Dynamic Analysis of a Washing Machine Using a Multi-body Dynamic Model

In this study, a multi-body dynamic model is developed for a washing machine and the dynamic behaviors of the machine are investigated. The mechanical properties such as spring constants and damping factors are measured from vibrational experiments. With these experimentally obtained mechanical properties, a computer simulation model for the washing machine is established by using a commercial multi-body dynamics software DAFUL. In order to verify the developed simulation model, the dynamic responses computed from simulation are compared to the responses measured from vibration experiments. In addition, the effects of the stiffness and damping factors on the dynamic responses are also analyzed.