Simplified graphical acceleration analysis of four-bar linkages

Abstract

This paper suggests a simple graphical method for finding the angular accelerations of the follower crank and coupler of a four-bar linkage. No velocity and acceleration polygons are required. The present method is complementary to a previous similar one, so that it is possible to analyse accelerations of any four-bar linkage by either method to yield quicker and more accurate results than the polygon methods. The present method is even more useful since it yields both the linear tangential acceleration of the flower crank pin and the relative tangential acceleration of this pin with respect to the driving crank pin simultaneously.