Synthesis of shape morphing compliant mechanisms using a load path representation method

Kerr-Jia Lu; Sridhar Kota

doi:10.1117/12.484020

1 August 2003 Synthesis of shape morphing compliant mechanisms using a load path representation method

Kerr-Jia Lu, Sridhar Kota

Proceedings Volume 5049, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Modeling, Signal Processing, and Control; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484020
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The performance of many mechanical systems is directly related to the geometric shapes of their components, such as aircraft wings and antenna reflectors. While the shapes of these components are mostly fixed, incorporating shape morphing into these systems can increase the flexibility and enhance the performance. A synthesis approach for shape morphing compliant mechanism is presented in this paper, using a load path generation method to efficiently exclude the invalid topologies (disconnected structures) from the Genetic Algorithm (GA) solution space. The synthesis approach is illustrated through a flexible antenna reflector design and a morphing aircraft trailing edge. The results demonstrate the capability of the load path generation method to create various designs with less design variables. The results also show that the use of compliant mechanisms can indeed provide a viable alternative for shape morphing applications. Methods to improve convergence such as employing a local search within or following the GA are also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Kerr-Jia Lu and Sridhar Kota "Synthesis of shape morphing compliant mechanisms using a load path representation method", Proc. SPIE 5049, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Modeling, Signal Processing, and Control, (1 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484020

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available