Analysis of a High-Speed Flexible Four-Bar Linkage: Part I—Formulation and Solution

Derived from the principle of virtual displacement, a general finite element analysis computer code (FEMAP) of the flexible four-bar linkage is developed on the Apollo computer. In this part, virtual displacement method is presented as a basic theory for the general formulation of the equations of motion. Based on these results, a general finite element computer code of planar four-bar linkage is developed. All the links of the mechanism are considered to be flexible. The nonlinear terms such as coupling between the rigid body and elastic deformation terms and the effect of the axial forces are included. The Newmark direct integration method is used as solution scheme.