An overview of several formulations for dry and lubricated revolute joint clearances in planar rigid-multi-body mechanical systems

Abstract

The influence of the revolute joint model on the dynamic response of planar multibody mechanical systems is studied in this work. In the sequel of this process, under the framework of the multibody formalisms, a general methodology for modeling the main kinematic aspects of dry revolute joint clearances is revisited. The numerical models for normal and tangential contact forces developed at the clearance joints are also discussed, which are based on the Hertzian contact theory and dry Coulomb’s friction law, respectively. The fundamental kinematic and dynamic issues of the modeling lubricated revolute joints are presented in this work in order to compare them with the dry revolute joint approach. In a simple manner, the lubrication forces are obtained by integrating the pressure distribution evaluated with the aid of Reynolds’ equation corresponding to the dynamic regime. The intra-joint forces developed for both dry and lubricated cases are evaluated based on the state of variable of the system and subsequently included into the dynamic equations of motion of the multibody system as external generalized forces. The main assumptions and procedures adopted throughout this work are demonstrated through simulations of a planar slider-crank mechanism, which includes dry and lubricated revolute joint with clearance. Finally, some experimental data is also presented and analyzed.