Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
n=6, kaleidocycles, energy elements, tetrahedra, path dependent behavior
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Normal and right-angled n=6 kaleidocycles are structures composed of six tetrahedra. They are capable of continuous rotation while only requiring 240° of rotation on each joint between adjacent tetrahedra. Because of this fact, kaleidocycles may be made fully compliant with no moving parts. Having continuous rotation in a monolithic fully compliant structure is rare, if not unique. One consequence of having compliant joints is that as they are flexed from their unstrained positions, energy is stored. As the kaleidocycle is rotated, energy is stored and released from each of the joints in a complex manner. The purpose of this research is to investigate and quantify the stable states resulting from various arrangements of joints with differing stiffness and unstrained positions.
Recommended Citation
Rowberry, Brett and Howell, Dr. Larry
(2014)
"Stability of n=6 Normal and Right-Angled Kaleidocycles Under the Influence of Energy Elements,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 112.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/112