Abstract
A theoretical framework is proposed by which the effect of tolerances can be analyzed. Especially it focuses on the influence of clearances on the dynamic behavior of mechanisms. As opposed to previous publications, where a bondgraph formulation was used, this paper uses a finite element formulation in order to simulate the dynamic behavior under the influence of tolerances and other physical effects. The finite element formulation that has been selected for this work has two major advantages when compared to a bondgraph formulation. The first important advantage is that the method is analytical to a great extent. As a result, no numerically derived derivatives will exist, hence not leading to numeric inaccuracies. The second advantage is that small numbers can be separated from large numbers allowing to separate tolerances from the nominal path, resulting in faster simulations. The paper describes how a geometric model, including its tolerances, can be transformed into a corresponding finite element model that on its part consists of submodels. Based on this model, simulations can be performed which can provide insight in the dynamic behavior of the mechanism. The paper details on how geometric tolerances (such as form, orientation, position as well as size and clearances), with the focus on clearances, can be accounted for in a finite element model.