Finite element (FE) assisted investigation of a compliant mechanism made of various polymeric materials

Abstract

Compliant mechanisms are flexible devices that can produce useful work through elastic deformations. Compliance is a relatively novel approach, that contrasts with the conventional rigid body approach common in most mechanisms. The advantages of compliant mechanisms over conventional rigid body mechanisms include reduced parts, lower costs due to reduced assembly, reduced inventory storage, ease of manufacturing, improved performance, reduced weight, elimination of lubrication, and the ability to create miniature mechanisms. The present work investigates the finite element analysis of compliant mechanism for plier type device using linear solver in Pre/Post tool available in Siemens NX 12. A computer aided design (CAD) model of the mechanism is recreated through approximate geometry tracing and the model are recorded for optimization. The model parameters are then imported into Pre/Post tool for simulation using the Linear Solver. The model is simulated to understand behaviors of displacement, stress and strains. To achieve this a Finite Element Analysis is conducted on the model and the results of the FEA study are presented in the study under fixed load conditions for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymers. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that compliant mechanism can be reliably achieved for the application required using ABS as the desired useful work is achieved within the range of elastic deformation for the material.