Abstract:

ESDU 76005 forms part of a group which deals with the design and analysis of linkages. It comes in the form of a boxfile which contains a series of 72 graphs on transparent overlays and gives kinematic and dynamic data for the design and analysis of the complete range of possible plane four-bar linkages. The data are presented in terms of three non-dimensional parameters that define the lengths of the links. The boxfile includes a location card for the transparent re-usable overlays, a comprehensive guide (ESDU ME1) and examples on the use of the graphs. The data that can be obtained for each geometry include the angle of swing of the rocker, the crank-angle between dead-centres, extreme transmission angle, maximum rocker velocity, maximum crank torque due to rocker inertia and maximum coupler end-load. The maxima of the dynamic data are given with corresponding crank angles. Both kinematic and dynamic data may be obtained in a simple step without iteration. ESDU 81033 gives an atlas of performance curves over the complete range of rotation angles for these linkages using the same non-dimensional length parameters to define the geometry.