A New Approach for the Dynamic Analysis of Parallel Manipulators

A new approach for the dynamic analysis of parallel manipulators is presented in this paper. This approach is based on the principle of virtual work. The approach is firstly illustrated using a simple example, namely, a planar four-bar linkage. Then, the dynamic analysis of a spatial six-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator with prismatic actuators (Gough-Stewart platform) is performed. Finally, a numerical example is given in order to illustrate the results. The approach proposed here can be applied to any type of planar and spatial parallel mechanism and leads to faster computational algorithms than the classical Newton-Euler approach when applied to these mechanisms.