Computer simulation and experimental verification of rectilinear motion trajectories of a single-mass oscillatory system actuated by an inertial planetary-type vibration exciter

Abstract

Problem statement and purpose of research. This study investigates whether a planetary-type inertial exciter can synthesize rectilinear motion trajectories in a single-mass oscillatory system and how the orientation of that trajectory can be programmed mechanically. Methodology. A three-dimensional CAD assembly was created and analyzed using multibody simulations to compute planar displacements, velocities, and accelerations under representative stiffness, damping, and mass properties. The initial carrier-arm angle was used as the primary design variable. A laboratory rig with orthogonal potentiometric sensing measured horizontal and vertical displacements; corresponding trajectories in the vertical plane were reconstructed for multiple geometric configurations. Findings. Simulations predict, and experiments confirm, a one-to-one mapping between the angle being studied and the direction of the straight-line path: horizontal, vertical, or inclined. In all cases, the displacement components are nearly sinusoidal and largely in phase; the component aligned with the target direction dominates in amplitude, while the orthogonal component remains small, causing the Lissajous figure to collapse toward a line. Minor nonsmoothness in measured trajectories indicates high-frequency content from non-idealities (e.g., transmission compliance, local resonances), suggesting model extensions but not affecting the primary orientation control. Originality. The work demonstrates mechanism-level trajectory programming of rectilinear motion using a single-DOF planetary exciter, validated experimentally, thereby avoiding multi-actuator synchronization or semi-active control. Practical value. The results provide a simple, reproducible design lever – the initial arm angle – for setting line orientation in vibratory equipment requiring directional impulse transfer with minimal transverse motion. Future scope. Recommended directions of further research include tolerance and robustness analyses, incorporation of gear and belt compliance, and closed-loop trimming strategies to maintain rectilinearity under parameter drift.