The Dynamic Stability and Non-Linear Resonance of a Flexible Connecting Rod: Single-Mode Model

Abstract

An analytical and computer simulation investigation of the dynamic behavior associated with the flexible connecting rod of an otherwise rigid, in-line, planar slider-crank mechanism is presented. The main goal of this work is to determine the manner in which this response depends on the system parameters, with a particular emphasis on non-linear analyses of the dynamic response near resonance conditions. A single-mode model is distilled from the governing partial equations and is used to describe the transverse deflection of the connecting rod. It is found that the slider mass is the primary source of the non-linearity, and that the connecting rod behaves as a system with a softening type of non-linearity, which is subjected to both external and parametric excitations. The effects of selected non-dimensional system parameters, such as the length ratio, damping ratios, frequency ratios and inertia ratios, are investigated in detail. A systematic numerical study is also carried out and compared with the analytical results.