Fourier Cam Design Techniques

A digital computer method employing Fourier series and transfer function notation is presented for calculating a cam profile that will give a desired output motion of a flexible system. The system model must be linear but can have essentially any number of degrees-of-freedom, and damping at any point in the system is permitted. It is also possible to specify the best cam profile of a system running in a given speed range. Forces at any point in the system can be calculated by the method, and accurate predictions of jump can be made.