Stress Analysis of a Fixed-Free Compliant Segment Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM) Concept

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Crews ◽  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Lokeswarappa R. Dharani
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Stress Analysis ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Flexural Rigidity ◽  
Spring Steel ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Metallic Reinforcement

A method is presented to analyze stress in ambient-temperature, fixed-free compliant segments subjected to end load or displacement boundary conditions. The analysis method outlined herein relies on key outputs from the pseudo-rigid-body models (PRBMs). Simplified equations for stress are presented for both homogeneous and metallic-reinforced segments. Stresses in both the polymer compliant segment and the metallic reinforcing element are addressed to enable a comprehensive stress analysis method. The stress analysis method is exemplified by using two design cases: one, a homogeneous compliant segment, and two, a compliant segment reinforced with a spring steel element. The results showed that introducing a metallic reinforcement increases the flexural rigidity, but does not reduce the bending stress in the casing unless the cross-sectional thickness is reduced. This vein of research is undertaken using metallic reinforcement (inserts) toward the development of a new class of compliant mechanisms with significantly greater performance, particularly insofar as the problems of fatigue and creep are concerned.

Stress Analysis of a Metallic-Reinforced, Small-Length Flexural Pivot Compliant Segment Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Crews ◽  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Lokeswarappa R. Dharani
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Flexural Rigidity ◽  
Spring Steel ◽  
Small Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Metallic Reinforcement

A method based on the pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) is presented for the analysis of stress in metallic-reinforced, small-length flexural pivot (SLFP) compliant segments, subjected to end loads or displacement boundary conditions. The analysis method provides the designer with a tool to ensure that stress levels are maintained that are appropriate for the intended application and materials of construction. Simplified equations for stress are presented for both homogeneous polymer and metallic-reinforced composite segments, where the reinforcement shares a neutral axis with a polymer casing. The method is exemplified with two case studies, one, a homogeneous compliant segment, and, two, the segment reinforced with spring steel. The introduction of metallic reinforcement increases the flexural rigidity, but does not reduce the bending stress in the casing of a small-length flexural pivot unless the cross-sectional thickness is reduced. This vein of research is undertaken using metallic reinforcement (inserts) toward the development of a new class of compliant mechanisms with significantly greater performance, particularly insofar as the problems of fatigue and creep are concerned.

Multiple-Segment-Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Concept in Compliant Mechanism Design and Analysis

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Mettlach ◽  
Ashok Midha
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Beam Type

Abstract The concept of a pseudo-rigid-body model for a flexible member proven very instrumental in the design and analysis of compliant mechanisms. It provides a means by which a compliant mechanism may be modeled as an equivalent pseudo-rigid-body mechanism. This makes it possible for compliant mechanisms to be analyzed and designed using a wealth of existing methods for rigid-body mechanisms. Oftentimes, however, it is not possible to model a compliant member with a typical pseudo-rigid-body model. This may be due to a force or displacement boundary condition applied to a compliant member at a point other than the beam end. For situations such as these, a planar, multiple-segment pseudo-rigid-body model concept is introduced which allows arbitrary beam type compliant members, regardless of geometry, loading, or boundary conditions, to be modeled as an assemblage of rigid members with torsional springs at characteristic pivots. This methodology enables existing analysis and synthesis methods to be applied in the design of complex compliant mechanisms.

A Methodology for Determining Static Mode Shapes of a Compliant Mechanism Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM) Concept and the Degrees-of-Freedom Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushrut G. Bapat ◽  
Pratheek Bagivalu Prasanna ◽  
Ashok Midha
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Static Mode ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model

Abstract Traditionally, the deflected configuration of compliant segments is determined through rigorous mathematical analysis using Newtonian mechanics. Application of these principles in evaluating the deformed configuration of compliant mechanisms, containing a variety of segment types, becomes cumbersome. This paper introduces a methodology to determine the expected deflected configuration(s) of a compliant mechanism, for a given set of load and/or displacement boundary conditions. The method utilizes the principle of minimum total potential energy, in conjunction with the degrees-of-freedom analysis and the pseudo-rigid-body model concept. The static mode shape(s) of compliant segments are integrated in identifying the possible functional configuration(s) of a given compliant mechanism’s structural configuration. The methodology, in turn, also facilitates the in situ determination of the deformed configuration of the constituent compliant segments. It thus assists in the identification of an appropriate pseudo-rigid-body model for design and analysis of a compliant mechanism.

Analysis of a Fixed-Guided Compliant Beam With an Inflection Point Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Concept

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Sushrut G. Bapat ◽  
Adarsh Mavanthoor ◽  
Vivekananda Chinta
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Condition ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Rigid Body ◽  
Inflection Point ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Selection Of

This paper provides an efficient method of analysis for a fixed-guided compliant beam with an inflection point, subjected to beam end load or displacement boundary conditions, or a combination thereof. To enable this, such a beam is modeled as a pair of well-established pseudo-rigid-body models (PRBMs) for fixed-free compliant beam segments. The analysis procedure relies on the properties of inflection in developing the necessary set of parametric, static equilibrium and compatibility equations for solution. The paper further discusses the multiplicity of possible solutions, including displacement configurations, for any two specified beam end displacement boundary conditions, depending on the locations and types of the effecting loads on the beam to meet these boundary conditions. A unique solution may exist when a third beam end displacement boundary condition is specified; however, this selection is not unconditional. A concept of characteristic deflection domain is proposed to assist with the selection of the third boundary condition to yield a realistic solution. The analysis method is also used to synthesize a simple, fully compliant mechanism utilizing the fixed-guided compliant segments.

A Methodology for Determining Static Mode Shapes of a Compliant Mechanism Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Concept and the Degrees-Of-Freedom Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratheek Bagivalu Prasanna ◽  
Sushrut G. Bapat ◽  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Vamsi Lodagala
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Static Mode ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model

Abstract Traditionally, the deflected configuration of compliant segments is determined through rigorous mathematical analysis using Newtonian mechanics. Application of this approach in evaluating the deformed configuration of compliant mechanisms, containing a variety of segment types, becomes cumbersome. This paper introduces a methodology to determine the possible deflected configuration(s) of a compliant mechanism, for a given set of load and/or displacement boundary conditions. The methodology utilizes the principle of minimum potential energy, in conjunction with the degrees-of-freedom analysis and the pseudo-rigid-body model concept. The static mode shape(s) of compliant segments are integrated in identifying the possible deflected configuration(s) of a given compliant mechanism. The methodology facilitates the in situ determination of the possible deformed configuration(s) of the compliant mechanism and its constituent segments. This, in turn, assists in the important task of identifying an appropriate pseudo-rigid-body model for the design and analysis of a compliant mechanism. The proposed methodology is illustrated with examples, and supported with experimental validation.

Mode Shapes in Compliant Mechanisms, and a Procedure to Identify Appropriate Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Type

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Pratheek Bagivalu Prasanna
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Classical Mechanics ◽  
Deformation Mode ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Displacement Boundary ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Basic Segment ◽  
Rigid Body Model

The mobility characteristics of compliant mechanisms are a function of the structural arrangement of the comprising segments and links, their types, as well as the load and/or displacement boundary conditions. It is hypothesized that an earlier defined concept of compliance number and stored strain energy in a compliant mechanism are strongly correlated. It therefore becomes necessary to define and better understand the characteristics of deformation mode shapes of compliant mechanisms. A compliant mechanism may exhibit a variety of mode shapes. In keeping with the classical mechanics notions, this paper systematically develops the mode shapes in compliant mechanisms, utilizing two distinct categories: i) segmental (elemental) mode shapes, and ii) mechanism (system) mode shapes. The possible mode shapes of the basic segment types are identified. Based on the energy storage capability of the segment types, segmental mode shapes are further classified into higher and lower order mode shapes. Similar identification is extended to compliant mechanisms as well, and the possible mechanism mode shapes are illustrated with the help of a few examples. Finally, the utility of this methodology in identifying an appropriate pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) corresponding to a given compliant mechanism is demonstrated. An experimental procedure aids in this process.

A Simple and Accurate Method for Determining Large Deflections in Compliant Mechanisms Subjected to End Forces and Moments

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Saxena ◽  
S. N. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Elliptic Integral ◽  
Beam Equation ◽  
Large Deflections ◽  
Euler Beam ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis

Compliant members in flexible link mechanisms undergo large deflections when subjected to external loads. Because of this fact, traditional methods of deflection analysis do not apply. Since the nonlinearities introduced by these large deflections make the system comprising such members difficult to solve, parametric deflection approximations are deemed helpful in the analysis and synthesis of compliant mechanisms. This is accomplished by representing the compliant mechanism as a pseudo-rigid-body model. A wealth of analysis and synthesis techniques available for rigid-body mechanisms thus become amenable to the design of compliant mechanisms. In this paper, a pseudo-rigid-body model is developed and solved for the tip deflection of flexible beams for combined end loads. A numerical integration technique using quadrature formulae has been employed to solve the large deflection Bernoulli-Euler beam equation for the tip deflection. Implementation of this scheme is simpler than the elliptic integral formulation and provides very accurate results. An example for the synthesis of a compliant mechanism using the proposed model is also presented.

A Simple and Accurate Method for Determining Large Deflections in Complaint Mechanisms Subjected to End Forces and Moments

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Saxena ◽  
Steven N. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Numerical Integration ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Beam Equation ◽  
Integration Scheme ◽  
Large Deflections ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis

Abstract Compliant members in flexible link mechanisms undergo large deflections when subjected to external loads for which, traditional methods of deflection analysis do not apply Nonlinearities introduced by these large deflections make the system comprising such members difficult to solve Parametric deflection approximations are then deemed helpful in the analysis and synthesis of compliant mechanisms This is accomplished by seeking the pseudo-rigid-body model representation of the compliant mechanism A wealth of analysis and synthesis techniques available for rigid-body mechanisms thus become amenable to the design of compliant mechanisms In this paper, a pseudo-rigid-body model is developed and solved for the tip deflection of flexible beams for combined end loads with positive end moments A numerical integration technique using quadrature formulae has been employed to solve the nonlinear Bernoulli-Euler beam equation for the tip deflection Implementation of this scheme is relatively simpler than the elliptic integral formulation and provides nearly accurate results Results of the numerical integration scheme are compared with the beam finite element analysis An example for the synthesis of a compliant mechanism using the proposed model is also presented.

Evaluation of Equivalent Spring Stiffness for Use in a Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model of Large-Deflection Compliant Mechanisms

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Ashok Midha
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Large Deflection ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Spring Stiffness ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Body Joints

Abstract Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their mobility from the flexibility of their members rather than from rigid-body joints only. More efficient and usable analysis and design techniques are needed before the advantages of compliant mechanisms can be fully utilized. In an earlier work, a pseudo-rigid-body model concept, corresponding to an end-loaded geometrically nonlinear, large-deflection beam, was developed to help fulfill this need. In this paper, the pseudo-rigid-body equivalent spring stiffness is investigated and new modeling equations are proposed. The result is a simplified method of modeling the force/deflection relationships of large-deflection members in compliant mechanisms. Flexible segments which maintain a constant end angle are discussed, and an example mechanism is analyzed. The resulting models are valuable in the visualization of the motion of large-deflection systems, as well as the quick and efficient evaluation and optimization of compliant mechanism designs.

Parametric Deflection Approximations for Initially Curved, Large-Deflection Beams in Compliant Mechanisms

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Ashok Midha
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Large Deflection ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Curved Beam ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Fundamental Type ◽  
Applied Forces ◽  
Flexible Member

Abstract The analysis of systems containing highly flexible members is made difficult by the nonlineararities caused by large deflections of the flexible members. The analysis and design of many such systems may be simplified by using pseudo-rigid-body approximations in modeling the flexible members. The pseudo-rigid-body model represents flexible members as rigid links, joined at pin joints with torsional springs. Appropriate values for link lengths and torsional spring stiffnesses are determined such that the deflection path and force-deflection relationships are modeled accurately. Pseudo-rigid-body approximations have been developed for initially straight beams with externally applied forces at the beam end. This work develops approximations for another fundamental type of flexible member, the initially curved beam with applied force at the beam end. This type of flexible member is commonly used in compliant mechanisms. An example of the use of the resulting pseudo-rigid-body approximations in compliant mechanisms is included.

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