Modeling and simulation of revolute joint with clearance in planar multi-body systems

An improved nonlinear elastic-damping contact force model, based on accounting for the axial dimension of bearing and journal, energy dissipation during contact process and the nonlinear power exponent from material, is established to evaluate the contact force of revolute joint with clearance. The friction effect was also determined using the modified Coulomb friction model. Numerical simulation was carried out to discuss the influence of clearance size on the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the planar slider-crank mechanism, which has a clearance joint between the connecting rod and slider. The numerical results point out that the existence of joint clearance causes high peaks on the kinematic and dynamic system’s characteristics. Even if the clearance size is small, it also causes obvious high frequency shaking of the slider acceleration, joint reaction force and the crank moment.