This paper presents a general method for the analysis of any planar mechanism consisting of rigid links connected by revolute joints. The method combines a complex plane formulation [1] with the Dixon determinant procedure of Nielsen and Roth [2]. The result is simple to derive and implement, so in addition to providing numerical solutions, the approach facilitates analytical explorations. The procedure leads to a generalized eigenvalue problem of minimal size. Both input/output problems and the derivation of tracing curve equations are addressed, as is the extension of the method to treat slider joints.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
kinematics, input-output programs, polynomials, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions
Topics:
Eigenvalues, Kinematics, Linkages, Polynomials
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Copyright © 2001
 by ASME
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