Friction-Induced Vibration in Lead Screw Systems: Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Studies

Lead screw mechanisms are used to convert rotary to linear motion. The velocity-dependent coefficient of friction at the contact between lead screw and nut threads can lead to self-excited vibrations, which may result in excessive noise generated by the system. In this paper, based on a practical example of a powered automotive seat adjuster, the nonlinear dynamics of lead screw systems is studied. A test setup is developed to perform experiments on the horizontal motion drive. The experimental results are used in a novel two-step identification approach to estimate friction, damping, and stiffness parameters of the system. The identified parameters together with other known system parameters are used in the numerical simulations. The accuracy of the mathematical model is validated by comparing numerical simulation results with actual measurements in cases where limit cycles are developed. Using simulation results for a range of lead screw angular velocities and axial forces, regions of stability were found. Also, the effects of damping and stiffness parameters on the steady-state amplitude of vibration were investigated.