Show simple item record

A conceptual approach to the computational synthesis of compliant mechanisms.

dc.contributor.authorKim, Charles J.
dc.contributor.advisorKota, Sridhar
dc.contributor.advisorMoon, Yong-Mo
dc.date.accessioned2016-08-30T15:55:36Z
dc.date.available2016-08-30T15:55:36Z
dc.date.issued2005
dc.identifier.urihttp://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3192675
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/125402
dc.description.abstractIn contrast to engineering analysis tasks to predict the behavior of an engineered system, the goal of conceptual synthesis is to conceive an appropriate system given only the desired physical phenomena posed in the problem specifications. Conceptual synthesis is the inverse problem of analysis and is challenging due to its open-endedness. In this dissertation, a methodology for the conceptual synthesis of planar compliant mechanisms based on a building block approach is developed. Linear (small displacement and rotation) finite element analysis is used to describe the behavior of the mechanisms. In the building block synthesis, the problem specifications are decomposed into related sub-problems if a single building block cannot perform the desired task. The sub-problems are tested against the library of building blocks until a suitable building block is determined. The final mechanism is composed of an assembly of the building blocks to provide the desired functionality. In sharp contrast to related research in topology optimization of compliant mechanisms, the building block approach is intuitive and provides key insight into how individual building blocks contribute to the overall function of a mechanism. We investigate the <italic>basic kinematic behavior</italic> of individual building blocks and relate this to the behavior of a mechanism composed of building blocks. This serves to not only generate viable designs but also to augment the understanding of the designer. Once a feasible concept is thus generated, known methods for size and geometry optimization can be employed to fine tune the mechanism's performance. The key enabler of the building block synthesis is the method of capturing kinematic behavior using Compliance Ellipsoids. The mathematical model of the compliance ellipsoids facilitates the characterization of the building blocks, transformation of problem specifications, decomposition into sub-problems, and the ability to search for alternate solutions. The compliance ellipsoids also give insight into how individual building blocks contribute to the overall kinematic function of the mechanism. The effectiveness and generality of the methodology are demonstrated through a number of synthesis examples. Using only a limited set of building blocks, the methodology is capable of addressing generic kinematic problem specifications typical to research in compliant mechanism synthesis. The success of the methodology depends on the quality of the decomposition formulation which directs the creation of solvable sub-problems based on the relationship between the compliance ellipsoids and the problem specifications. Further development of the methodology is presented in the use of instant centers as a tool to aid in the conceptual synthesis of a class of problems.
dc.format.extent158 p.
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoEN
dc.subjectApproach
dc.subjectCompliant Mechanisms
dc.subjectComputational Synthesis
dc.subjectConceptual
dc.titleA conceptual approach to the computational synthesis of compliant mechanisms.
dc.typeThesis
dc.description.thesisdegreenamePhDen_US
dc.description.thesisdegreedisciplineApplied Sciences
dc.description.thesisdegreedisciplineMechanical engineering
dc.description.thesisdegreegrantorUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies
dc.description.bitstreamurlhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/125402/2/3192675.pdf
dc.owningcollnameDissertations and Theses (Ph.D. and Master's)


Files in this item

Show simple item record

Remediation of Harmful Language

The University of Michigan Library aims to describe library materials in a way that respects the people and communities who create, use, and are represented in our collections. Report harmful or offensive language in catalog records, finding aids, or elsewhere in our collections anonymously through our metadata feedback form. More information at Remediation of Harmful Language.

Accessibility

If you are unable to use this file in its current format, please select the Contact Us link and we can modify it to make it more accessible to you.