The problem of analyzing the dynamic behavior of general planar mechanism with elastic links and multiple clearance connections was studied using the Normal Mode Method. Much concern was on the interaction between link elasticity and clearance connections. An example of flexible 4-bar mechanism with 3 clearance connections was analyzed and compared with rigid 4-bar mechanism in terms of the maximum bearing forces and contact angles in each case.
The result from the inclusion of link flexibility in the analysis showed much smaller amplitude of impacts than those from rigid link analysis. But there was no significant difference in predicting contact losses.
