OPTIMIZATION OF STABILITY DISTRIBUTED CONTACT-AIDED COMPLIANT MECHANISMS IN A DYNAMIC STRUCTURE Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • The optimal stiffnesses and spatial locations of contact-aided compliant mechanisms in a dynamic flapping wing structure are found using a numerical dynamics model and multi-objective genetic algorithm. Using mathematical descriptions of how wing shape change impact pitch agility in a flapping wing mechanical bird, an optimization problem was formulated to find compliant joint stiffness and location parameters which induce desired shape change. Specifically, the goal of the shape change was to induce forward sweep at the upstroke to downstroke transition while otherwise remaining stiff in an effort to move the aerodynamic center ahead of the center of gravity. A single compliant joint in the leading edge spar of an ornithopter wing was considered. A multi-objective genetic algorithm was used to solve the optimization problem, generating 3892 unique designs over 20 generations. Machine learning visualization and regression was used to better understand the data set. The data set was narrowed using higher level decisions, and one optimal design which satisfied the design requirements was chosen based on its relative performance and design parameters. The design was able to achieve the desired forward sweep while only allowing small bending and twist motion compared to the wing structure without a compliant joint inserted.

name of conference

  • Volume 1: Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Materials; Mechanics and Behavior of Active Materials; Bioinspired Smart Materials and Systems; Energy Harvesting; Emerging Technologies

published proceedings

  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASME CONFERENCE ON SMART MATERIALS, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, 2017, VOL 1

author list (cited authors)

  • Calogero, J., Frecker, M., Hasnain, Z., & Hubbard, J.

citation count

  • 2

complete list of authors

  • Calogero, Joseph||Frecker, Mary||Hasnain, Zohaib||Hubbard, James E Jr

publication date

  • January 2017