Torsional Vibrations of Camshafts

This study deals with the torsional vibrations on the camshafts in force closed cam mechanisms. On the cam mechanisms with reciprocating followers, the variable torque which is produced by force exerted to the cam from the follower, will create torsional vibrations on the camshaft. A dynamic model of the camshaft was established and some nondimensional parameters which can be used to characterize dynamic behaviour of a camshaft were obtained. Torsional vibrations of camshafts are parametric and self-induced vibrations. The governing nonlinear differential equations were solved numerically. Vibrations of camshafts with a flat-faced follower differ from ones with a roller follower because of the friction between cam and follower. Vibrations on the camshaft affect the follower motion and contact force.