Analytical solutions and computational nomograms for maximum pressure angle for cam mechanisms for full and half cycloidal and harmonic motion curves

Abstract

High pressure angles in cams with roller followers still pose as a problem in cam projects. The main objective of this work is to deduce the maximum pressure angle equations for full and half cycloidal and harmonic motion curves for translating roller followers in radial cams and create nomograms that can calculate this parameter by simply connecting two points by a straight line in a chart. The nomograms were made for the mentioned curves via an open source software and it is discussed the limitations of the given charts and the advantages of using the current method. Additionally, the paper reinforces the need for authors to make it clear that another well known and frequently used nomogram cannot be used as is for half curves. Although use of nomograms has fallen into disuse, it still has applications in textbooks and quick preliminary analysis in real life projects.