MET301 MOM M2

Cams
A cam is a rotating machine element which gives reciprocating or oscillating motion to
another element known as follower. The cam and the follower have a line contact and
constitute a higher pair. The cams are usually rotated at uniform speed by a shaft, but the
follower motion is pre- determined and will be according to the shape of the cam.

The cams are widely used for operating the inlet and exhaust valves of internal combustion
engines, automatic attachment of machineries, paper cutting machines, spinning and
weaving textile machineries, feed mechanism of automatic lathes etc.

Classification of Followers
1. According to the surface in contact
(a) Knife edge follower. When the contacting end of the follower has a sharp knife edge, it
is called a knife edge follower, as shown in Fig. 20.1 (a). The sliding motion takes place
between the contacting surfaces (i.e. the knife edge and the cam surface).

(b) Roller follower. When the contacting end of the follower is a roller, it is called a roller
follower, as shown in Fig. 20.1 (b). Since the rolling motion takes place between the
contacting surfaces (i.e. the roller and the cam), therefore the rate of wear is greatly reduced.
In roller followers also the side thrust exists between the follower and the guide. The roller
followers are extensively used where more space is available such as in stationary gas and
oil engines and aircraft engines.
 (c) Flat faced or mushroom follower. When the contacting end of the follower is a
perfectly flat face, it is called a flat-faced follower, as shown in Fig. 20.1 (c). It may be noted
that the side thrust between the follower and the guide is much reduced in case of flat faced
followers. The only side thrust is due to friction between the contact surfaces of the follower
and the cam. The relative motion between these surfaces is largely of sliding nature but
wear may be reduced by off-setting the axis of the follower, as shown in Fig. 20.1 (f ) so that
when the cam rotates, the follower also rotates about its own axis. The flat faced followers
are generally used where space is limited such as in cams which operate the valves of
automobile engines.

(d) Spherical faced follower. When the contacting end of the follower is of spherical shape,
it is called a spherical faced follower, as shown in Fig. 20.1 (d). It may be noted that when a
flat-faced follower is used in automobile engines, high surface stresses are produced. In order
to minimise these stresses, the flat end of the follower is machined to a spherical shape.

2. According to the motion of the follower.

(a) Reciprocating or translating follower. When the follower reciprocates in guides as the
cam rotates uniformly, it is known as reciprocating or translating follower. The followers as
shown in Fig. 20.1 (a) to (d) are all reciprocating or translating followers.
(b) Oscillating or rotating follower. When the uniform rotary motion of the cam is converted
into predetermined oscillatory motion of the follower, it is called oscillating or rotating follower.
The follower, as shown in Fig 20.1 (e), is an oscillating or rotating follower.
 3. According to the path of motion of the follower.
(a) Radial follower. When the motion of the follower is along an axis passing through the
centre of the cam, it is known as radial follower. The followers, as shown in Fig. 20.1 (a) to
(e), are all radial followers.
(b) Off-set follower. When the motion of the follower is along an axis away from the axis of
the cam centre, it is called off-set follower. The follower, as shown in Fig. 20.1 ( f ), is an off-
set follower.

Classification of Cams

1. Radial or disc cam.

In radial cams, the follower reciprocates or oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the cam
axis. The cams as shown in Fig. 20.1 are all radial cams.
2. Cylindrical cam. In cylindrical cams, the follower reciprocates or oscillates in a direction
parallel to the cam axis. The follower rides in a groove at its cylindrical surface. A cylindrical
grooved cam with a reciprocating and an oscillating follower is shown in Fig. 20.2 (a) and (b)
respectively.
1. A cam is to give the following motion to a knife-edged follower :
1. Outstroke during 60° of cam rotation ; 2. Dwell for the next 30° of cam rotation ; 3. Return
stroke during next 60° of cam rotation, and 4. Dwell for the remaining 210° of cam rotation.
The stroke of the follower is 40 mm and the minimum radius of the cam is 50 mm. The
follower moves with uniform velocity during both the outstroke and return strokes. Draw the
pro- file of the cam when (a) the axis of the follower passes through the axis of the cam
shaft, and (b) the axis of the follower is offset by 20 mm from the axis of the cam shaft.

First of all, the displacement diagram, as shown in Fig., is drawn as discussed in the
following steps :
1. Draw a horizontal line AX = 360° to some suitable scale. On this line, mark AS = 60° to
represent outstroke of the follower, ST = 30° to represent dwell, TP = 60° to represent return
stroke and PX = 210° to represent dwell.
2. Draw vertical line AY equal to the stroke of the follower (i.e. 40 mm) and complete the
rectangle as shown in Fig.
3. Divide the angular displacement during outstroke and return stroke into any equal number
of even parts (say six) and draw vertical lines through each point.
4. Since the follower moves with uniform velocity during outstroke and return stroke, there-
fore the displacement diagram consists of straight lines. Join AG and HP.
5. The complete displacement diagram is shown by AGHPX in Fig
1. Draw a base circle with radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam (i.e. 50 mm) with O
as centre.
2. Since the axis of the follower passes through the axis of the cam shaft, therefore mark
trace point A, as shown in Fig.
3. From OA, mark angle AOS = 60° to represent outstroke, angle SOT = 30° to represent
dwell and angle TOP = 60° to represent return stroke.
4. Divide the angular displacements during outstroke and return stroke (i.e. angle AOS and
angle TOP) into the same number of equal even parts as in displacement diagram.
5. Join the points 1, 2, 3 ...etc. and 0′ ,1′ , 2′ , 3′ , ... etc. with centre O and produce beyond
the base circle as shown in Fig.
6. Now set off 1B, 2C, 3D ... etc. and 0′ H,1′ J ... etc. from the displacement diagram.
7. Join the points A, B, C,... M, N, P with a smooth curve. The curve AGHPA is the complete
profile of the cam.
Notes : The points B, C, D .... L, M, N may also be obtained as follows :
1. Mark AY = 40 mm on the axis of the follower, and set of Ab, Ac, Ad... etc. equal to the
distances 1B, 2C, 3D... etc. as in displacement diagram.
2. From the centre of the cam O, draw arcs with radii Ob, Oc, Od etc. The arcs intersect the
produced lines O1, O2... etc. at B, C, D ... L, M, N.

1. Draw a base circle with radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam (i.e. 50 mm) with
O as centre.
2. Draw the axis of the follower at a distance of 20 mm from the axis of the cam, which
intersects the base circle at A.
3. Join AO and draw an offset circle of radius 20 mm with centre O.
4. From OA, mark angle AOS = 60° to represent outstroke, angle SOT = 30° to represent
dwell and angle TOP = 60° to represent return stroke.
5. Divide the angular displacement during outstroke and return stroke (i.e. angle AOS and
angle TOP) into the same number of equal even parts as in displacement diagram
6. Now from the points 1, 2, 3 ... etc. and 0′,1′,2′,3′... etc. on the base circle, draw tangents
to the offset circle and produce these tangents beyond the base circle as shown in Fig.
7. Now set off 1B, 2C, 3D ... etc. and 0′ H,1′ J ... etc. from the displacement diagram.
8. Join the points A, B, C ...M, N, P with a smooth curve. The curve AGHPA is the complete
profile of the cam.

2. A cam is to be designed for a knife edge follower with the following data :
1. Cam lift = 40 mm during 90° of cam rotation with simple harmonic motion.
2. Dwell for the next 30°.
3. During the next 60° of cam rotation, the follower returns to its original position with
simple harmonic motion.
4. Dwell during the remaining 180°.
Draw the profile of the cam when
(a) the line of stroke of the follower passes through the axis of the cam shaft, and
(b) the line of stroke is offset 20 mm from the axis of the cam shaft.
The radius of the base circle of the cam is 40 mm. Determine the maximum velocity and
acceleration of the follower during its ascent and descent, if the cam rotates at 240 r.p.m.

1. Draw horizontal line AX = 360° to some suitable scale. On this line, mark AS = 90° to
represent out stroke ; SR = 30° to represent dwell ; RP = 60° to represent return stroke and
PX = 180° to represent dwell.
2. Draw vertical line AY = 40 mm to represent the cam lift or stroke of the follower and
complete the rectangle as shown in Fig.
3. Divide the angular displacement during out stroke and return stroke into any equal num-
ber of even parts (say six) and draw vertical lines through each point.
4. Since the follower moves with simple harmonic motion, therefore draw a semicircle with
AY as diameter and divide into six equal parts.
5. From points a, b, c ... etc. draw horizontal lines intersecting the vertical lines drawn
through 1, 2, 3 ... etc. and 0′,1′,2′ ...etc. at B, C, D ... M, N, P.
6. Join the points A, B, C ... etc. with a smooth curve as shown in Fig. This is the required
displacement diagram.

(a) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the axis of the
camshaft
(b) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower is offset 20 mm from the axis
of the cam shaft
3. A cam, with a minimum radius of 25 mm, rotating clockwise at a uniform speed is to be
designed to give a roller follower, at the end of a valve rod, motion described below :
1. To raise the valve through 50 mm during 120° rotation of the cam ;
2. To keep the valve fully raised through next 30°;
3. To lower the valve during next 60°; and
4. To keep the valve closed during rest of the revolution i.e. 150° ;
The diameter of the roller is 20 mm and the diameter of the cam shaft is 25 mm.
Draw the profile of the cam when
(a) the line of stroke of the valve rod passes through the axis of the cam shaft, and
(b) the line of the stroke is offset 15 mm from the axis of the cam shaft.
The displacement of the valve, while being raised and lowered, is to take place with simple
harmonic motion.
Determine the maximum acceleration of the valve rod when the cam shaft rotates at 100 r.p.m.
Draw the displacement, the velocity and the acceleration diagrams for one complete revolu-
tion of the cam.

(a) Profile of the cam when the line

of stroke of the valve rod passes
through the axis of the cam shaft
The profile of the cam, as shown in
Fig., is drawn as discussed in the
following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centre O and
radius equal to the minimum radius of
the cam ( i.e. 25 mm ).
2. Draw a prime circle with centre O
and radius,
−OA =Min.radius of cam+ 1/2 Dia.of
roller= 25+1/2×20=35 mm
3. Draw angle AOS = 120° to represent
raising or out stroke of the valve, angle
SOT = 30° to represent dwell and
angle TOP = 60° to represent lowering
or return stroke of the valve.
4. Divide the angular displacements of the cam during raising and lowering of the valve (i.e.
angle AOS and TOP ) into the same number of equal even parts as in displacement diagram.
5. Join the points 1, 2, 3, etc. with the centre O and produce the lines beyond prime circle as
shown in Fig.
6. Set off 1B, 2C, 3D etc. equal to the displacements from displacement diagram.
7. Join the points A, B, C ... N, P, A. The curve drawn through these points is known as pitch
curve
8. From the points A, B, C ... N, P, draw circles of radius equal to the radius of the roller.
9. Join the bottoms of the circles with a smooth curve as shown in Fig. This is the profile.
b) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke is offset 15 mm from the axis of the cam
shaft
1. Draw a base circle with centre O and radius equal to 25 mm.
2. Draw a prime circle with centre O and radius OA = 35 mm.
3. Draw an off-set circle with centre O and radius equal to 15 mm.
4. Join OA. From OA draw the angular displacements of cam i.e. draw angle AOS = 120°,
angle SOT = 30° and angle TOP = 60°.
5. Divide the angular displacements of the cam during raising and lowering of the valve into
the same number of equal even parts (i.e. six parts ) as in displacement diagram.
6. From points 1, 2, 3 .... etc. and 0′ ,1′ , 3′ , ...etc. on the prime circle, draw tangents to the
offset circle.
7. Set off 1B, 2C, 3D... etc. equal to displacements as measured from displacement diagram.
8. By joining the points A, B, C ... M, N, P, with a smooth curve, we get a pitch curve.
9. Now A, B, C...etc. as centre, draw circles with radius equal to the radius of roller.
10. Join the bottoms of the circles with a smooth curve as shown in Fig. 20.18. This is the
required profile of the cam.
4. A cam, with a minimum radius of 50 mm, rotating clockwise at a uniform speed, is required
to give a knife edge follower the motion as described below :
1. To move outwards through 40 mm during 100° rotation of the cam ;
2. To dwell for next 80° ;
3. To return to its starting position during next 90°, and 4. To dwell for the rest period of a
revolution i.e. 90°.
Draw the profile of the cam
(i) when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the centre of the cam shaft, and (ii)
when the line of stroke of the follower is off-set by 15 mm.
The displacement of the follower is to take place with uniform acceleration and uniform
retardation. Determine the maximum velocity and acceleration of the follower when the cam
shaft rotates at 900 r.p.m.

1. Draw a horizontal line ASTPQ such that AS represents the angular displacement of the
cam during outward stroke (i.e. 100° ) to some suitable scale. The line ST represents the
dwell period of 80° after outward stroke. The line TP represents the angular displacement of
the cam during return stroke (i.e. 90°) and the line PQ represents the dwell period of 90°
after return stroke.
2. Divide AS and TP into any number of equal even parts (say six).
3. Draw vertical lines through points 0, 1, 2, 3 etc. and equal to the lift of the valve i.e. 40mm.
4. Divide the vertical lines 3-f and 3′- f ′ into six equal parts as shown by points a, b, c . . .
and a′,b′,c′. . . in Fig.
5. Since the follower moves with equal uniform acceleration and uniform retardation, there-
fore the displacement diagram of the outward and return stroke consists of a double pa-
rabola.
6. Join Aa, Ab and Ac intersecting the vertical lines through 1, 2 and 3 at B, C and D respec-
tively.
7. Join the points B, C and D with a smooth curve. This is the required parabola for the half
outstroke of the valve. Similarly the other curves may be drawn as shown in Fig.
8. The curve A B C . . . N P Q is the required displacement diagram.

(i) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the centre
of the cam shaft
The profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the centre of
cam shaft, as shown in Fig. 20.25, may be drawn as discussed in the following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centre O and radius 50 mm (equal to minimum radius of the cam).
2. Divide the base circle such that angle AOS = 100° ; angle SOT = 80° and angle TOP =90°.
3. Divide angles AOS and TOP into the same number of equal even parts as in displacement
diagram (i.e. six parts).
4. Join the points 1, 2, 3 . . . and 1′ , 2′ , 3′ , . . . with centre O and produce these lines
beyond the base circle
5. From points 1, 2, 3 . . . and 1′ , 2′ , 3′ , . . . mark the displacements 1B, 2C, 3D . . . etc.
as measured from the displacement diagram.
6. Join the points A,B,C...M,N,P with a smooth curve as shown in Fig.This is the required
profile of the cam.

(ii) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower is offset by 15 mm
5. Design a cam for operating the exhaust valve of an oil engine. It is required to give equal
uniform acceleration and retardation during opening and closing of the valve each of which
corresponds to 60° of cam rotation. The valve must remain in the fully open position for 20° of
cam rotation.
The lift of the valve is 37.5 mm and the least radius of the cam is 40 mm. The follower is
provided with a roller of radius 20 mm and its line of stroke passes through the axis of the
cam.
6. Draw the profile of the cam when the roller follower moves with cycloidal motion during
out stroke and return stroke, as given below :
1. Out stroke with maximum displacement of 31.4 mm during 180° of cam rotation,
2. Return stroke for the next 150° of cam rotation,
3. Dwell for the remaining 30° of cam rotation.
The minimum radius of the cam is 15 mm and the roller diameter of the follower is 10 mm.
The axis of the roller follower is offset by 10 mm towards right from the axis of cam shaft.

1. Draw horizontal line ASP such that AS = 180° to represent the out stroke, SN = 150° to
represent the return stroke and NP = 30° to represent the dwell period.
2. Divide AS and SN into any number of even equal parts (say six).
3. From the points 1, 2, 3 . . . etc. draw vertical lines and set-off equal to the stroke of the
follower.
4. From a point G draw a generating circle of radius

5. Divide the generating circle into six

equal parts and from these points
draw horizontal lines to meet the
vertical diameter at a′ , G and b′.
6. Join AG and GN. From point a′ ,
draw lines parallel to AG and GN to
intersect the vertical lines drawn
through 1, 2, 4′ and 5′ at B, C, L and
M respectively.
Similarly draw
parallel lines from b′ intersecting the
vertical lines through 4, 5, 1′ and 2′
at E, F, H and J respectively.
7. Join the points A,B,C...L,M,N with
a smooth curve.
8. The curve A B C . . . L M N is the
required displacement diagram.