Stability of motion of the cam–follower system

Abstract In this paper, the dynamics of cam mechanism is analyzed. The mechanism is modeled as a cam–follower-driveshaft system where the flexibility of the camshaft and of the follower are considered. The non-linear and damping properties of the system are also taken into consideration. For constant angular velocity of the cam the mechanism is modeled as a two-degree-of-freedom system. The mathematical model of the system is described with two coupled parametrically excited non-linear second-order differential equations. The stability of motion of the system is investigated. Based on the criterion of stability the method for obtaining cam profile is developed. The conditions for stable and asymptotic stable motion of the follower are analytically determined. The obtained analytical results are compared numerical ones. The solutions are in good agreement.