Author : Ketan Tamboli, Taranjeetsingh Singh, Saurin Sheth and Tejas Patel

The motion machined into the cam surface is not always faithfully reproduced by the follower because of the speed and elasticity or flexibility of the members of the follower train. Thus, vibration theory is applicable in order to determine the manner in which the follower responds to the motion prescribed by cam. Especially, the high speed cams used for various applications such as engines, turbines, entertaining rides, automated machines etc. need to be analysed for response of the follower. Moreover, when a cam is designed to impart a particular motion to the follower, for high speed cams the problems such as large velocities, accelerations and jerks over a cycle are quite pronounced. In such cases the analysis of cam is desirable. In the present work, the dynamic analysis of high speed cam and follower systems is carried out in two parts. The first part deals with the combined static and inertial analysis of the systems in following manner: Cam angle vs. Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration, Inertia force, spring force, Resultant force, Shaft torque. In the second part of the work, the cam follower system is analysed for the jump speed using well known Johnson Method for determining the follower response. It has an advantage that it can also be used for design purposes. The calculations are performed using MATLAB and the outputs are presented for D-R-D cam with i) cycloidal motion ii) parabolic motion iii) uniform motion iv) constant acceleration and retardation. The results are presented in form of follower response and follower command vs. Cam angle for the jump.

Keywords: Dynamic Analysis, High Speed Cam, Jump, MATLAB

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.6, No.2 (April-2016)