Dynamic modeling and analysis of a crank slider mechanism

Abstract

Several commercially available software tools can be utilized for enhancing design and analysis tasks related to mechanisms and other dynamic systems. This paper delineates the results from a pilot independent study performed by junior level engineering undergraduate students. The study includes development of free-body diagrams and kinetic diagrams of individual components of the crank slider mechanism, development of nonlinear differential equation of motion of a crank slider mechanism driven by a DC (direct current) motor, and motion simulation using software programs. Standard numerical analysis techniques using MATLAB and the virtual prototyping environment provided by WORKING MODEL software are used. Students involved with the project have expressed enhanced understanding of the subject matter with the integration of the software tools. As expected, both simulation environments yield similar results, however, the visual display of the motion using WORKING MODEL provides an excellent correspondence between the abstract mathematics and a realistic animation of the physical reality. The success of the project and student feedback suggest that integration of these software tools will be beneficial for improving student performance in the Dynamics course that all mechanical engineering undergraduates have to undertake.