Dynamic Analysis of an Adjustable Linkage Mechanism for a Low-Speed, High-Torque Hydraulic Motor

Authors

  • Jonatan Pozo-Palacios Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
  • Grey C. Boyce-Erickson Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
  • Justinus K. Hartoyo Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
  • Martin Herrera-Perez Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
  • John A. F. Voth Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
  • James D. Van de Ven Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/ijfp1439-9776.2642

Keywords:

Dynamic analysis, cam-linkage mechanism, low-speed high-torque, hydraulic motor

Abstract

Adjustment of hydraulic motor displacement plays a critical role in regulating hydraulic circuits across a wide range of applications. However, the absence of commercially available continuously variable low-speed high-torque (LSHT) motor architectures poses a challenge. To evaluate a potential solution, this paper presents the dynamic analysis of an adjustable low-speed high-torque motor, the variable displacement linkage motor, with an emphasis on understanding the dynamics at different operating conditions. The hydraulic motor studied consists of five phase-shifted cam-linkage mechanisms that can be dynamically adjusted to change the displacement within certain limits. The primary contribution of this paper is the mathematical modelling of the kinematics and dynamics of the adjustable linkage mechanism to explore the relative impact of the inertial, friction, and pressure-based forces. The results of the dynamic analysis reveal that inertial forces are higher when decreasing the displacement vs. increasing the displacement. Furthermore, at an operating pressure of Δp = 22 MPa, there is a notable 47.1% increase in actuation force when the settling time is reduced from 150 to 25 ms. Additional analyses cover the influence of inertial forces on actuator force at various operating pressures, and the adjustment actuator flow rate requirements associated with different adjustment times.

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Author Biographies

Jonatan Pozo-Palacios, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Jonatan Pozo-Palacios is a postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota, where he conducts research at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems (MEPS) Laboratory. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2024. His research focuses on model-driven design of fluid power systems.

Grey C. Boyce-Erickson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Grey C. Boyce-Erickson earned his BSME from the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at UMN. His research at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems (MEPS) Laboratory focuses on hydraulic valves and valve timing.

Justinus K. Hartoyo, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Justinus K. Hartoyo is an international student from Indonesia. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2016. Justinus then started his doctorate program in Mechanical Engineering in 2018 at the same institution, where he currently resides. His research focuses on construction vehicle system-level control and optimization.

Martin Herrera-Perez, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Martin Herrera-Perez completed his B.S in mechanical engineering at the University of Miami in 2020. Currently, he is a Ph.D. student who works as a research assistant at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems laboratory at the University of Minnesota. Martin’s research interests are in model-driven design of fluid power systems and efficient energy conversion with emphasis on flow and torque ripple minimization.

John A. F. Voth, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

John A. F. Voth received his BSME from Oral Roberts University in 2018 and is currently pursuing his PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota (UMN). He researches at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems (MEPS) Laboratory at UMN, and his research interests include mechanism design, optimization of machines, energy conservation, and hydraulics.

James D. Van de Ven, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

James D. Van de Ven is a Professor at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Mechanical Engineering where he operates the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems (MEPS) Laboratory. Dr. Van de Ven’s research interests are in efficient energy conversion, energy storage, fluid power, kinematics, and machine design.

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Published

2025-12-28

How to Cite

Pozo-Palacios, J. ., Boyce-Erickson, G. C. ., Hartoyo, J. K. ., Herrera-Perez, M. ., Voth, J. A. F. ., & Van de Ven, J. D. . (2025). Dynamic Analysis of an Adjustable Linkage Mechanism for a Low-Speed, High-Torque Hydraulic Motor. International Journal of Fluid Power, 26(04), 539–572. https://doi.org/10.13052/ijfp1439-9776.2642

Issue

2025: Vol 26 Iss 4

Section

Original Article