Dynamic stability analysis of a flexible cam mechanism using a one-degree-of-freedom model

Abstract This article presents an efficient and accurate stability analysis for a flexible cam mechanism based on the multiple scales method. A shaft-cam-follower mechanism is modelled by a one-degree-of freedom model. An equivalent stiffness of a lumped parameter system is developed. Instability regions are determined through a parametric study in order to avoid dangerous working velocities. The equation of motion of the system is resolved using the implicit Newmark algorithm and numerical results are presented in the case of stable and unstable regimes. The results show a concordance between instability regions and dynamic response. The cases of modi-fied trapezoidal and cycloidal cam-profiles are treated and a comparison of the results with an experimental study of the literature is made.