On the dynamics of a washing machine with flexible components

The growing demand for highly efficient, reliable and inexpensive washing machines has driven the need for state-of-the-art numerical tools to predict, evaluate and optimize both the existing and new designs. Improving the washing machine's design requires in-depth knowledge of the machine's structure. In particular, the dynamic behavior of the structure during the spinning period needs to be studied carefully at the design stage. A numerical tool for predicting dynamic behavior would save considerable time, reduce the number of prototypes that need to be built, and decrease development costs. In this study, the dynamic behavior of a horizontal-axis, front-loading washing machine was studied by using commercial multibody simulation software, MSC. Adams. In the numerical model, the housing's side panels and spring strut bar were modeled as flexible components. (C) 2010 Institute of Noise Control Engineering.