Masters Theses

Abstract

"Compliant mechanisms derive some or all of their mobility from the deflection of their flexible members. A pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) provides a simple and efficient way of modeling and analyzing large deflections in compliant mechanisms. In this work, a partially compliant slider mechanism, composed of rigid and compliant segments as well as rigid-body revolute and prismatic pairs, is considered. In recent works, such mechanisms have been dimensionally synthesized to produce substantially constant-force output over a finite range of input link displacement in an in-line PRBM of a compliant slider mechanism. In this thesis, the current practice of using partially compliant slider mechanisms to generate constant-force is investigated to consider an offset mechanism, and an in-line mechanism with a non-zero initial input angle. It is observed that these mechanisms no longer provide the desired constant-force output. However, they exhibit a variety of other beneficial force vs. input link displacement relationships. The maximum operating range with desired characteristics for such mechanisms is identified through an optimization sub-routine. This theory is utilized to develop novel, compliant modular devices that generate nearly constant output forces, which consist of spatial arrangements of multiple, planar, partially compliant slider mechanisms. The PRBM is used to design the compliant modular devices and predict the force vs. input displacement relationships. Four modular devices, classified into two categories are fabricated. Experimental tests with these devices are conducted using a Universal Testing Machine. The experimental results are shown to closely match the PRBM results, thus validating the theoretical developments"--Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Midha, A. (Ashok)

Committee Member(s)

Dharani, Lokeswarappa R.
Du, Xiaoping

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2015

Pagination

xiii, 151 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 145-150)

Rights

© 2015 Krutika Karthik, All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12175

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