On Predicting the Dynamic Effects of Clearances in Planar Mechanisms

The presence of clearances in mechanisms can result in the degradation of the performance of these devices. This question is investigated analytically with particular attention paid to the response of a slider-crank with clearances. The use of a simple model to predict the effects of clearances in planar mechanisms without the need for complex and exhaustive analysis is considered. It is shown that such a model, called an impact pair, will provide adequate design information for considering the effects of clearances.