Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines

Volume 3 Issue 1

Analysis of Whitworth Quick Return Mechanism using ANSYS

Rupanshu Singh*
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India

*Corresponding Author
E-Mail Id:-singhrupanshu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Machines minimizes the effort and complete the work. They produce motion, by working on a
specific mechanism. Machines in workshops like shaper machine works on the Whitworth quick
return mechanism. It comprises the assemblage of cranks and sliders to convert rotatory
motion into reciprocating motion. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the Whitworth
mechanism by generating a virtual model and analyzing the motion of the setup. The velocity,
acceleration, and force generated by the slider is determined and conclusion is provided for
the application of mechanism for industrial purpose and providing a substitute for expensive
automated machines used in packaging industries.

Keywords:-Whitworth mechanism, quick return, ANSYS

INTRODUCTION
Mechanism is the assemblage of structures to perform a specific motion, and produce work. It
includes a number of rods, chains and joints. This is basically, a combination of parts, such that
movement one part results in the motion of another part.
Whitworth Quick Return Mechanism:
It is the arrangement of crank slider to convert the rotatory motion into reciprocating motion.
It display a non-uniform stroking of crank, where the front stoke is slightly longer having a
faster return. It transmits two strokes over one cycle of revolution.

This mechanism is used in workshops, for material cutting purposes. Shaper is a machine tool
that works on quick return mechanism, it provides linear strokes to remove the unwanted
material. A constant feed is given to cutting tool to cover the whole surface, a fine surface is
generated on completion of machining. The motor providing a rotatory motion is connected to
the mechanism which generates the reciprocating motion.

Fig.1:-Demonstration of Whitwroth Quick Return Mechanism

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 1

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

This mechanism is mostly used in shaping and slotting machines. In this mechanism, the link
CD (link 2) forming the turning pair is fixed, as shown in Figure 1. The link 2 corresponds to
a crank in a reciprocating steam engine. The driving crank CA (link 3) rotates at a uniform
angular speed.

Now when the driving crank moves from the position CA2 to CA1 (or the link DP from DP2
toDP1 ) through an angle β in the clockwise direction, the tool moves back from right hand end
of its stroke to the left hand end.

Since the crank link CA rotates at uniform angular velocity therefore time taken during the
cutting stroke (or forward stroke) is more than the time taken during the return stroke. In other
words, the mean speed of the ram during cutting stroke is less than the mean speed during the
return stroke. The ratio between the time taken during the cutting and return strokes is given
by
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝛼 𝛼
= =
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝛽 360 − 𝛼

An analysis on the mechanism is produced, to determine factors such as displacements, forces

exerted, etc. Optimality of the mechanism’s working will be analyzed. The result will be
considered for future application of the mechanism as shown in Figure 2.

Fig.2:-Velocity in slider crank mechanism

The angular velocity of the connecting rod AB (𝜔𝐴𝐵 ) may be determined as follows:
𝜔𝐴𝐵=𝑣𝐵𝐴= 𝑎𝑏
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵
The direction of vector ab (or ba) determines the sense of (𝜔𝐴𝐵 ) which shows that it is
anticlockwise.
Let the crank OB makes an angle θ with the inner dead centre (I.D.C) and rotates in a clockwise
direction about the fixed point O with uniform angular velocity ωBO rad/s. We know that
centripetal or radial acceleration of B with respect to O or acceleration of B(because O is a
fixed point),(Figure 3).
2
𝑣 2
𝑎𝐵𝑂 = 𝜔𝐵𝑂 𝑋𝐵𝑂 =
𝑂𝐵

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 2

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

Fig.3:-Acceleration in slider crank mechanism

Mathematical model of dynamic analysis of quick return mechanism is generated using

D’Alembert principle [1].

LITERATURE REVIEW-
Himanshu Chaudhary use maximum reclusive ness of a dynamic equation for the evaluation
of bearing force, In this work author optimize vibration and improve the balancing of four bar
mechanism.[2]; Selcuk Erkaya carried out dynamic analysis of slider crank mechanism with
eccentric connector and planetary gears, in this study there are two type of slider-crank
mechanism one is simple slider-crank and second one is modified slider-crank mechanism in
modified has an additional extra link between connecting rod and crank pin as distinct from
conventional mechanism, using dynamic analysis author conclude force output is grater in
modified slider-crank mechanism [3]; Kevin Russell et. al. created method for designing slider
crank mechanism to achieve multi-phase motion generation application typically accomplished
by adjustable planer four bar motion generator.[4]

Modelling
A virtual CAD model was designed in Solidworks 2020 to analyze the motion generated by
the Whitwroth Quick Return Mechanism as shown in Figure 4. Different parts were designed
with accurate dimensions. Two cranks, two sliders, one slotted lever and one main stand were
modelled and assembled in Solidworks 2020. The connections of joints and sliders were
defined to obtain the motion of the mechanism[5]. The frame of the mechanism was made of
80/20 aluminum framing, connected with commercially available brackets.

Fig.4:-Model setup of Whitworth quick return mechanism

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 3

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

Different parts generated were assembled together to analyze the motion of the mechanism as
shown in Figure 5-7.

Fig.5:-Main stand part generated and slotted sleeve and the crank and slider assembly

Fig.6:-Crank connecting the slider and slotted lever

Fig.7:-Full assembly of the crank slider mechanism

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 4

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

The model generated represents the quick return mechanism. The center crank is rotated about
the x-axis and the relative motion of the slider (connected to the stand) is observed. The
movement of the mechanism in a complete cycle of front and backward stroke is obtained. The
motion of the model was analyzed on ANSYS software as shown in Figure 8. This analysis
includes graphs that represent these values with relation to the angle of the crank. These
functions were used to analyze the mechanism at the highest and lowest positions of the crank.

Fig.8:-Working motion of quick return mechanism

Fig.9:-Stress contours developed in the slotted lever

RESULTS
Using Mathematical model of kinematic analysis and ANSYS data is analyze for the variable
length of each link, in that analysis velocity of slider (link-6) which is output of quick return
mechanism is change with change of length of each link but total output ratio of velocity is
remain constant, in that analysis only with change of height of slider (link-6) velocity ratio is
change [6].

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 5

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

The motion of the model represents the characteristics properties of the quick return
mechanism. The stress contours developed in the slotted lever, throughout the cycle are shown
in Figure 9.

Position
The position of crank (shown in the Figure modelling) is considered at 0 deg, then the position
of the of the slider is shown in the graph below. The slider’s position analysis is done. The
movement variation according to the angular position is obtained as shown in Figure 10.

Fig.10:-Graph between displacement of slider and crank’s angular position

Velocity- From the above graph, the velocity obtained is maximum at around 200 degrees from
the starting position. A smooth curve is obtained for the relative velocity. Using the position
analysis and the motor specifications, the velocity of the transmission pin between the slider
link and the crank was determined. This was used to find the velocity of the slider link and
slider block as shown in Figure 11.

Fig.11:-Graph between velocity of slider relative to the stand and angular position

Acceleration
Using the velocity and position analyses, the linear and angular acceleration of the slider link
was determined. Due to the nature of the mechanism, the graph of the acceleration of the slider
link is the same shape as the graph of the acceleration of the slider block as shown in Figure
12.

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 6

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

Fig.12:-Acceleration of slider link

Force
The force exerted in the front and return stroke of the slider is analyzed. The graph in (Figure
13) shows that at the front stroke (around 150 degrees) force exerted is maximum, which comes
to zero and beyond 200 degrees the force generated in the return stroke is depicted.

Fig.13:-Graph between Force generated by the slider and angular position

Now as per the design of quick return mechanism the relative velocity and output force is
required to maximum, So from the dynamic analysis of quick return mechanism force output
is analyzed for the future application of the mechanism.

CONCLUSION
Dynamic analysis is one of the important phase in design the systems. A computer base
modeling and simulation gives better understanding regarding rigid system parameters. From
the present work it is easy to compute velocity and force at each joint for any real application
of quick return mechanism, this work can be extend in the direction of optimization of weight
of each link for the same dynamic behavior. This work can be utilized in the industries to
provide a better alternative to the conveyer belt and distribution system.

REFERENCES
1. Katarina Monkova, Peter Monka, approaches” technicalgazette 18,
“Kinematic analysis of quick-return 2(2011).
mechanism in three various

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 7

 Research and Reviews: Journal of Mechanics and Machines
Volume 3 Issue 1

2. Himanshu Chaudhary, Subir Kumar and machine theory, Science direct

Saha “Balancing of Four Bar using (2004).
maximum recursive Dynamic 5. Iradj G. Tadjbakhsh, Christos J.
Algorithm” ,Mechanism and Younis, “Dynamic Stability of the
machine Theory, Science Direct Flexible Connecting Rod ofSlider
(2006). crank mechanism, Journal of
3. Selcuk Erkaya, Sukru Su, mechanism, transmission and
“Dynamic Analysis of a Slider- automation in Design” ASME
Crank mechanism With Eccentric (1986).
Connector andPlanetary”, 6. Ali Mohammadzadeh,“Analytical
mechanism and machine theory, synthesis and analysis of
Science direct (2005). mechanisms using MATLAB and
4. Kevin Russell, Raj S. Sodhi, “On SIMULINK.” Journal of
theDesign of Slider-Crank mechanism, ASME (2007).
Mechanism. Part I: Multi Phase
Motion Generation”, Mechanism

HBRP Publication Page 1-8 2021. All Rights Reserved Page 8