A nonlinear contact force model for revolute joint with clearance

ABSTRACT Clearances in the joints of mechanism cause vibrations and noise in mechanical systems. The contact force model is the important factor in dynamic analysis of mechanical systems with clearance. This paper presents a nonlinear contact force model for revolute joint with clearance, which is a hybrid model of the Lankarani-Nikravesh model and the improved elastic foundation model. The framework of the Lankarani-Nikravesh model is used with the nonlinear stiffness coefficient derived using the improved elastic foundation model and the damping applied in introducing the ratio of the nonlinear stiffness coefficient of the improved elastic foundation model and contact stiffness of Lankarani-Nikravesh model. Finally, the nonlinear hybrid contact force model is analyzed and discussed. The hybrid contact force model presented in this paper is a nonlinear continuous contact force model, which extends contact modeling of joints with clearance and has a greater applicable scope.