OPTIMAL LOADING CONDITIONS FOR NONLINEAR DEFLECTIONS

Some mechanical systems, such as compliant mechanisms, require large d eflections to perform their function, and it is important to obtain th ese deflections as efficiently as possible. The purpose of this work i s to determine the optimal angle of an applied end load on a cantileve r beam to maximize large, non-linear elastic deflections. Elliptic int egral equations for large deflection are used to determine the optimal angle for angular, vertical, and total deflection. A simplified model (the pseudo-rigid-body model) is introduced for quick but accurate ap proximations. This approximation method complements the analytical sol ution by providing a physical model that is useful in both easily pred icting the deflection and in visualizing it. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.