This work demonstrates the successful synthesis of path generating compliant mechanisms by the process of topology and shape design optimization. As geometric topology variation of continuum structures is difficult to treat and analysis of the displacement path or trajectory of such structures is computationally intensive, a highly effective and efficient optimal design procedure is needed. This paper describes the use of a recently developed morphological geometric representation scheme coupled with an evolutionary algorithm to synthesize the mechanism. The scheme uses arrangements of skeleton and “flesh” to define structural geometry, which facilitates transmission of topological/shape characteristics across generations in the evolutionary process and will not render any geometrically invalid designs. The evolutionary algorithm solves the problem as a discrete optimization problem, with a proficient constraint handling capability.
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September 2002
Technical Papers
Design Synthesis of Path Generating Compliant Mechanisms by Evolutionary Optimization of Topology and Shape
Kang Tai, Assistant Professor, Mem. ASME,
Kang Tai, Assistant Professor, Mem. ASME
Center for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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Guang Yu Cui, Research Fellow,
Guang Yu Cui, Research Fellow
Center for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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Tapabrata Ray, Research Fellow
Tapabrata Ray, Research Fellow
Center for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Search for other works by this author on:
Kang Tai, Assistant Professor, Mem. ASME
Center for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Guang Yu Cui, Research Fellow
Center for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Tapabrata Ray, Research Fellow
Center for Advanced Numerical Engineering Simulations, School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Contributed by the Mechanisms and Robotics Committee for publication in the JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN. Manuscript received April 2001. Associate Editor: J. S. Rastegar.
J. Mech. Des. Sep 2002, 124(3): 492-500 (9 pages)
Published Online: August 6, 2002
Article history
Received:
April 1, 2001
Online:
August 6, 2002
Citation
Tai, K., Cui, G. Y., and Ray, T. (August 6, 2002). "Design Synthesis of Path Generating Compliant Mechanisms by Evolutionary Optimization of Topology and Shape ." ASME. J. Mech. Des. September 2002; 124(3): 492–500. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1480818
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