| A computer-aided-design (CAD) environment was designed and implemented for the initial design and analysis of large dynamic structures. The design of these types of structures represents a difficult and time consuming task with little support provided by existing CAD packages. The results of this work include: (1) Algorithmic synthesis of complex, dynamic three-dimensional (3-D) structural space frame geometry from initial design specifications. (2) Methodology for dynamic analysis of open kinematic chains which is independent of specific joint trajectories. (3) Dynamic analysis of the complete structure throughout the workspace, including computation of "worst case" loading conditions. (4) Complete algorithmic construction of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model for each component of the structure, including conversion of the dynamic loads into a useful form. (5) Discrete optimization of each link of the structure, including catalog lookup of existing beam sizes and heuristics to minimize the number of required finite element analyses.; The software algorithms developed during this project provides a unique set of CAD tools to enable design engineers to increase their productivity and allow more extensive exploration of the design space, yet still allow sufficient control to achieve reasonable, reliable, and manufacturable designs. The fundamental tools and support structure provided by these tools should also be highly useful in a much wider range of general mechanical design problems. |
