Title: Efficiency and wear in cam actuated robotized gearbox using virtual model

Authors: Ettore Pennestri, Roberto Stefanelli, Pier Paolo Valentini, Leonardo Vita

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy

Abstract: In this paper the efficiency and wear of the cam actuator of a robotized gearbox are investigated, focusing on contact dynamics. A penalty method is used to simulate contact between the cam and the follower. The model is based on a finite element approximation of the theory of beam on continuous elastic foundation. The foundation modulus is computed using Hertz theory taking into account the change of principal curvature during the relative motion between cam and follower. This model has been embodied in a complete gear shifting simulation in order to compare contact forces and wear of different cam profiles.

Keywords: efficiency; spatial cams; contact dynamics; wear; gearbox; virtual modelling; robotic gearbox; gear shifting simulation; finite element approximation; beam theory; continuous elastic foundation; vehicle design; Hertz theory; contact forces; cam profiles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.019091

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.46 No.3, pp.347 - 366

Published online: 28 Jun 2008 *

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