Experimental and Analytical Study of Pantograph Dynamics

A nonlinear, lumped parameter pantograph model including geometric and coulomb friction nonlinearities and variable stiffness has been developed. The model performance has been compared with experimental dynamic response data measured on a prototype pantograph. Responses of the model and the experimental data including subharmonic and harmonic resonances are in close agreement for motions excited by comparable forcing functions for input frequencies of 0 to 12 Hz. The model has been used to identify the primary parameters and nonlinear effects which influence dynamic pantograph performance.