Static Shape Control of Smart Structures Using Compliant Mechanisms

A novel approach to static shape control of smart structures is introduced. This approach uses a special class of mechanisms called compliant mechanisms powered by a single input actuator. The key design Issue in this approach is the synthesis of a suitable compliant mechanism for the task. A systematic procedure for synthesis of such compliant mechanisms is presented by combining the first principles of mechanics and kinematics through a structural optimization scheme. The procedure is illustrated by an example wherein a prescribed smooth shape change in the camber of an idealized airfoil structure is accomplished by a specially synthesized compliant mechanism actuated by a single torque input. The scope and benefits of the proposed approach in providing viable simple solutions for real-scale static shape control applications are also discussed.