Software Demonstration of Disc Cam Mechanisms for Mechanical Engineering Education

Abstract

This paper describes a software program for the kinematic analysis and design of disc cam mechanisms. It was mainly developed to enhance student learning in an undergraduate mechanisms course within a mechanical engineering curriculum. The software includes numerous combinations of follower types and motions, and provides graphical representations of the kinematics of the follower. The cam profile may be shown with or without the follower in a single position or animated. The software provides design tips in the form of error and warning messages when the user attempts to enter invalid values of input parameters. The software tool can also be used to design and test complicated cam mechanisms for industrial applications. Two examples are presented that demonstrate some important problems involved in the design of cam mechanisms.