ME 320

Spring 2007

Project 3

The figure below shows an adjustable height platform used to load and unload freight trucks. A hydraulic cylinder provides the input force. The project include the following steps:

i. Assuming that that the actuator velocity profile is trapezoidal, suggest suitable parameters for this profile to ensure reasonable motion of the machine.

ii. Derive the velocity and acceleration equations for the machine.

iii. Derive the velocity and acceleration equation for the critical points in the machine.

iv. Write a computer program to simulate the velocity and acceleration of the machine. This program is a continuation of what you have done in Project 2. The new equations should be in the same loop as position equations.

v. Compare the results with those obtained from Working Model