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

Abstract

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.

Meeting Name

ASME 2017 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2017 (2017: Aug. 6-9, Cleveland, OH)

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Composite micromechanics; Design; Mechanisms; Metals; Reinforcement; Rigid structures; Stress analysis; Analysis method; Bending stress; Displacement boundary conditions; Flexural rigidities; Metallic reinforcements; Pseudo-rigid body models; Reinforcing elements; Simplified equations; Compliant mechanisms

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-0-7918-5817-2

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2017 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Aug 2017

Link to Full Text

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