Abstract

This thesis introduces new revolute and torsional lamina emergent mechanism (LEM) flexure designs that are suited for use in metals. Previous LEM flexures have been designed for use in highly elastic materials, such as polymers. In extending LEM flexure designs to metals, a LEM flexure design criteria is also introduced. The LEM flexure criteria is based on relative performance between the LEM flexure and a performance datum which the LEM flexure must improve upon. This performance datum, or benchmark, is a section of lamina that is of the same overall length, width, and thickness as the LEM flexure. An analysis of the revolute and torsional metal LEM flexures, based on the LEM flexure criteria, is performed and both are found to successfully meet the criteria. A brief comparative performance study is also carried out between a basic crank-slider mechanism to which the revolute and torsional metal LEM flexures have and have not been applied. The revolute and torsional metal LEM flexures are found to improve the crank-slider performance.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Mechanical Engineering

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