Configuration design sensitivity analysis of kinematic responses of mechanical systems

A continuum-based configuration design sensitivity analysis method is prese nted for kinematically driven mechanical systems. Configuration design vari able for mechanical systems are defined. The 3-1-3 Euler angle is used as t he orientation design variable. The reassembly process for a mechanical sys tem after a configuration design change is eliminated by imposing kinematic admissibility conditions of the velocity field. The direct differentiation method is used to derive design sensitivity equations. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.