A methodology for modeling and simulating frictional translational clearance joint in multibody systems including a flexible slider part

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present a simple and effective methodology for modeling and simulating frictional translational clearance joint in planar multibody systems including a flexible slider part. By using the finite element method (FEM), the slider is divided into finite elements, and the distributed body forces and boundary stresses (contact forces) on the slider are equivalent to the nodal forces. The normal contact forces are described by a nonlinear viscoelastic contact force model, while the frictional forces are evaluated by the Coulomb dry friction model. By lumping the mass matrix and presenting it in diagonal form, the equations of motion are then inertially decoupled, and the frictional forces are solved independently via trial-and-error algorithm. A penalty method for the revolute joint connecting the slider and other bodies is applied, and equations of motion are integrated numerically. Finally, two numerical examples are given to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the methodology in this paper.