Program Fourbar - Program Fivebar - Program Sixbar - Program Slider

Program SIXBAR by R. L. Norton

This program solves the kinematic and dynamic equations for a Watts II or Stephenson's III sixbar linkage. The user inputs the six link lengths and the location of one coupler point on each of the two couplers to calculate all kinematic parameters for any of: one input link position with given angular velocity and acceleration, constant angular velocity of the input link, or constant acceleration of the input link. A cam function can also be imported from DYNACAM to drive the fourbar linkage with controlled velocity and acceleration.

The linkage will then be drawn and animated and its coupler curve shown. If the user also supplies mass property data for each link and the values of any external forces or torques applied to the links, the program will calculate the kinetostatic forces and torques that result. Kinematic and dynamic parameters can be plotted as either cartesian or polar plots, and all data may be printed to the screen, a printer, or a disk file that is suitable for import to a spreadsheet program. Data necessary to the sizing of a flywheel for any selected coefficient of fluctuation are calculated.

System Requirements

• Windows 98/NT/2000/XP/Vista
• Pentium or better
• 32 meg minimum, better with 64M or more