Dynamic stability analysis of a composite material connecting rod by the finite element method

The Euler beam theory is used to study the dynamic stability of a composite material slider-crank mechanism with an elastic connecting rod. The Ritz finite element procedure is applied to derive the governing equations of motion of the mechanism. Based on the assumption that the slider-crank mechanism is subjected to a sinusoidal input torque and the operation condition is at a steady dynamic state, the governing equations represent a system of second order differential equations with periodic coefficients of the Mathieu-Hill type. Making use of the Bolotin method, the boundaries between stable and unstable solutions of the elastic connecting rod are constructed. The advantages of using composite materials in the design of mechanisms are demonstrated.