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

Abstract

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.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Compliant mechanisms; Composite micromechanics; Mechanisms; Rigid structures; Characteristic deflection; Compatibility equation; Displacement boundary conditions; Fully compliant mechanism; Inflection points; Method of analysis; Pseudo-rigid body models; Static equilibrium; Boundary conditions

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1942-4302; 1942-4310

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2015 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Aug 2015

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS