The minimization of the fluctuation of input-shaft torque in plane mechanisms

Abstract Due to the inertia of the moving links and to fluctuating external loads the input torque on a mechanism can have a large fluctuation during a cycle. This fluctuation of input torque may be reduced by properly distributing the mass in the links of the mechanism. An extension of some of the author's previous work on mass distribution is presented; it allows investigation of a class of mechanisms previously excluded, namely that class whose members operate under the influence of external loads.