Example of a four-bar linkages which has four linked bars which are free to rotate. For any given value of the bar lengths only some positions are possible. The machine can move through these positions in a continuous motion with one degree of freedom.
Click and drag the white boxes to change lengths of bars.
Speed Pre-defined configurations:
Several types of motion are possible which depend on the lengths of the bars. If a, b, c, d are the lengths of the bars and the fixed bar (the frame) has length d the signs of T1=b+d-a-c, T2=c+d-a-b, T3=b+c-a-d determine the type of configuration. The Grashof condition compares s+l to g+h where s is the shortest length, l is the longest and g, h are the other two lengths. If s+l<g+h then at least one of the bars will rotate through 360°. If s+l>g+h then no bars will rotate through 360°.
The two bars attached to the crank can take one of four different types:
- Crank: can rotate through a full 360°
- Rocker: can rotate through a limited range of angles which does not include 0° or 180°
- 0-Rocker: can rotate through a limited range of angles which includes 0° but not 180°
- π-Rocker: can rotate through a limited range of angles which include 180° but not 0°
| T1 | T2 | T3 | Grashof condition | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | + | Grashof | Crank, Crank | |
| + | + | + | Grashof | Crank, Rocker | |
| + | - | - | Grashof | Rocker, Crank | |
| - | + | - | Grashof | Grashof Double Rocker | |
| - | - | - | Non-Grashof | 00 Double Rocker | |
| - | + | + | Non-Grashof | ππ Double Rocker | |
| + | - | + | Non-Grashof | π0 Double Rocker | |
| + | + | - | Non-Grashof | 0π Double Rocker |
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Readers comments
Four Bar Linkage
Arcot Somashekar Sun May 26 2019
Hello Richard This is a very useful site to teach Linkages and Mechanisms at university. It would be good if: (1) We can slow down/adjust the speed of rotation. (2) Change direction of rotation (to anti-clockwise, which is positive direction). Thank you Arcot Somashekar
Thanking and a Suggestion
Cem Kurt Tue Apr 13 2021
Dear Mr. Morris, Thank you for this extremely useful and easy-to-use simulation. If I may, my suggestions would be the additions of (1)direction changing of rotation and (2)angular limiting of rotation options. Kind regards, Cem Kurt.
Congratulation
Dr. César Guerra Torres Fri Feb 24 2023
You work is been important in my teach of mechanisms in my university