3.

Cams
3.1 Types of cams and followers. 3.2 Specified motion of followers: Uniform acceleration
and deceleration, SHM and uniform velocity. 3.3 Graphical construction of Cam-profile.
3.4 Analytical design procedure for cams with Straight flank, Curved flank, Circular flank
with various types of followers Spring force and Reaction Torque. 3.5 In-line cams and off
center cams. 13 Hrs

Example 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
profileof 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.

1(a)
First of all, the displacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 1(a), is drawn as discussed in
thefollowing 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. 1(a).
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,
therefore
the displacement diagram consists of straight lines. Join AG and HP.
5. The complete displacement diagram is shown by AGHPX in Fig. 1(a).
(a) Profile of the cam when the axis of follower passes through the axis of cam shaft
The profile of the cam when the axis of the follower passes through the axis of the cam shaft,
as shown in Fig. 1(b), is drawn as discussed in the following steps :
 1(b)

1. Draw a base circle with radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam (i.e. 50 mm) withO as
centre.
2. Since the axis of the follower passes through the axis of the cam shaft, therefore marktrace
point A, as shown in Fig. 1(b).
3. From OA, mark angle AOS = 60° to represent outstroke, angle SOT = 30° to representdwell
and angle TOP = 60° to represent return stroke.
4. Divide the angular displacements during outstroke and return stroke (i.e. angle AOS andangle
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 centreO and produce beyondthe
base circle as shown in Fig. 1(b).
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
completeprofile 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
producedlines O1, O2... etc. at B, C, D ... L, M, N.
(b) Profile of the cam when the axis of the follower is offset by 20 mm from the axis of the cam
shaft
The profile of the cam when the axis of the follower is offset from the axis of the cam shaft,as
shown in Fig. 1(c), is drawn as discussed in the following steps :
 1(c)
1. Draw a base circle with radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam (i.e. 50 mm) withO as
centre.
2. Draw the axis of the follower at a distance of 20 mm from the axis of the cam, whichintersects
the base circle atA.
3. Join AO and draw an offset circle of radius 20 mm with centreO.
4. From OA, mark angle AOS = 60° to represent outstroke, angle SOT = 30° to representdwell
and angle TOP = 60° to represent return stroke.
5. Divide the angular displacement during outstroke and return stroke (i.e. angle AOS andangle
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 tangentsto the
offset circle and produce these tangents beyond the base circle as shown in Fig. 1(c).
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, Pwith a smooth curve. The curve AGHPA is the
completeprofile of the cam.

Example 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 withsimple
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.
 2(a)
First of all, the displacement diagram, as shown in Fig 2(a), is drawn as discussed in the
following steps :
1. Draw horizontal line AX = 360° to some suitable scale. On this line, mark AS = 90° torepresent
out stroke ;SR = 30° to represent dwell ; RP = 60° to represent return strokeand PX = 180° to
represent dwell.
2. Draw vertical line AY = 40 mm to represent the cam lift or stroke of the follower andcomplete
the rectangle as shown in Fig. 2(a).
3. Divide the angular displacement during out stroke and return stroke into any equal numberof
even parts (say six) and draw vertical lines through each point.
4. Since the follower moves with simple harmonic motion, therefore draw a semicircle withAY as
diameter and divide into six equal parts.
5. From points a, b, c ... etc. draw horizontal lines intersecting the vertical lines drawn through1,
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. 2(a). This is therequired
displacement diagram.
(a) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the axis of the
camshaft
The profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the axis of thecam
shaft, as shown in Fig. 2(b), is drawn in the similar way as is discussed in Example 1.

2(b)
(b) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower is offset 20 mm from the axisof
the cam shaft
The profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower is offset 20 mm from the axisof the
cam shaft, as shown in Fig. 2(c), is drawn in the similar way as discussed in Example 1.

2(c)
Maximum velocity of the follower during its ascent and descent
Example 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
theaxis 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
rotatesat 100 r.p.m.
Draw the displacement, the velocity and the acceleration diagrams for one complete
revolutionof the cam.

Since the valve is being raised and lowered with simple harmonic motion, therefore the
displacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 3(a), is drawn in the similar manner as discussed in
theprevious example.
(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. 3.1(a), is drawn as discussed in the following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centreO and radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam ( i.e. 25
mm ).

5. Join the points 1, 2, 3, etc. with the centreO and produce the lines beyond prime circle as
shown in Fig. 3.1(a).
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
pitchcurve.
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. 3.1(a). This is therequired
profile of the cam.
 3

3.1(a)
 3.1(b)
(b) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke is offset 15 mm from the axis of the cam shaft
The profile of the cam when the line of stroke is offset from the axis of the cam shaft, as shown
in Fig. 3.1(b), may be drawn as discussed in the following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centreO and radius equal to 25 mm.
2. Draw a prime circle with centreO and radius OA = 35 mm.
3. Draw an off-set circle with centreO 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 intothe
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 theoffset
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. 3.1(b). This is
therequired profile of the cam.
The velocity diagram for one complete revolution of the cam is shown in Fig. 3(b).

The acceleration diagram for one complete revolution of the cam is shown in Fig. 3(c).

Example 4.A cam drives a flat reciprocating follower in the following manner :
During first 120° rotation of the cam, follower moves outwards through a distance of 20
mmwith simple harmonic motion. The follower dwells during next 30° of cam rotation. During
next120° of cam rotation, the follower moves inwards with simple harmonic motion. The
followerdwells for the next 90° of cam rotation.
The minimum radius of the cam is 25 mm. Draw the profile of the cam.
Construction
Since the follower moves outwards and inwards with simple harmonic motion, therefore
thedisplacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 4(a), is drawn in the similar manner as discussed
earlier.
 4(a)
Now the profile of the cam driving a flat reciprocating follower, as shown in Fig. 4(b), isdrawn
as discussed in the following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centreO and radius OA equal to the minimum radius of the cam(i.e. 25
mm).
2. Draw angle AOS = 120° to represent the outward stroke, angle SOT = 30° to representdwell
and angle TOP = 120° to represent inward stroke.
3. Divide the angular displacement during outward stroke and inward stroke (i.e. angles AOSand
TOP ) into the same number of equal even parts as in the displacement diagram.
4. Join the points 1, 2, 3 . . . etc. with centreO and produce beyond the base circle.
5. From points 1, 2, 3 . . . etc., set off 1B, 2C, 3D . . . etc. equal to the distances measuredfrom
the displacement diagram.
6. Now at points B, C, D . . . M, N, P, draw the position of the flat-faced follower. The axisof the
follower at all these positions passes through the cam centre.
7. The curve drawn tangentially to the flat side of the follower is the required profile of thecam,
as shown in Fig. 4(b).

4(b)
Example 5.Draw a cam profile to drive an oscillating roller follower to the specifications
given below :
(a) Follower to move outwards through an angular displacement of 20° during the first
120°rotation of the cam ;
(b) Follower to return to its initial position during next 120° rotation of the cam ;
(c) Follower to dwell during the next 120° of cam rotation.
The distance between pivot centre and roller centre = 120 mm ; distance between pivot
centre and cam axis = 130 mm ; minimum radius of cam = 40 mm ; radius of roller = 10 mm ;
inward and outward strokes take place with simple harmonic motion.

5(a)
AA2, as shown in Fig. 5(a), along which the

5(b)
The outward and inward strokes take place with simple harmonic motion, therefore the
displacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 5(b), is drawn in the similar way as discussed in
Example 4.
The profile of the cam to drive an oscillating roller follower, as shown in Fig. 5(c), is drawn as
discussed in the following steps :
1. First of all, draw a base circle with centreO and radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam
(i.e. 40 mm)
2. Draw a prime circle with centreO and radius OA = Min. radius of cam + radius of roller = 40 +
10 = 50 mm
3. Now locate the pivot centreA1 such that OA1 = 130 mm and AA1 = 120 mm. Draw a pivot
circle with centreO and radius OA1 = 130 mm.
4. Join OA1. Draw angle A1OS = 120° to represent the outward stroke of the follower, angleSOT
= 120° to represent the inward stroke of the follower and angle TOA1 = 120° torepresent the
dwell.
5. Divide angles A1OS and SOT into the same number of equal even parts as in the
displacementdiagram and mark points 1, 2, 3 . . . 4′ , 5′ , 6′ on the pivot circle.
6. Now with points 1, 2, 3 . . . 4′ , 5′ , 6′ (on the pivot circle) as centre and radius equal toA1A
(i.e. 120 mm) draw circular arcs to intersect the prime circle at points 1, 2, 3 . . .4′ , 5′ , 6′ .

5(c)
7. Set off the distances 1B, 2C, 3D... 4′L, 5′M along the arcs drawn equal to the distancesas
measured from the displacement diagram.
8. The curve passing through the points A, B, C....L, M, N is known as pitch curve.
9. Now draw circles with A, B, C, D....L, M, N as centre and radius equal to the radius ofroller.
10. Join the bottoms of the circles with a smooth curve as shown in Fig. 20.23. This is
therequired profile of the cam.

Example 6.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
uniformretardation. Determine the maximum velocity and acceleration of the follower when the
cam shaftrotates at 900 r.p.m.
Draw the displacement, velocity and acceleration diagrams for one complete revolution ofthe
cam.

Solution.Given :S = 40 mm = 0.04 m; θo =100° = 100 × π /180 = 1.745 rad ; θR = 90° =π /2 =

1.571 rad ; N = 900 r.p.m.
First of all, the displacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 6.1 (a), is drawn as discussed inthe
following steps :
1. Draw a horizontal line ASTPQ such that AS represents the angular displacement of thecam
during outward stroke (i.e. 100° ) to some suitable scale. The line ST represents thedwell period
of 80° after outward stroke. The line TP represents the angular displacementof the cam during
return stroke (i.e. 90°) and the line PQ represents the dwell period of90° 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. 6.1a (a).
5. Since the follower moves with equal uniform acceleration and uniform retardation, therefore
the displacement diagram of the outward and return stroke consists of a double parabola.
6. Join Aa, Aband Ac intersecting the vertical lines through 1, 2 and 3 at B, C and D respectively.
7. Join the points B, C and D with a smooth curve. This is the required parabola for the
halfoutstroke of the valve. Similarly the other curves may be drawn as shown in Fig. 6.1.
8. The curve A B C . . . N P Q is the required displacement diagram.
 Fig. 6.1
(i) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the centre ofthe
cam shaft
The profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower passes through the centre ofcam
shaft, as shown in Fig. 6.2, may be drawn as discussed in the following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centreO and radius 50 mm (equal to minimum radius of thecam).
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
displacementdiagram (i.e. six parts).
4. Join the points 1, 2, 3 . . . and 1′ , 2′ , 3′ , . . . with centreO and produce these lines beyondthe
base circle.
5. From points 1, 2, 3 . . . and 1′ , 2′ , 3′ , . . . mark the displacements 1B, 2C, 3D . . . etc.
asmeasured from the displacement diagram.
6. Join the points A, B, C . . . M, N, Pwith a smooth curve as shown in Fig. 6.2. This isthe
required profile of the cam.
 Fig. 6.2
(ii) Profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower is offset by 15 mm
The profile of the cam when the line of stroke of the follower is offset may be drawn asdiscussed
in Example 2. The profile of cam is shown in Fig. 6.3.

We also know that the maximum velocity of the follower during out stroke,

The velocity diagram is shown in Fig. 6.1 (b).

Maximum acceleration of the follower during out stroke and return stroke
We know that the maximum acceleration of the follower during out stroke,
The acceleration diagram is shown in Fig. 6.1 (c).

Fig. 6.3

Example 7.Design a cam for operating the exhaust valve of an oil engine. It is requiredto give
equal uniform acceleration and retardation during opening and closing of the valve eachof
which corresponds to 60° of cam rotation. The valve must remain in the fully open position
for20° of cam rotation.
The lift of the valve is 37.5 mm and the least radius of the cam is 40 mm. The follower isprovided
with a roller of radius 20 mm and its line of stroke passes through the axis of the cam.

Construction
First of all, the displacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 7(a), is drawn as discussed in the
following steps :
 Fig 7(a)
1. Draw a horizontal line ASTP such that AS represents the angular displacement of the
camduring opening (i.e. out stroke ) of the valve (equal to 60°), to some suitable scale. Theline
ST represents the dwell period of 20° i.e. the period during which the valve remainsfully open
and TP represents the angular displacement during closing (i.e. return stroke)of the valve which
is equal to 60°.
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 lift of the valve i.e. 37.5mm.
4. Divide the vertical lines 3f and 3′ f ′ into six equal parts as shown by the points a, b, c . ..anda′,
b′, c′ . . . in Fig. 7(a).
5. Since the valve moves with equal uniform acceleration and retardation, therefore
thedisplacementdiagram for opening and closing of a valve consists of double parabola.
6. Complete the displacement diagram as shown in Fig. 7(a).
Now the profile of the cam, with a roller follower when its line of stroke passes through the
axis of cam, as shown in Fig. 7(b), is drawn in the similar way as discussed in Example 3.

Fig. 7(b)
Example 8.A cam rotating clockwise at a uniform speed of 1000 r.p.m. is required togive a
roller follower the motion defined below :
1. Follower to move outwards through 50 mm during 120° of cam rotation,
2. Follower to dwell for next 60° of cam rotation,
3. Follower to return to its starting position during next 90° of cam rotation,
4. Follower to dwell for the rest of the cam rotation.
The minimum radius of the cam is 50 mm and the diameter of roller is 10 mm. The line ofstroke
of the follower is off-set by 20 mm from the axis of the cam shaft. If the displacement of the
follower takes place with uniform and equal acceleration and retardation on both the outward
andreturn strokes, draw profile of the cam and find the maximum velocity and acceleration
during outstroke and return stroke.

Since the displacement of the follower takes place with uniform and equal acceleration
andretardation on both outward and return strokes, therefore the displacement diagram, as shown
in
Fig. 20.29, is drawn in the similar manner as discussed in the previous example. But in this case,
the angular displacement and stroke of the follower is divided into eight equal parts.

Now, the profile of the cam, as shown in Fig. 20.30, is drawn as discussed in the following steps:
1. Draw a base circle with centreO and radius equal to the minimum radius of the cam (i.e.
50 mm).
2. Draw a prime circle with centreO and radius OA = Minimum radius of the cam + radius
of roller = 50 + 5 = 55 mm.
3. Draw an off-set circle with centreO and radius equal to 20 mm.
4. Divide the angular displacements of the cam during out stroke and return stroke into eight
equal parts as shown by points 0, 1, 2 . . . and 0′ ,1′ , 2′ . . . etc. on the prime circle in Fig.
20.30.
5. From these points draw tangents to the off-set circle.
6. Set off 1B, 2C, 3D . . . etc. equal to the displacements as measured from the displacement
diagram.
7. By joining the points A, B, C . . . T, U, A with a smooth curve, we get a pitch curve.
8. Now from points A, B, C . . . T, U, draw circles with radius equal to the radius of the
roller.
Join the bottoms of these circles with a smooth curve to obtain the profile of the cam as
shown in Fig.
Maximum velocity of the follower during out stroke and return stroke

Maximum acceleration of the follower during out stroke and return stroke
We know that the maximum acceleration of the follower during out stroke,
Example 9.Construct the profile of a cam to suit the following specifications :
Cam shaft diameter = 40 mm ; Least radius of cam = 25 mm ; Diameter of roller = 25
mm;Angle of lift = 120° ; Angle of fall = 150° ; Lift of the follower = 40 mm ; Number of pauses
are
two of equal interval between motions.
During the lift, the motion is S.H.M. During the fall the motion is uniform acceleration
anddeceleration. The speed of the cam shaft is uniform. The line of stroke of the follower is off-
set12.5 mm from the centre of the cam.
Construction
First of all the displacement diagram, as shown in Fig. 20.31, is drawn as discussed in
thefollowing steps :
1. Since the follower moves with simple harmonic motion during lift (i.e. for 120° of
camrotation), therefore draw the displacement curve ADG in the similar manner as discussedin
Example 20.2.
2. Since the follower moves with uniform acceleration and deceleration during fall (i.e. for150°
of cam rotation), therefore draw the displacement curve HLP consisting of doubleparabola as
discussed in Example 20.6.

Now the profile of the cam, when the line of stroke of the follower is off-set 12.5 mm fromthe
centre of the cam, as shown in Fig. 20.32, is drawn as discussed in the following steps :
1. Draw a base circle with centreO and radius equal to the least radius of cam (i.e. 25 mm).
2. Draw a prime circle with centreO and radius,
OA = Least radius of cam + radius of roller = 25 + 25/2 = 37.5 mm
3. Draw a circle with centreO and radius equal to 20 mm to represent the cam shaft.
4. Draw an offset circle with centreO and radius equal to 12.5 mm.
5. Join OA. From OA draw angular displacements of the cam, i.e. draw angle AOS = 120°
torepresent lift of the follower, angle SOT = 45° to represent pause, angle TOP = 150°
torepresent fall of the follower and angle POA = 45° to represent pause.

6. Divide the angular displacements during lift and fall (i.e. angle AOS and TOP) into thesame
number of equal even parts (i.e. six parts) as in the displacement diagram.
7. From points 1, 2, 3 . . . etc. and 0′, 1′, 2′, 3′ . . . etc. on the prime circle, draw tangents tothe
off-set circle.
8. Set off 1B, 2C, 3D . . . etc. equal to the displacements as measured from the
displacementdiagram.
9. By joining the points A, B, C . . . M, N, P with a smooth curve, we get a pitch curve.
10. Now with A, B, C . . . etc. as centre, draw circles with radius equal to the radius of roller.
11. Join the bottoms of the circles with a smooth curve as shown in Fig. 20.32. This is
therequired profile of the cam.

Example 10.It is required to set out the profile of a cam to give the following motion tothe
reciprocating follower with a flat mushroom contact face :
(i) Follower to have a stroke of 20 mm during 120° of cam rotation ;
(ii) Follower to dwell for 30° of cam rotation ;
(iii) Follower to return to its initial position during 120° of cam rotation ; and
(iv) Follower to dwell for remaining 90° of cam rotation.
The minimum radius of the cam is 25 mm. The out stroke of the follower is performed withsimple
harmonic motion and the return stroke with equal uniform acceleration and retardation.
Construction
Since the out stroke of the follower is performed with simple harmonic motion and the
returnstroke with uniform acceleration and retardation, therefore the displacement diagram, as
shown in Fig. (a), is drawn in the similar manner as discussed in the previous example.
 (a)
The profile of the cam with a flat mushroom contact face reciprocating follower, as shown inFig.
(b), is drawn in the similar way as discussed in Example 4.

(b)
Example 11.It is required to set out the profile of a cam with oscillating follower for
thefollowing motion :
(a) Follower to move outward through an angular displacement of 20° during 90° of
camrotation ; (b) Follower to dwell for 45° of cam rotation ; (c) Follower to return to its
originalposition of zero displacement in 75° of cam rotation ; and (d) Follower to dwell for the
remainingperiod of the revolution of the cam.
The distance between the pivot centre and the follower roller centre is 70 mm and the
rollerdiameter is 20 mm. The minimum radius of the cam corresponds to the starting position of
thefollower as given in (a). The location of the pivot point is 70 mm to the left and 60 mm above
the
axis of rotation of the cam. The motion of the follower is to take place with S.H.M. during
outstroke and with uniform acceleration and retardation during return stroke.

The follower moves with simple harmonic motion during out stroke and with uniform
accelerationand retardation during return stroke. Therefore, the displacement diagram, as shown
in Fig.20.36, is drawn in the similar way as discussed in the previous example.
The profile of the cam, as shown in Fig. 20.37, is drawn as discussed in the following steps :
1. First of all, locate the pivot point A1 which is 70 mm to the left and 60 mm above the axisof
the cam.
2. Since the distance between the pivotcentreA1 and the follower roller centreA is 70 mmand the
roller diameter is 20 mm, therefore draw a circle with centreA and radius equal tothe radius of
roller i.e. 10 mm.
3. We find that the minimum radius of the cam= 60 −10 = 50 mm
∴ Radius of the prime circle,OA = Min. radius of cam + Radius of roller = 50 + 10 = 60 mm
4. Now complete the profile of the cam in the similar way as discussed in Example 5.
Example 12.In a symmetrical tangent camoperating a roller follower, the least radius of the
cam is 30 mm and roller radius is 17.5 mm. The angleof ascent is 75° and the total lift is 17.5
mm. Thespeed of the cam shaft is 600 r.p.m. Calculate :1. Theprincipal dimensions of the cam ;
2. the accelerationsof the follower at the beginning of the lift, wherestraight flank merges into
the circular nose and atthe apex of the circular nose. Assume that there is nodwell between
ascent and descent.
Solution.Given :r1 = 30 mm ; r2 = 17.5 mm ;α = 75° ; Total lift = 17.5 mm ; N = 600 r.p.m. or
ω= 2 π × 600/60 = 62.84 rad/s
Example 13.A cam has straight working faces which are tangential to a base circle ofdiameter
90 mm. The follower is a roller of diameter 40 mm and the centre of roller moves alonga straight
line passing through the centre line of the cam shaft. The angle between the tangentialfaces of
the cam is 90° and the faces are joined by a nose circle of 10 mm radius. The speed ofrotation of
the cam is 120 revolutions per min.
Find the acceleration of the roller centre1. when during the lift, the roller is just about toleave
the straight flank ; and 2. when the roller is at the outer end of its lift.
Solution.Given :d1 = 90 mm or r1 = 45 mm ; d2 = 40 mm or r2 = 20 mm ; 2 α = 90° orα = 45° ;
r3 = 10 mm ; N = 120 r.p.m. or ω = 2 π × 120/60 = 12.57 rad/s
The tangent cam operating a roller follower is shown in Fig. 20.43.
First of all, let us find the *angle turned by the cam ( φ ) when the roller is just about to leave
the straight flank at G. The centre of roller at this position lies at D.
Example 14.A symmetrical circular cam operating a flat-faced follower has thefollowing
particulars :
Minimum radius of the cam = 30 mm ; Total lift = 20 mm ; Angle of lift = 75° ; Nose radius= 5
mm ; Speed = 600 r.p.m. Find : 1. the principal dimensions of the cam, and 2. the accelerationof
the follower at the beginning of the lift, at the end of contact with the circular flank , at
thebeginning of contact with nose and at the apex of the nose.
Solution.Given :r1 = OE = 30 mm ; x = JK = 20 mm ; α = 75° ; r2 = QF = QK = 5 mm ;N = 600
r.p.m. or ω = 2π×600 / 60 = 62.84 rad/s
1. Principal dimensions of the cam
A symmetrical circular cam operating a flat faced follower is shown in Fig. 20.46.
Example 15.A symmetrical cam with convex flanks operates a flat-footed follower. Thelift is 8
mm, base circle radius 25 mm and the nose radius 12 mm. The total angle of the camaction is
120°.
1. Find the radius of convex flanks, 2. Draw the profile of the cam, and 3. Determine
themaximum velocity and the maximum acceleration when the cam shaft rotates at 500 r.p.m.

A symmetrical cam with convex flanks operating a flat footed follower is shown in Fig.20.47.
From the geometry of the figure,
Example 16.The following particulars relate to a symmetrical circular cam operating a flat
faced follower :
Least radius = 16 mm, nose radius = 3.2 mm, distance between cam shaft centre and nosecentre
= 25 mm, angle of action of cam = 150°, and cam shaft speed = 600 r.p.m.Assuming that there is
no dwell between ascent or descent, determine the lift of the valve,the flank radius and the
acceleration and retardation of the follower at a point where circularnose merges into circular
flank.
Example 17.A flat ended valve tappet is operated by a symmetrical cam with circulararc for
flank and nose. The straight line path of the tappet passes through the cam axis. Totalangle of
action = 150°. Lift = 6 mm. Base circle diameter = 30 mm. Period of acceleration is halfthe
period of retardation during the lift. The cam rotates at 1250 r.p.m. Find: 1. flank and noseradii;
2. maximum acceleration and retardation during the lift.