion, sprocket misalignment, comprehensive algorithms for contact detection between links and sprockets, and generalized description of the sprocket tooth and profile. The author [15] presented a novel approach for modeling chain drives without taking the roller into account. This could lead to unrealistic high friction and contact forces between the sprocket and the links. A brief discussion of the nonlinear link-sprocket contact force model is presented.
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