2.145/2.147: Design of Compliant Mechanisms, Machines & Systems

Fall | Undergraduate and Graduate | 12 Units | Prereq: 2.003 and 2.007 

Lecture:
TR 11:00AM - 12:30PM (35-310) [Culpepper]

Lab:
T 2:00PM - 5:00PM (4-149) [Culpepper]

Design, modeling and integration of compliance into systems that enable performance which is impractical to obtain via rigid mechanisms. Includes multiple strategies (pseudo-rigid body, topology synthesis, freedom and constraint topology) to engineer compliant mechanisms for mechanical systems. Emphasis is placed upon the integration of first principles (math/physics/engineering classes) to optimize kinematics, stiffness, energy storage/release, load capacity, efficiency and integration with actuation/sensing. Synthesize concepts, optimize them via computational models and test prototypes. Prototypes integrate multiple engineering sub-disciplines (e.g. mechanics + dynamics or mechanics + energy) and are drawn from biological systems, prosthetics, energy harvesting, precision instrumentation, robotics, space-based systems and others. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.