Synthesis of deployable structural mechanism for engineering application

• Main Authors: Chen, Yan., Yeo, Song Huat.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Research Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/42781
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Deployable structures are structures whose shape can undergo large geometric transformation to meet the practical requirement. They are widely used in aerospace, civil and medical engineering. According to their mechanical properties, deployable structures can be classified as two types: deformable structures and structural mechanisms. The key advantage of the latter is that the deployment can be performed repeatedly and precisely and the entire process can be easily controlled. The objectives of this project are to develop a methodology in the synthesis of deployable structural mechanisms, to gene rate new configurations based on existing 3D overconstrained linkages with revolute joints, and to f abricate working prototypes in the chosen field of application. The use of 3D overconstrained linkages can provide extra stiffness to structures and the revolute joints are the most reliable and rugged among all kinematic pairs. This proposal represents a systematic study into the construction of deployable structural mechanisms and the results from this research could open up an entirely new field of endeavour. In addition, the synthesized new structural mechanisms will have potential application in many engineering fields.