Vector-network models for kinematics: The 4-bar mechanism

Abstract The vector-network model has proved successful in the analysis of general, dynamic, 3-dimensional mechanical systems. In this paper, the application of this model is extended to the problem of kinematics. This unification of the modelling procedure has paved the way for the development of efficient computer programmers which can handle both dynamics as well as kinematics. Here, as an initial step, attention is focussed on the concepts underlying the vector-network model for mechanisms. The 4-bar mechanism has served as an illustrative example.