Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamics in a Linear Compressor

Steady-state nonlinear response characteristics of a linear compressor are investigated theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical approach, motions of not only piston but also cylinder are considered and dynamic models for steady-state response predictions are formulated by applying the describing function method. Effects of piston mass on the jump phenomena are predicted by the derived models as an example of design parameter variation and compared with actual experimental results.