ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the application of a simple numerical method which is suitable for motion analysis of different mechanical systems. For mechanical engineer students it is important task. Mechanical systems consisting of rigid bodies are linked to each other by different constraints. Kinematical and kinetical analysis of them leads to integration of second order differential equations. In this way the kinematical functions of parts of mechanical systems can be determined. Degrees of freedom of the mechanical system increase as a result of built-in elastic parts. Numerical methods can be applied to solve such problems. The simple numerical method will be demonstrated in MS Excel by author by the aid of two examples. MS Excel is a quite useful tool for mechanical engineers because easy to use it and details can be seen moreover failures can be noticed. Some parts of results obtained by using the numerical method were checked by analytical way. The published method can be used in higher education for mechanical engineer students.

KEY WORDS

motion analysis, mechanical systems, numerical method, initial-value problems, nonlinear vibration

CLASSIFICATION