Baclash in Simscape Multi-body

Hi, I am trying to model a linear electrical actuator using a lead-screw joint. To get the desired results backlash in the actuator needs to be modeled. Is there a clever way to do this since it is not a parameter in the lead-screw joint.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

[Abhas]

Hi @Magnus Ekløff,

To model backlash in a Simscape Multibody lead‑screw actuator, even though there's no “backlash” parameter in the Lead Screw Joint refer to some of the effective options below:

• Use the Simple Gear block from "Simscape > Driveline > Gears" and enable "backlash" (available since R2023a).
• Set the gear ratio to 1:1 in the Simple Gear block to simulate backlash without altering motion transfer.
• Use a "Revolute Joint" with limits, stiffness, and damping settings to approximate backlash behavior.
• Insert a "Rotational Hard Stop" to simulate backlash by creating a dead zone before contact occurs.
• For high‑fidelity modeling, implement a custom contact model using Planar or Revolute joints combined with hard‑stop or force‑law components to represent the backlash region precisely.

You may refer to the below documentation link to know more about the Simple Gear block: https://www.mathworks.com/help/sdl/ref/simplegear.html

I hope this helps!