Visual-based methods in compliant mechanism optimization

The purpose of this research is to generate visual-based methods for optimizing compliant mechanisms (CMs). Visual-based optimization methods use graphical representations (3-D plots) of CM performance to convey design information. They have many advantages over traditional optimization methods, such as enabling judgment-based design tradeoffs and ensuring robustness of optimized solutions. This research fulfilled the primary aims of determining (1) how to best convey decision-driving design information, and (2) how to interpret and analyze the results of a visual-based optimization method. Other useful tools resulting from this work are (3) a nondimensional model of a CM (a compliant four-bar mechanism) that may be used to maximize the information density of optimization plots, and (4) a new model of a compliant beam that establishes a link between beam stiffness and instant center location. This work presents designers with an optimization tool that may either be used to augment or replace current optimization methods.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Timm, Richard W. (Richard William)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Martin L. Culpepper, III.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/35649

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/35649