TITLE:

Talk 1: TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATORS
Talk 2: INSECT INSPIRED FLYING ROBOTS

DATE:

Friday, March 14th, 2008

TIME:

3:30 PM

LOCATION:

GMCS 214

SPEAKER:

Speaker 1 : Fred Van Keulen, Professor, Structural Optimization and Computational Mechanics Group, Department of Precision and, Microsystems Engineering Technical University of Delft, Netherlands

Speaker 2 : Caspar Bolsman, PhD Student, Structural Optimization and Computational Mechanics Group, Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Technical University of Delft, Netherlands

ABSTRACT:

Abstract 1: Shape memory alloys (SMA’s) are recognized as excellent materials for many miniature actuation tasks. However, the complexity of the material behavior complicates the design of such SMA actuators. Particularly the design of two- or three-dimensional actuators is challenging. To resolve this problem, systematic design optimization techniques for SMA structures have been investigated. In this presentation, results of topology optimization of SMA actuators will be presented. In the considered SMA actuator design problem, application of conventional density-based topology optimization techniques proves to be difficult. An alternative approach is used to deal with this problem, based on the so-called Element Connectivity Parameterization (ECP) approach. The problem formulation based on this ECP formulation will be discussed, and the effectiveness of the developed procedure will be illustrated by several examples.

Abstract 2: At the smaller scales, flapping flight is more energy efficient as compared to the flight of helicopters. Insects provide an excellent source of inspiration for the development of flying micro robots. This is obvious for the wing movement and aerodynamics. But from a mechanical point of view, the resonant properties of the insect’s thorax are more interesting. These properties help to reduce the energy expended in accelerating and decelerating the wings and, equally important, provide means of amplitude amplification. In order to realize an insect scale flying robot, the designer has to find an engineering alternative for the insect thorax. This mechanism should provide the correct wing kinematics for efficient lift production and well as provide options for control of the aerodynamic forces. This presentation gives an introduction to the insect flight mechanism and an engineering alternative based on ring-type structures.

HOST:

Satchi Venkataraman

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