Vector form intrinsic finite element method for planar multibody systems with multiple clearance joints

A new computational methodology is presented for the dynamic analysis of multibody systems with multiple clearance joints by vector form intrinsic finite element method. A joint model is developed to simulate the motion of ideal and clearance joints for multibody systems. The dynamic behaviour of a four-bar mechanism with three clearance joints in continuous contact mode is analysed. The results show that the dynamic performance of the mechanism with three clearance joints in continuous contact mode is not similar to that with ideal joints and is fluctuating and affected by the clearance size of the joints and input crank speed.