Dynamic Modeling of a Front-Loading Type Washing Machine and Model Reliability Investigation

Abstract

A linear dynamic model of a front-loading type washing machine was developed in this study. The machine was conceptualized with three moving rigid bodies, revolute joints, springs, and dampers along with prescribed rotational drum motion. Kane’s method was employed for deriving the equations of motion of the idealized washing machine. Since the modal and transient characteristics can be conveniently investigated with a linear dynamic model, the linear model can be effectively used for the design of an FL type washing machine. Despite the convenience, however, the reliability of the linear dynamic model is often restricted to a certain range of system parameters. Parameters relevant to the reliability of the linear dynamic model were identified and the parameters’ ranges that could guarantee the reliability of the proposed linear dynamic model were numerically investigated in this study.