Synthesis, Analysis And Simulation Of a Four-Bar Mechanism Using Matlab Programming

Abstract

The four-bar mechanism is a class of mechanical linkage in which four links are pinned together to form a closed loop in order to perform some useful motion. This has long been, and continues to be, an effective tool for mechanical design engineers. This paper considers synthesis, analysis and simulation of the four-bar linkage analytically for three and four precision positions of the motion generation problem. Kinematic synthesis of the four-bar mechanism using the complex number method is presented. The results of the synthesis process are analyzed to determine motion characteristics of the mechanism. These motion characteristics are then used for simulation of the mechanism. Matlab programs are written for solving the equations developed in the synthesis and analysis problems.
Matlab is also used to develop user-friendly Graphic User Interface windows for data input and output as well as for simulation.