7 Citations (Scopus)
140 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Compliant mechanisms find use in numerous applications both in micro and macro scale devices. Most of the current compliant mechanisms base their behavior on beam flexures. Their range of motion is thus limited by the stresses developed upon deflection. Conversely, the proposed mechanism relies on elastically nonlinear components to achieve large deformations. These nonlinear elements are composite morphing double-helical structures that are able to extend and coil like springs, yet, with nonlinear stiffness characteristics. A mechanism consisting of such structures, assembled in a simple truss configuration, is explored. A variety of behaviors is unveiled that could be exploited to expand the design space of current compliant mechanisms. The type of behavior is found to depend on the initial geometry of the structural assembly, the lay-up, and on other characteristics specific of the composite components.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberJMR-19-1034
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Mechanisms and Robotics
Volume11
Issue number5
Early online date5 Aug 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

Research Groups and Themes

  • Bristol Composites Institute ACCIS

Keywords

  • Deformation
  • Geometry
  • Deflection
  • Design
  • Trusses (Building)
  • Stress
  • Manufacturing
  • Composite materials
  • Compliant mechanisms
  • Springs

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multistable Morphing Mechanisms of Nonlinear Springs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this