KEVOS® MAKEOS · Gears
Cam Follower Peak Velocity and Acceleration
What peak velocity, acceleration and inertia force does this cam rise produce?
Peak follower velocity and acceleration for simple harmonic, cycloidal, constant-acceleration and 3-4-5 polynomial rise motions at a given cam speed, with the follower inertia force.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Motion law | choice | Motion law of the rise segment. |
| Rise (lift) | mm | Total follower rise. |
| Cam angle for the rise | ° | Cam rotation angle over which the rise happens. |
| Cam speed | rpm | Cam shaft speed. |
| Follower moving mass | kg | Mass of the follower and parts moving with it. |
Method and formulas
- ω = 2πn ÷ 60; β in radians.
- Simple harmonic: v = πhω ÷ 2β, a = π²hω² ÷ 2β². Cycloidal: v = 2hω ÷ β, a = 2πhω² ÷ β².
- Constant acceleration: v = 2hω ÷ β, a = 4hω² ÷ β². 3-4-5 polynomial: v = 1.875hω ÷ β, a = 5.7735hω² ÷ β².
- Inertia force = m × a.
- Example: a 20 mm cycloidal rise over 120° at 300 rpm peaks at 28.274 m/s².
Limitations
- Rise segment only; dwell transitions with simple harmonic and parabolic laws have acceleration jumps that cause vibration.
- Follower and frame flexibility are not modelled.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Choose a cam motion law for a mechanism
- Check follower spring force needed to keep contact
- Compare peak accelerations of motion laws
Who it is for
- Machine designers
- Automation engineers
What you get
- Rise time
- Peak velocity
- Peak acceleration
- Peak inertia force
Interpreting the result
- Cycloidal and 3-4-5 laws have no acceleration jumps and suit higher speeds.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 2284–2309. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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