An approach for modelling a clearance revolute joint with a constantly updating wear profile in a multibody system: simulation and experiment

An approach for modelling a clearance revolute joint with a constantly updating wear profile in a multibody system is proposed. Before the contact analysis, the continuous geometric shape of the joint bushing is dispersed to obtain a series of uniformly distributed points of a certain density. By analysing the relative positions between the discrete points and geometric centre of the joint pin, the contact area between the bushing and pin can be estimated and the maximum contact depth can be obtained. Then, the normal contact force and the tangential friction force acting on the point of force application are calculated: after an analysis of the contact force, the wear depth on the contact discrete points is calculated based on Archard’s wear model. The location of the contact discrete point is updated to reconstruct the geometric shape of joint bushing. Finally, taking a planar slider–crank mechanism as an example, the wear characteristics and dynamic response of a revolute joint with clearance are studied by numerical simulation and experimental testing. The results verified that the extent of wear on the joint bushing profile is nonuniform, which is related to the kinetic characteristics of the mechanism. Due to wear, the joint clearance is increased, which further affects the dynamic performance of the mechanism.