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Scotch Yoke Kinematics & Shaker Acceleration Calculator

The Scotch yoke mechanism converts continuous rotary motion into pure sinusoidal simple harmonic reciprocating linear motion without the angularity distortion of connecting rods.

Center-to-pin crank throw radius (half of total reciprocating stroke).

Operating rotational frequency of the driving shaft.

Total reciprocating mass of yoke slider assembly and test payload.

Calculated Result
197.4 m/s²

Peak Slider Acceleration

Max Slider Acceleration

197.4 m/s² (20.13 g)

Peak Dynamic Inertia Force

888.3 N (199.7 lbf)

Max Slider Velocity (v_max)

3.14 m/s

Total Reciprocating Stroke

100 mm

Angular Speed (ω)

62.83 rad/s

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Pure Simple Harmonic Motion KinematicsStroke S = 2r = 2 × 50 = 100 mm, ω = 2π × 600 / 60 = 62.83 rad/s
  2. Slider Peak Accelerationa_max = r × ω² = (50/1000) × (62.83)² = 197.4 m/s² (20.13 g)
  3. Newton's Second Law Dynamic Inertia ForceF_max = m × a_max = 4.5 kg × 197.4 m/s² = 888.3 N

Scotch Yoke Dynamic Performance

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

Value
0.0255075100Stroke (mm)Max Velocity (m/s)Max Accel (g)Inertia Force (N × 0.1)ParameterValue

What Is the Scotch Yoke Kinematics & Shaker Acceleration Calculator?

The Scotch Yoke Kinematics Calculator evaluates linear stroke, acceleration profiles, and dynamic inertia loading for pure harmonic reciprocating mechanisms.

How Does the Scotch Yoke Kinematics & Shaker Acceleration Calculator Work?

It computes ideal simple harmonic motion equations for position, velocity, and acceleration based on constant crank angular velocity.

Scotch Yoke Kinematics & Shaker Acceleration Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

S = 2r, \quad v_{max} = r \omega, \quad a_{max} = r \omega^2, \quad F = m \cdot a_{max}

Pure simple harmonic motion (SHM) kinematics without second-harmonic slider-crank obliquity error.

How to Use the Scotch Yoke Kinematics & Shaker Acceleration Calculator

  1. Input crank radius (half stroke) in mm.
  2. Specify crankshaft operating rotational speed in RPM.
  3. Enter total reciprocating payload mass in kg.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

High-Frequency Test Shaker Table

Input Values:

crankRadiusMm:50
crankSpeedRpm:600
reciprocatingMassKg:4.5
Worked Steps: Generates 100 mm stroke, 3.14 m/s peak velocity, 197.4 m/s² (20.1 g) maximum acceleration, and 888.3 N dynamic inertia force.

Understanding Your Result

Peak Slider Acceleration: Maximum g-force experienced at top and bottom dead centers.

Peak Inertia Force: Dynamic shaking load transmitted to frame bearings and foundation mounts.

Factors That Affect the Result

  • Acceleration scales with the square of RPM (ω²): doubling drive speed quadruples dynamic inertia forces.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

  • Environmental vibration test shakers, high-pressure reciprocating slurry pumps, compact IC engines, and valve actuators.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Assumes zero slot clearance backlash and rigid components rotating at constant angular speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

Closed-form exact kinematic solution for planar Scotch yoke drives.

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