Static and dynamic analysis of compliant mechanisms containing highly flexible members
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to develop numerical procedures for static and dynamic analysis of compliant mechanisms comprised of large-deflection flexible elements. Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their mobility from deformation of these elements. This permits the use of fewer components in mechanisms to perform useful tasks. The use of flexural pivots in place of rigid-body joints add advantages that include less wear, greater reliability, and lightweight design. Modern material science and manufacturing technology offer possibilities for unitized construction of mechanisms, e.g. with the use of plastics in an injection molding process, with reduced manufacturing costs. Analysis and synthesis of such mechanisms would be accomplished using a chain calculation technique, and a shooting method based on the Newton-Raphson iteration to meet displacement boundary conditions. This thesis reviews the chain algorithm by including shear deformation effects in the beam elements with large cross sections. A three-dimensional version of the chain algorithm is also developed. An incremental, iterative finite element procedure is presented as an effective alternative for static and dynamic analysis of compliant mechanisms. The technique is also used to analyze compliant mechanisms' function near mobility limit positions. Under critical loading, unstable regions are reached and mechanisms experience snap-through buckling, or collapse.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Hamilton, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Mechanical engineering
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