Follower Max Jerk (SHM)
Calculate the maximum jerk of a simple-harmonic-motion cam follower, j_max = (π³·h·ω³) ÷ (2·β³), from the total lift h (mm), the cam angular velocity ω (rad/s) and the rise angle β (rad). Jerk is the RATE OF CHANGE of acceleration (the third time-derivative of displacement). Though less known than velocity and acceleration, jerk is decisive for the SMOOTHNESS and vibration of a cam mechanism: abrupt acceleration changes (high jerk) generate SHOCKS that excite the system's natural frequencies, causing vibration, noise, fatigue and wear — even if peak acceleration is within limits. In SHM, although acceleration is continuous inside the rise, it is DISCONTINUOUS at the ends, meaning INFINITE jerk there (the formula gives the interior jerk peak, but the end discontinuities are the real problem). It is precisely to eliminate these acceleration discontinuities (infinite jerk) that CYCLOIDAL motion and polynomial profiles were developed — they ensure finite, continuous jerk, the choice for high-speed, precision cams. Jerk grows with the CUBE of the rotation ω, becoming critical at high speeds. Considering jerk is the mark of advanced cam design. Enter the lift, the angular velocity and the rise angle.
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Jerk máximo do seguidor (MHS)
O jerk (sobreaceleração) máximo do seguidor de um came com movimento harmônico simples é j_max = (π³·h·ω³) ÷ (2·β³), a partir da elevação total h, da velocidade angular do came ω e do ângulo de subida β. O jerk é a taxa de variação da aceleração (a terceira derivada do deslocamento no tempo) — em português também chamado de 'arranco' ou 'sobreaceleração'. Embora menos conhecido que a velocidade e a aceleração, o jerk é decisivo para a suavidade e a vibração de um mecanismo de came: variações bruscas de aceleração (jerk alto) geram choques que excitam as frequências naturais do sistema, causando vibração, ruído, fadiga e desgaste — mesmo que a aceleração de pico esteja dentro dos limites. No MHS, embora a aceleração seja contínua no interior da subida, ela é descontínua nas extremidades, o que significa jerk infinito nesses pontos (a fórmula dá o pico do jerk no interior, mas as descontinuidades nas pontas são o problema real). É justamente para eliminar essas descontinuidades de aceleração que o movimento cicloidal e os perfis polinomiais foram desenvolvidos — eles garantem jerk finito e contínuo, sendo a escolha para cames de alta velocidade e precisão. O jerk cresce com o cubo da rotação ω, tornando-se crítico em altas velocidades. Considerar o jerk é a marca do projeto avançado de cames. Informe a elevação, a velocidade angular e o ângulo de subida.
Related Tools
Follower Max Velocity (SHM)
Calculate the maximum velocity of a simple-harmonic-motion cam follower, v_max = (π·h·ω) ÷ (2·β), from the total lift h (mm), the cam angular velocity ω (rad/s) and the rise angle β (rad). In simple harmonic motion, the follower velocity starts from zero (rest), rises to a MAXIMUM at mid-rise (when the follower passes mid-height) and returns to zero at the top. This peak matters for several reasons: it sets the speed the follower — and the coupled mass (valve, tool, part) — moves at, affecting inertia and dynamic forces; it influences cam-follower contact wear; and, with acceleration, it decides whether the follower can follow the cam without 'floating' (losing contact, jump, at high speeds). Maximum velocity grows linearly with the cam rotation ω and the lift h, and decreases with the rise angle β (more 'spread-out' rises are smoother). Comparing SHM with other motion laws (parabolic, cycloidal) by maximum velocity and acceleration is how the right law is chosen per application. Enter the lift, the cam angular velocity and the rise angle.
Follower Displacement (SHM)
Calculate the displacement of a simple-harmonic-motion (SHM) cam follower, s = (h/2)·(1 − cos(π·θ/β)), from the total lift h (mm), the cam angle θ (rad, current position) and the rise cam angle β (rad, ramp duration). A cam is a special-profiled mechanical element that, rotating, imposes a programmed motion on a FOLLOWER sliding or pivoting on it — the heart of engine valve trains, automatic machines, textile, printing and packaging equipment. Simple harmonic motion is a classic follower motion law: displacement follows a cosine, starting smoothly from rest, accelerating to mid-height and decelerating smoothly to rest at the top. It has continuous velocity and acceleration (no jumps), but acceleration is discontinuous at the ends (start and finish), causing a small shock — so SHM suits moderate speeds. The follower displacement diagram (s vs θ) is the starting point of cam-profile design: from it derive velocity, acceleration and jerk, which set the forces, vibrations and accuracy of the mechanism. Enter the lift, the current angle and the rise angle.
Follower Max Acceleration (SHM)
Calculate the maximum acceleration of a simple-harmonic-motion cam follower, a_max = (π²·h·ω²) ÷ (2·β²), from the total lift h (mm), the cam angular velocity ω (rad/s) and the rise angle β (rad). Follower acceleration is perhaps the MOST important parameter in high-speed cam design, since it generates the INERTIA FORCES (F = m·a): the higher the acceleration, the greater the force the cam must apply to the follower (and the reaction back on the cam and bearings), the greater the tendency to vibration and follower 'jump', and the greater the contact stresses. In SHM, maximum acceleration occurs at the ENDS (start and finish of the rise), and — crucially — it has a DISCONTINUITY there (jumping from zero to maximum instantly), causing a shock and exciting vibrations. So for very high speeds, CYCLOIDAL motion is preferred (its acceleration is continuous, starting and ending at zero), despite cycloidal having a slightly higher peak acceleration. Acceleration grows with the SQUARE of the rotation ω — so doubling the rotation quadruples the inertia forces, and high-rpm engine cams are a design challenge. Enter the lift, the angular velocity and the rise angle.
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