A STRESS-DEFLECTION MODEL FOR FIXED-CLAMPED FLEXURES USING A PSEUDO RIGID BODY APPROACH

Connor Huxman, Jared Butler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Fixed-clamped flexures are one common component of compliant mechanisms which remain difficult to design due to their unique force- and stress-deflection response profiles. In this work, a stress-deflection model for fixed-clamped flexures is proposed that utilizes a modified pseudo rigid body model. Special analysis is carried out on the characteristic radius factor, a parameter to which model accuracy is particularly sensitive. Effects of both deflection magnitude and flexure geometry on this parameter are explored and considerations for optimal parameter selection are included. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the model is able to predict the vertical applied force, horizontal reaction force, and maximum von Mises stress with a maximum percent error less than 3.5% at yield for a range of steel flexure topologies. Using the model to predict behavior of flexible polypropylene flexures undergoing larger deflections, the model has a maximum error between 4 - 14% using static model parameters, compared to 74 - 96% using the small deflection equations. The distinct combination of axial and bending stresses experienced in fixed-clamped flexures has made mechanisms which use these members challenging to design. This work provides a model that designers, engineers, and researchers can draw from to understand stress profiles present in these flexible members.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication46th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference (MR)
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791886281
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventASME 2022 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC-CIE 2022 - St. Louis, United States
Duration: Aug 14 2022Aug 17 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
Volume7

Conference

ConferenceASME 2022 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC-CIE 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis
Period8/14/228/17/22

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Modeling and Simulation

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