GENERAL PLANAR DYNAMICS OF A SLIDING FLEXIBLE LINK

A finite element dynamic model of a sliding link through a prismatic j oint where the prismatic joint hub is executing general planar motion is formulated. In contrast to previously reported formulations, a fini te element mesh with a fixed number of elements is used, where the ele ment length is constant. The time-dependent boundary conditions manife sted by the prismatic joint constraints are considered. A transition e lement with variable stiffness is introduced at the interface with the joint hub. In this finite element formulation, all the inertia coupli ng terms between the beam reference motions and the local elastic defo rmations are considered. In addition, the model accounts for the dynam ics of the end mass as well as the associated coupling effects. Numeri cal simulations and comparisons with results obtained by other methods are presented to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the model. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.