Experimental and Simulation of a Cam and Translated Roller Follower Over a Range of Speeds

In this study a cam and follower mechanism is analyzed. There is a clearance between the follower and the guide. The mechanism is analyzed using SolidWorks simulations taking into account the impact and the friction between the roller follower and the guide. Four different follower guide’s clearances have been used in the simulations like 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm. An experimental set up is developed to capture the general planar motion of the cam and follower. The measures of the cam and the follower positions are obtained through high-resolution optical encoders (markers). The effect of follower guide’s clearance is investigated for different cam rotational speeds such as 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 R.P.M. Impact with friction is considered in our study to calculate the Lyapunov exponent. The largest Lyapunov exponents for the simulated and experimental data are analyzed and selected.