Fiber-reinforced composites are an ideal material for the lightweight design of aerospace structures. Especially in recent years, with the rapid development of composite additive manufacturing technology, the design o...Fiber-reinforced composites are an ideal material for the lightweight design of aerospace structures. Especially in recent years, with the rapid development of composite additive manufacturing technology, the design optimization of variable stiffness of fiber-reinforced composite laminates has attracted widespread attention from scholars and industry. In these aerospace composite structures, numerous cutout panels and shells serve as access points for maintaining electrical, fuel, and hydraulic systems. The traditional fiber-reinforced composite laminate subtractive drilling manufacturing inevitably faces the problems of interlayer delamination, fiber fracture, and burr of the laminate. Continuous fiber additive manufacturing technology offers the potential for integrated design optimization and manufacturing with high structural performance. Considering the integration of design and manufacturability in continuous fiber additive manufacturing, the paper proposes linear and nonlinear filtering strategies based on the Normal Distribution Fiber Optimization (NDFO) material interpolation scheme to overcome the challenge of discrete fiber optimization results, which are difficult to apply directly to continuous fiber additive manufacturing. With minimizing structural compliance as the objective function, the proposed approach provides a strategy to achieve continuity of discrete fiber paths in the variable stiffness design optimization of composite laminates with regular and irregular holes. In the variable stiffness design optimization model, the number of candidate fiber laying angles in the NDFO material interpolation scheme is considered as design variable. The sensitivity information of structural compliance with respect to the number of candidate fiber laying angles is obtained using the analytical sensitivity analysis method. Based on the proposed variable stiffness design optimization method for complex perforated composite laminates, the numerical examples consider the variable stiffness design optimization of typical non-perforated and perforated composite laminates with circular, square, and irregular holes, and systematically discuss the number of candidate discrete fiber laying angles, discrete fiber continuous filtering strategies, and filter radius on structural compliance, continuity, and manufacturability. The optimized discrete fiber angles of variable stiffness laminates are converted into continuous fiber laying paths using a streamlined process for continuous fiber additive manufacturing. Meanwhile, the optimized non-perforated and perforated MBB beams after discrete fiber continuous treatment, are manufactured using continuous fiber co-extrusion additive manufacturing technology to verify the effectiveness of the variable stiffness fiber optimization framework proposed in this paper.展开更多
This paper presents a continuum manipulator inspired by the anatomical characteristics of the elephant trunk.Specifically,the manipulator mimics the conoid profile of the elephant trunk,which helps to enhance its stre...This paper presents a continuum manipulator inspired by the anatomical characteristics of the elephant trunk.Specifically,the manipulator mimics the conoid profile of the elephant trunk,which helps to enhance its strength.The design features two concentric parts:inner pneumatically actuated bellows and an outer tendon-driven helical spring.The tendons control the omnidirectional bending of the manipulator,while the fusion of the pneumatic bellows with the tendon-driven spring results in an antagonistic actuation mechanism that provides the manipulator with variable stiffness and extensibility.This paper presents a new design for extensible manipulator and analyzes its stiffness and motion characteristics.Experimental results are consistent with theoretical analysis,thereby demonstrating the validity of the theoretical approach and the versatile practical mechanical properties of the continuum manipulator.The impressive extensibility and variable stiffness of the manipulator were further demonstrated by performing a pin-hole assembly task.展开更多
Currently,experimental research on variable stiffness design mainly focuses on laminates.To ensure adaptability in practical application,it is imperative to conduct a systematic study on stiffened variable stiffness s...Currently,experimental research on variable stiffness design mainly focuses on laminates.To ensure adaptability in practical application,it is imperative to conduct a systematic study on stiffened variable stiffness structures,including design,manufacture,experiment,and simulation.Based on the minimum curvature radius and process schemes,two types of T-stiffened panels were designed and manufactured.Uniaxial compression tests have been carried out and the results indicate that the buckling load of variable stiffness specimens is increased by 26.0%,while the failure load is decreased by 19.6%.The influence mechanism of variable stiffness design on the buckling and failure behavior of T-stiffened panels was explicated by numerical analysis.The primary reason for the reduced strength is the significantly increased load bearing ratio of stiffeners.As experimental investigations of stiffened variable stiffness structures are very rare,this study can be considered a reference for future work.展开更多
A novel X-shaped variable stiffness vibration isolator(X-VSVI)is proposed.The Runge-Kutta method,harmonic balance method,and wavelet transform spectra are introduced to evaluate the performance of the X-VSVI under var...A novel X-shaped variable stiffness vibration isolator(X-VSVI)is proposed.The Runge-Kutta method,harmonic balance method,and wavelet transform spectra are introduced to evaluate the performance of the X-VSVI under various excitations.The layer number,the installation angle of the X-shaped structure,the stiffness,and the active control parameters are systematically analyzed.In addition,a prototype of the X-VSVI is manufactured,and vibration tests are carried out.The results show that the proposed X-VSVI has a superior adaptability to that of a traditional X-shaped mechanism,and shows excellent vibration isolation performance in response to different amplitudes and forms of excitations.Moreover,the vibration isolation efficiency of the device can be improved by appropriate adjustment of parameters.展开更多
Variable stiffness mechanisms(VSMs)are a class of compliant mechanisms that can adjust their intrinsic stiffness,which promises to be beneficial in applications needed to interact with the environment,such as collabor...Variable stiffness mechanisms(VSMs)are a class of compliant mechanisms that can adjust their intrinsic stiffness,which promises to be beneficial in applications needed to interact with the environment,such as collaborative robots,wearable robots,and polishing robots.This paper presents the design and optimization of a novel linear VSM,called cLVSM,to produce linear motion,conversely to the majority of VSMs designed to perform rotary motion.By changing the effective length of specially designed circular beams,the cLVSM is capable of continuous stiffness regulation from a minimum value to almost rigid.Different from the VSMs which need rotation-to-translation converting mechanisms for stiffness regulation,the stiffness of the proposed design is adjusted by directly rotating the beams without the use of additional mechanisms,which contributes to improving the structural compactness,and reducing the energy loss and error in transmission.Moreover,the beam rotation needed to regulate the stiffness is almost perpendicular to the beam deflection force,which helps to reduce the torque needed for stiffness regulation.The stiffness model of the proposed VSM is developed using the screw theory,and the design parameters are optimized using the genetic algorithm.The effectiveness of the mathematical model and the performance of the design are verified by simulation and experiments.展开更多
It has been demonstrated that the flexibility of the structure can enhance the kinematic performance of the underwater bionic robotic fish.Furthermore,the thrust of the underwater robotic fish can be further enhanced ...It has been demonstrated that the flexibility of the structure can enhance the kinematic performance of the underwater bionic robotic fish.Furthermore,the thrust of the underwater robotic fish can be further enhanced by changing the stiffness of the tail when the motion frequency of the propulsion system increases.This paper proposes a novel actuator,the pneumatic variable stiffness imitation dolphin tail actuator(PVSA),which combines soft robotics with the structural characteristics and movement mode of a biological dolphin.The PVSA comprises a pneumatic bi-directional bending soft actuator and a pull-wire-driven variable stiffness mechanism.The soft actuator is capable of mimicking the dorsoventral movement of dolphins by changing the pressure difference between the cavities,thereby achieving bending deformation.The variable stiff-ness mechanism is based on the stiffness mechanism of particle interference and the structural characteristics of vertebrate endoskeleton,with the objective of achieving variable stiffness.The parameters of the PVSA are optimised using numerical simulations and experimental studies,and then designed underwater experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of amplitude,stiffness and frequency on the propulsive performance of the PVSA.The results demonstrate that the PVSA is capable of enhancing thrust by adjusting its own stiffness and movement frequency.The development of the PVSA provides a reference for the research of related underwater bionic propulsion technology.展开更多
Soft grippers are favored for handling delicate objects due to their compliance but often have lower load capacities compared to rigid ones.Variable Stiffness Module(VSM)offer a solution,balancing flexibility and load...Soft grippers are favored for handling delicate objects due to their compliance but often have lower load capacities compared to rigid ones.Variable Stiffness Module(VSM)offer a solution,balancing flexibility and load capacity,for which particle jamming is an effective technology for stiffness-tunable robots requiring safe interaction and load capacity.Specific applica-tions,such as rescue scenarios,require quantitative analysis to optimize VSM design parameters,which previous analytical models cannot effectively handle.To address this,a Grey-box model is proposed to analyze the mechanical response of the particle-jamming-based VSM by combining a White-box approach based on the virtual work principle with a Black-box approach that uses a shallow neural network method.The Grey-box model demonstrates a high level of accuracy in predict-ing the VSM force-height mechanical response curves,with errors below 15%in almost 90%of the cases and a maximum error of less than 25%.The model is used to optimize VSM design parameters,particularly those unexplored combinations.Our results from the load capacity and force distribution comparison tests indicate that the VSM,optimized through our methods,quantitatively meets the practical engineering requirements.展开更多
The behavior of beams with variable stiffness subjected to the action of variable loadings (impulse or harmonic) is analyzed in this paper using the successive approximation method. This successive approximation metho...The behavior of beams with variable stiffness subjected to the action of variable loadings (impulse or harmonic) is analyzed in this paper using the successive approximation method. This successive approximation method is a technique for numerical integration of partial differential equations involving both the space and time, with well-known initial conditions on time and boundary conditions on the space. This technique, although having been applied to beams with constant stiffness, is new for the case of beams with variable stiffness, and it aims to use a quadratic parabola (in time) to approximate the solutions of the differential equations of dynamics. The spatial part is studied using the successive approximation method of the partial differential equations obtained, in order to transform them into a system of time-dependent ordinary differential equations. Thus, the integration algorithm using this technique is established and applied to examples of beams with variable stiffness, under variable loading, and with the different cases of supports chosen in the literature. We have thus calculated the cases of beams with constant or variable rigidity with articulated or embedded supports, subjected to the action of an instantaneous impulse and harmonic loads distributed over its entire length. In order to justify the robustness of the successive approximation method considered in this work, an example of an articulated beam with constant stiffness subjected to a distributed harmonic load was calculated analytically, and the results obtained compared to those found numerically for various steps (spatial h and temporal τ ¯ ) of calculus, and the difference between the values obtained by the two methods was small. For example for ( h=1/8 , τ ¯ =1/ 64 ), the difference between these values is 17%.展开更多
An innovative variable stiffness device is proposed and investigated based on numerical simulations. The device, called a folding variable stiffness spring （FVSS）, can be widely used, especially in tuned mass dampe...An innovative variable stiffness device is proposed and investigated based on numerical simulations. The device, called a folding variable stiffness spring （FVSS）, can be widely used, especially in tuned mass dampers （TMDs） with adaptive stiffness. An important characteristic of FVSS is its capability to change the stiffness between lower and upper bounds through a small change of distance between its supports. This special feature results in lower time-lag errors and readjustment in shorter time intervals. The governing equations of the device are derived and simplified for a symmetrical FVSS with similar elements. This device is then used to control a single-degree-of-freedom （SDOF） structure as well as a multi-degree-of-freedom （MDOF） structure via a semi-active TMD. Numerical simulations are conducted to compare several control cases for these structures. To make it more realistic, a real direct current motor with its own limitations is simulated in addition to an ideal control case with no limitations and both the results are compared. It is shown that the proposed device can be effectively used to suppress undesirable vibrations of a structure and considerably improves the performance of the controller compared to a passive device.展开更多
Redundantly actuated planar rotational parallel mechanisms（RAPRPMs） adapt to the requirements of robots under different working conditions by changing the antagonistic internal force to tune their stiffness.The geom...Redundantly actuated planar rotational parallel mechanisms（RAPRPMs） adapt to the requirements of robots under different working conditions by changing the antagonistic internal force to tune their stiffness.The geometrical parameters of the mechanism impact the performances of modulating stiffness.Analytical expressions relating stiffness and geometrical parameters of the mechanism were formulated to obtain the necessary conditions of variable stiffness.A novel method of variable stiffness design was presented to optimize the geometrical parameters of the mechanism.The stiffness variation with the internal force was maximized.The dynamic change of stiffness with the dynamic location of the mechanism was minimized,and the robustness of stiffness during the motion of the mechanism was ensured.This new approach to variable stiffness design can enable off-line planning of the internal force to avoid the difficulties of on-line control of the internal force.展开更多
Industrial robots are increasingly being used in machining tasks because of their high flexibility and intelligence.However,the low structural stiffness of a robot significantly affects its positional accuracy and the...Industrial robots are increasingly being used in machining tasks because of their high flexibility and intelligence.However,the low structural stiffness of a robot significantly affects its positional accuracy and the machining quality of its operation equipment.Studying robot stiffness characteristics and optimization methods is an effective method of improving the stiffness performance of a robot.Accordingly,aiming at the poor accuracy of stiffness modeling caused by approximating the stiffness of each joint as a constant,a variable stiffness identification method is proposed based on space gridding.Subsequently,a task-oriented axial stiffness evaluation index is proposed to quantitatively assess the stiffness performance in the machining direction.In addition,by analyzing the redundant kinematic characteristics of the robot machining system,a configuration optimization method is further developed to maximize the index.For numerous points or trajectory-processing tasks,a configuration smoothing strategy is proposed to rapidly acquire optimized configurations.Finally,experiments on a KR500 robot were conducted to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed stiffness identification and configuration optimization methods.展开更多
Vibration issues of a five-stand tandem cold rolling mill were found in the steel production practice,and the experimental observation and numerical analysis indicated that the vibrations were related to the back-up r...Vibration issues of a five-stand tandem cold rolling mill were found in the steel production practice,and the experimental observation and numerical analysis indicated that the vibrations were related to the back-up roll bearing.The results were validated by replacing the back-up roll bearing with the new bearing resulting in 30%decline in vibration amplitude.Models describing the four-row cylindrical roller bearing and the vertical system of the cold rolling mill including the bearing were established.Moreover,the mechanisms of periodic excitation and amplified vibrations of fault-free bearing were explained theoretically,along with the analysis of bifurcation behaviors of the motion states of the roller bearing and rolling mill system.It is found that the energy transmitted between vibrations with different frequencies if multiple excitation frequencies in the rolling mill system were close.展开更多
In order to improve the harsh dynamic environment experienced by heavy rockets during different external excitations,this study presents a novel active variable stiffness vibration isolator(AVS-VI)used as the vibratio...In order to improve the harsh dynamic environment experienced by heavy rockets during different external excitations,this study presents a novel active variable stiffness vibration isolator(AVS-VI)used as the vibration isolation device to reduce excessive vibration of the whole-spacecraft isolation system.The AVS-VI is composed of horizontal stiffness spring,positive stiffness spring,parallelogram linkage mechanism,piezoelectric actuator,acceleration sensor,viscoelastic damping,and PID active controller.Based on the AVS-VI,the generalized vibration transmissibility determined by the nonlinear output frequency response functions and the energy absorption rate is applied to analyze the isolation performance of the whole-spacecraft system with AVS-VI.The AVS-VI can conduct adaptive vibration suppression with variable stiffness to the whole-spacecraft system,and the analysis results indicate that the AVS-VI is efTective in reducing the extravagant vibration of the whole-spacecraft system,where the vibration isolation is decreased up to above 65%under different acceleration excitations.Finally,different parameters of AVS-VI are considered to optimize the whole-spacecraft system based on the generalized vibration transmissibility and the energy absorption rate.展开更多
Variable stiffness composite laminates(VSCLs)are promising in aerospace engineering due to their designable material properties through changing fiber angles and stacking sequences.Aiming to control the thermal postbu...Variable stiffness composite laminates(VSCLs)are promising in aerospace engineering due to their designable material properties through changing fiber angles and stacking sequences.Aiming to control the thermal postbuckling and nonlinear panel flutter motions of VSCLs,a full-order numerical model is developed based on the linear quadratic regulator(LQR)algorithm in control theory,the classical laminate plate theory(CLPT)considering von Kármán geometrical nonlinearity,and the first-order Piston theory.The critical buckling temperature and the critical aerodynamic pressure of VSCLs are parametrically investigated.The location and shape of piezoelectric actuators for optimal control of the dynamic responses of VSCLs are determined through comparing the norms of feedback control gain(NFCG).Numerical simulations show that the temperature field has a great effect on aeroelastic tailoring of VSCLs;the curvilinear fiber path of VSCLs can significantly affect the optimal location and shape of piezoelectric actuator for flutter suppression;the unstable panel flutter and the thermal postbuckling deflection can be suppressed effectively through optimal design of piezoelectric patches.展开更多
In this paper, a semiactive variable stiffness （SVS） device is used to decrease cable oscillations caused by parametric excitation, and the equation of motion of the parametric vibration of the cable with this SVS d...In this paper, a semiactive variable stiffness （SVS） device is used to decrease cable oscillations caused by parametric excitation, and the equation of motion of the parametric vibration of the cable with this SVS device is presented. The ON/OFF control algorithm is used to operate the SVS control device. The vibration response of the cable with the SVS device is numerically studied for a variety of additional stiffness combinations in both the frequency and time domains and for both parametric and classical resonance vibration conditions. The numerical studies further consider the cable sag effect. From the numerical results, it is shown that the SVS device effectively suppresses the cable resonance vibration response, and as the stiffness of the device increases, the device achieves greater suppression of vibration. Moreover, it was shown that the SVS device increases the critical axial displacement of the excitation under cable parametric vibration conditions.展开更多
Bilateral rehabilitation systems with bilateral or unilateral assistive robots have been developed for hemiplegia patients to recover their one-side paralysis.However,the compliant robotic assistance to promote bilate...Bilateral rehabilitation systems with bilateral or unilateral assistive robots have been developed for hemiplegia patients to recover their one-side paralysis.However,the compliant robotic assistance to promote bilateral inter-limb coordination remains a challenge that should be addressed.In this paper,a biomimetic variable stiffness modulation strategy for the Variable Stiffness Actuator(VSA)integrated robotic is proposed to improve bilateral limb coordination and promote bilateral motor skills relearning.An Electromyography(EMG)-driven synergy reference stiffness estimation model of the upper limb elbow joint is developed to reproduce the muscle synergy effect on the affected side limb by independent real-time stiffness control.Additionally,the bilateral impedance control is incorporated for realizing compliant patient-robot interaction.Preliminary experiments were carried out to evaluate the tracking performance and investigate the multiple task intensities’influence on bilateral motor skills relearning.Experimental results evidence the proposed method could enable bilateral motor task skills relearning with wide-range task intensities and further promote bilateral inter-limb coordination.展开更多
In this paper,a new system of semi active structural control with active variable stiffness and damping (AVSD) is suggested.This new system amplifies the structural displacement to dissipate more energy,and in turn,ef...In this paper,a new system of semi active structural control with active variable stiffness and damping (AVSD) is suggested.This new system amplifies the structural displacement to dissipate more energy,and in turn,effectively reduces the structural response in the case of relatively small story drifts,which occur during earthquakes.A predictive instantaneous optimal control algorithm is established for a SDOF structure equipped with an AVSD system Comparative shaking table tests of a 1/4 scale single story structural model with a full scale control device have been conducted.From the experimental and analytical results,it is shown that when compared to structures without control or with the active variable stiffness control alone, the suggested system exhibits higher efficiency in controlling the structural response,requires less energy input,operates with higher reliability,and can be manufactured at a lower cost and used in a wider range of engineering applications.展开更多
This research proposes a novel type of variable stiffness tuned particle damper(TPD)for reducing vibrations in boring bars.The TPD integrates the developments of particle damping and dynamical vibration absorber,whose...This research proposes a novel type of variable stiffness tuned particle damper(TPD)for reducing vibrations in boring bars.The TPD integrates the developments of particle damping and dynamical vibration absorber,whose frequency tuning principle is established through an equivalent theoretical model.Based on the multiphase flow theory of gas-solid,it is effective to obtain the equivalent damping and stiffness of the particle damping.The dynamic equations of the coupled system,consisting of a boring bar with the TPD,are built by Hamilton’s principle.The vibration suppression of the TPD is assessed by calculating the amplitude responses of the boring bar both with and without the TPD by the Newmark-beta algorithm.Moreover,an improvement is proposed to the existing gas-solid flow theory,and a comparative analysis of introducing the stiffness term on the damping effect is presented.The parameters of the TPD are optimized by the genetic algorithm,and the results indicate that the optimized TPD effectively reduces the peak response of the boring bar system.展开更多
The bending problem of a thin rectangular plate with in-plane variable stiffness is studied. The basic equation is formulated for the two-opposite-edge simply supported rectangular plate under the distributed loads. T...The bending problem of a thin rectangular plate with in-plane variable stiffness is studied. The basic equation is formulated for the two-opposite-edge simply supported rectangular plate under the distributed loads. The formulation is based on the assumption that the flexural rigidity of the plate varies in the plane following a power form, and Poisson＇s ratio is constant. A fourth-order partial differential equation with variable coefficients is derived by assuming a Levy-type form for the transverse displacement. The governing equation can be transformed into a Whittaker equation, and an analytical solution is obtained for a thin rectangular plate subjected to the distributed loads. The validity of the present solution is shown by comparing the present results with those of the classical solution. The influence of in-plane variable stiffness on the deflection and bending moment is studied by numerical examples. The analytical solution presented here is useful in the design of rectangular plates with in-plane variable stiffness.展开更多
基金supports for this research were provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12272301,12002278,U1906233)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,China(Nos.2023A1515011970,2024A1515010256)+1 种基金the Dalian City Supports Innovation and Entrepreneurship Projects for High-Level Talents,China(2021RD16)the Key R&D Project of CSCEC,China(No.CSCEC-2020-Z-4).
文摘Fiber-reinforced composites are an ideal material for the lightweight design of aerospace structures. Especially in recent years, with the rapid development of composite additive manufacturing technology, the design optimization of variable stiffness of fiber-reinforced composite laminates has attracted widespread attention from scholars and industry. In these aerospace composite structures, numerous cutout panels and shells serve as access points for maintaining electrical, fuel, and hydraulic systems. The traditional fiber-reinforced composite laminate subtractive drilling manufacturing inevitably faces the problems of interlayer delamination, fiber fracture, and burr of the laminate. Continuous fiber additive manufacturing technology offers the potential for integrated design optimization and manufacturing with high structural performance. Considering the integration of design and manufacturability in continuous fiber additive manufacturing, the paper proposes linear and nonlinear filtering strategies based on the Normal Distribution Fiber Optimization (NDFO) material interpolation scheme to overcome the challenge of discrete fiber optimization results, which are difficult to apply directly to continuous fiber additive manufacturing. With minimizing structural compliance as the objective function, the proposed approach provides a strategy to achieve continuity of discrete fiber paths in the variable stiffness design optimization of composite laminates with regular and irregular holes. In the variable stiffness design optimization model, the number of candidate fiber laying angles in the NDFO material interpolation scheme is considered as design variable. The sensitivity information of structural compliance with respect to the number of candidate fiber laying angles is obtained using the analytical sensitivity analysis method. Based on the proposed variable stiffness design optimization method for complex perforated composite laminates, the numerical examples consider the variable stiffness design optimization of typical non-perforated and perforated composite laminates with circular, square, and irregular holes, and systematically discuss the number of candidate discrete fiber laying angles, discrete fiber continuous filtering strategies, and filter radius on structural compliance, continuity, and manufacturability. The optimized discrete fiber angles of variable stiffness laminates are converted into continuous fiber laying paths using a streamlined process for continuous fiber additive manufacturing. Meanwhile, the optimized non-perforated and perforated MBB beams after discrete fiber continuous treatment, are manufactured using continuous fiber co-extrusion additive manufacturing technology to verify the effectiveness of the variable stiffness fiber optimization framework proposed in this paper.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFB1305400)the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.92048301)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52025054)the Joint Research Fund between the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)and Shen Zhen(No.U1713201).
文摘This paper presents a continuum manipulator inspired by the anatomical characteristics of the elephant trunk.Specifically,the manipulator mimics the conoid profile of the elephant trunk,which helps to enhance its strength.The design features two concentric parts:inner pneumatically actuated bellows and an outer tendon-driven helical spring.The tendons control the omnidirectional bending of the manipulator,while the fusion of the pneumatic bellows with the tendon-driven spring results in an antagonistic actuation mechanism that provides the manipulator with variable stiffness and extensibility.This paper presents a new design for extensible manipulator and analyzes its stiffness and motion characteristics.Experimental results are consistent with theoretical analysis,thereby demonstrating the validity of the theoretical approach and the versatile practical mechanical properties of the continuum manipulator.The impressive extensibility and variable stiffness of the manipulator were further demonstrated by performing a pin-hole assembly task.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11902124).
文摘Currently,experimental research on variable stiffness design mainly focuses on laminates.To ensure adaptability in practical application,it is imperative to conduct a systematic study on stiffened variable stiffness structures,including design,manufacture,experiment,and simulation.Based on the minimum curvature radius and process schemes,two types of T-stiffened panels were designed and manufactured.Uniaxial compression tests have been carried out and the results indicate that the buckling load of variable stiffness specimens is increased by 26.0%,while the failure load is decreased by 19.6%.The influence mechanism of variable stiffness design on the buckling and failure behavior of T-stiffened panels was explicated by numerical analysis.The primary reason for the reduced strength is the significantly increased load bearing ratio of stiffeners.As experimental investigations of stiffened variable stiffness structures are very rare,this study can be considered a reference for future work.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.12022213,12002329,U23A2066,12272240,and 12002217)。
文摘A novel X-shaped variable stiffness vibration isolator(X-VSVI)is proposed.The Runge-Kutta method,harmonic balance method,and wavelet transform spectra are introduced to evaluate the performance of the X-VSVI under various excitations.The layer number,the installation angle of the X-shaped structure,the stiffness,and the active control parameters are systematically analyzed.In addition,a prototype of the X-VSVI is manufactured,and vibration tests are carried out.The results show that the proposed X-VSVI has a superior adaptability to that of a traditional X-shaped mechanism,and shows excellent vibration isolation performance in response to different amplitudes and forms of excitations.Moreover,the vibration isolation efficiency of the device can be improved by appropriate adjustment of parameters.
基金Supported by National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFB4701200)Ningbo Municipal Key Projects of Science and Technology Innovation 2025 Plan(Grant No.2022Z070)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52205004).
文摘Variable stiffness mechanisms(VSMs)are a class of compliant mechanisms that can adjust their intrinsic stiffness,which promises to be beneficial in applications needed to interact with the environment,such as collaborative robots,wearable robots,and polishing robots.This paper presents the design and optimization of a novel linear VSM,called cLVSM,to produce linear motion,conversely to the majority of VSMs designed to perform rotary motion.By changing the effective length of specially designed circular beams,the cLVSM is capable of continuous stiffness regulation from a minimum value to almost rigid.Different from the VSMs which need rotation-to-translation converting mechanisms for stiffness regulation,the stiffness of the proposed design is adjusted by directly rotating the beams without the use of additional mechanisms,which contributes to improving the structural compactness,and reducing the energy loss and error in transmission.Moreover,the beam rotation needed to regulate the stiffness is almost perpendicular to the beam deflection force,which helps to reduce the torque needed for stiffness regulation.The stiffness model of the proposed VSM is developed using the screw theory,and the design parameters are optimized using the genetic algorithm.The effectiveness of the mathematical model and the performance of the design are verified by simulation and experiments.
基金This research was done at the Institute of Robotics,Shenyang University of Technology,with the assistance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52005344).
文摘It has been demonstrated that the flexibility of the structure can enhance the kinematic performance of the underwater bionic robotic fish.Furthermore,the thrust of the underwater robotic fish can be further enhanced by changing the stiffness of the tail when the motion frequency of the propulsion system increases.This paper proposes a novel actuator,the pneumatic variable stiffness imitation dolphin tail actuator(PVSA),which combines soft robotics with the structural characteristics and movement mode of a biological dolphin.The PVSA comprises a pneumatic bi-directional bending soft actuator and a pull-wire-driven variable stiffness mechanism.The soft actuator is capable of mimicking the dorsoventral movement of dolphins by changing the pressure difference between the cavities,thereby achieving bending deformation.The variable stiff-ness mechanism is based on the stiffness mechanism of particle interference and the structural characteristics of vertebrate endoskeleton,with the objective of achieving variable stiffness.The parameters of the PVSA are optimised using numerical simulations and experimental studies,and then designed underwater experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of amplitude,stiffness and frequency on the propulsive performance of the PVSA.The results demonstrate that the PVSA is capable of enhancing thrust by adjusting its own stiffness and movement frequency.The development of the PVSA provides a reference for the research of related underwater bionic propulsion technology.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2019YFB1311200).
文摘Soft grippers are favored for handling delicate objects due to their compliance but often have lower load capacities compared to rigid ones.Variable Stiffness Module(VSM)offer a solution,balancing flexibility and load capacity,for which particle jamming is an effective technology for stiffness-tunable robots requiring safe interaction and load capacity.Specific applica-tions,such as rescue scenarios,require quantitative analysis to optimize VSM design parameters,which previous analytical models cannot effectively handle.To address this,a Grey-box model is proposed to analyze the mechanical response of the particle-jamming-based VSM by combining a White-box approach based on the virtual work principle with a Black-box approach that uses a shallow neural network method.The Grey-box model demonstrates a high level of accuracy in predict-ing the VSM force-height mechanical response curves,with errors below 15%in almost 90%of the cases and a maximum error of less than 25%.The model is used to optimize VSM design parameters,particularly those unexplored combinations.Our results from the load capacity and force distribution comparison tests indicate that the VSM,optimized through our methods,quantitatively meets the practical engineering requirements.
文摘The behavior of beams with variable stiffness subjected to the action of variable loadings (impulse or harmonic) is analyzed in this paper using the successive approximation method. This successive approximation method is a technique for numerical integration of partial differential equations involving both the space and time, with well-known initial conditions on time and boundary conditions on the space. This technique, although having been applied to beams with constant stiffness, is new for the case of beams with variable stiffness, and it aims to use a quadratic parabola (in time) to approximate the solutions of the differential equations of dynamics. The spatial part is studied using the successive approximation method of the partial differential equations obtained, in order to transform them into a system of time-dependent ordinary differential equations. Thus, the integration algorithm using this technique is established and applied to examples of beams with variable stiffness, under variable loading, and with the different cases of supports chosen in the literature. We have thus calculated the cases of beams with constant or variable rigidity with articulated or embedded supports, subjected to the action of an instantaneous impulse and harmonic loads distributed over its entire length. In order to justify the robustness of the successive approximation method considered in this work, an example of an articulated beam with constant stiffness subjected to a distributed harmonic load was calculated analytically, and the results obtained compared to those found numerically for various steps (spatial h and temporal τ ¯ ) of calculus, and the difference between the values obtained by the two methods was small. For example for ( h=1/8 , τ ¯ =1/ 64 ), the difference between these values is 17%.
文摘An innovative variable stiffness device is proposed and investigated based on numerical simulations. The device, called a folding variable stiffness spring （FVSS）, can be widely used, especially in tuned mass dampers （TMDs） with adaptive stiffness. An important characteristic of FVSS is its capability to change the stiffness between lower and upper bounds through a small change of distance between its supports. This special feature results in lower time-lag errors and readjustment in shorter time intervals. The governing equations of the device are derived and simplified for a symmetrical FVSS with similar elements. This device is then used to control a single-degree-of-freedom （SDOF） structure as well as a multi-degree-of-freedom （MDOF） structure via a semi-active TMD. Numerical simulations are conducted to compare several control cases for these structures. To make it more realistic, a real direct current motor with its own limitations is simulated in addition to an ideal control case with no limitations and both the results are compared. It is shown that the proposed device can be effectively used to suppress undesirable vibrations of a structure and considerably improves the performance of the controller compared to a passive device.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51275127)
文摘Redundantly actuated planar rotational parallel mechanisms（RAPRPMs） adapt to the requirements of robots under different working conditions by changing the antagonistic internal force to tune their stiffness.The geometrical parameters of the mechanism impact the performances of modulating stiffness.Analytical expressions relating stiffness and geometrical parameters of the mechanism were formulated to obtain the necessary conditions of variable stiffness.A novel method of variable stiffness design was presented to optimize the geometrical parameters of the mechanism.The stiffness variation with the internal force was maximized.The dynamic change of stiffness with the dynamic location of the mechanism was minimized,and the robustness of stiffness during the motion of the mechanism was ensured.This new approach to variable stiffness design can enable off-line planning of the internal force to avoid the difficulties of on-line control of the internal force.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51875287)National Defense Basic Scientific Research Program of China(Grant No.JCKY2018605C002)Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.BK20190417).
文摘Industrial robots are increasingly being used in machining tasks because of their high flexibility and intelligence.However,the low structural stiffness of a robot significantly affects its positional accuracy and the machining quality of its operation equipment.Studying robot stiffness characteristics and optimization methods is an effective method of improving the stiffness performance of a robot.Accordingly,aiming at the poor accuracy of stiffness modeling caused by approximating the stiffness of each joint as a constant,a variable stiffness identification method is proposed based on space gridding.Subsequently,a task-oriented axial stiffness evaluation index is proposed to quantitatively assess the stiffness performance in the machining direction.In addition,by analyzing the redundant kinematic characteristics of the robot machining system,a configuration optimization method is further developed to maximize the index.For numerous points or trajectory-processing tasks,a configuration smoothing strategy is proposed to rapidly acquire optimized configurations.Finally,experiments on a KR500 robot were conducted to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed stiffness identification and configuration optimization methods.
文摘Vibration issues of a five-stand tandem cold rolling mill were found in the steel production practice,and the experimental observation and numerical analysis indicated that the vibrations were related to the back-up roll bearing.The results were validated by replacing the back-up roll bearing with the new bearing resulting in 30%decline in vibration amplitude.Models describing the four-row cylindrical roller bearing and the vertical system of the cold rolling mill including the bearing were established.Moreover,the mechanisms of periodic excitation and amplified vibrations of fault-free bearing were explained theoretically,along with the analysis of bifurcation behaviors of the motion states of the roller bearing and rolling mill system.It is found that the energy transmitted between vibrations with different frequencies if multiple excitation frequencies in the rolling mill system were close.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Project Nos.12022213,11772205 and 11902203)the Scieatifie Research Fund of Liaoning Provineinl Education Department(No.L201703)+1 种基金the Program of Liaoning Revitalization Talents(XLYC1807172)the Tralning Project of Liaoning Higher Education Institutions in Domestic and Oveseas(Nos.2018LNGXGJWPY-YB008).
文摘In order to improve the harsh dynamic environment experienced by heavy rockets during different external excitations,this study presents a novel active variable stiffness vibration isolator(AVS-VI)used as the vibration isolation device to reduce excessive vibration of the whole-spacecraft isolation system.The AVS-VI is composed of horizontal stiffness spring,positive stiffness spring,parallelogram linkage mechanism,piezoelectric actuator,acceleration sensor,viscoelastic damping,and PID active controller.Based on the AVS-VI,the generalized vibration transmissibility determined by the nonlinear output frequency response functions and the energy absorption rate is applied to analyze the isolation performance of the whole-spacecraft system with AVS-VI.The AVS-VI can conduct adaptive vibration suppression with variable stiffness to the whole-spacecraft system,and the analysis results indicate that the AVS-VI is efTective in reducing the extravagant vibration of the whole-spacecraft system,where the vibration isolation is decreased up to above 65%under different acceleration excitations.Finally,different parameters of AVS-VI are considered to optimize the whole-spacecraft system based on the generalized vibration transmissibility and the energy absorption rate.
基金Project(JCYJ20190808175801656)supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Commission of Shenzhen,ChinaProject(2021M691427)supported by Postdoctoral Science Foundation of ChinaProject(9680086)supported by the City University of Hong Kong,China。
文摘Variable stiffness composite laminates(VSCLs)are promising in aerospace engineering due to their designable material properties through changing fiber angles and stacking sequences.Aiming to control the thermal postbuckling and nonlinear panel flutter motions of VSCLs,a full-order numerical model is developed based on the linear quadratic regulator(LQR)algorithm in control theory,the classical laminate plate theory(CLPT)considering von Kármán geometrical nonlinearity,and the first-order Piston theory.The critical buckling temperature and the critical aerodynamic pressure of VSCLs are parametrically investigated.The location and shape of piezoelectric actuators for optimal control of the dynamic responses of VSCLs are determined through comparing the norms of feedback control gain(NFCG).Numerical simulations show that the temperature field has a great effect on aeroelastic tailoring of VSCLs;the curvilinear fiber path of VSCLs can significantly affect the optimal location and shape of piezoelectric actuator for flutter suppression;the unstable panel flutter and the thermal postbuckling deflection can be suppressed effectively through optimal design of piezoelectric patches.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China Under Grant No. 50178025
文摘In this paper, a semiactive variable stiffness （SVS） device is used to decrease cable oscillations caused by parametric excitation, and the equation of motion of the parametric vibration of the cable with this SVS device is presented. The ON/OFF control algorithm is used to operate the SVS control device. The vibration response of the cable with the SVS device is numerically studied for a variety of additional stiffness combinations in both the frequency and time domains and for both parametric and classical resonance vibration conditions. The numerical studies further consider the cable sag effect. From the numerical results, it is shown that the SVS device effectively suppresses the cable resonance vibration response, and as the stiffness of the device increases, the device achieves greater suppression of vibration. Moreover, it was shown that the SVS device increases the critical axial displacement of the excitation under cable parametric vibration conditions.
文摘Bilateral rehabilitation systems with bilateral or unilateral assistive robots have been developed for hemiplegia patients to recover their one-side paralysis.However,the compliant robotic assistance to promote bilateral inter-limb coordination remains a challenge that should be addressed.In this paper,a biomimetic variable stiffness modulation strategy for the Variable Stiffness Actuator(VSA)integrated robotic is proposed to improve bilateral limb coordination and promote bilateral motor skills relearning.An Electromyography(EMG)-driven synergy reference stiffness estimation model of the upper limb elbow joint is developed to reproduce the muscle synergy effect on the affected side limb by independent real-time stiffness control.Additionally,the bilateral impedance control is incorporated for realizing compliant patient-robot interaction.Preliminary experiments were carried out to evaluate the tracking performance and investigate the multiple task intensities’influence on bilateral motor skills relearning.Experimental results evidence the proposed method could enable bilateral motor task skills relearning with wide-range task intensities and further promote bilateral inter-limb coordination.
文摘In this paper,a new system of semi active structural control with active variable stiffness and damping (AVSD) is suggested.This new system amplifies the structural displacement to dissipate more energy,and in turn,effectively reduces the structural response in the case of relatively small story drifts,which occur during earthquakes.A predictive instantaneous optimal control algorithm is established for a SDOF structure equipped with an AVSD system Comparative shaking table tests of a 1/4 scale single story structural model with a full scale control device have been conducted.From the experimental and analytical results,it is shown that when compared to structures without control or with the active variable stiffness control alone, the suggested system exhibits higher efficiency in controlling the structural response,requires less energy input,operates with higher reliability,and can be manufactured at a lower cost and used in a wider range of engineering applications.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.12172014 and 11972050)。
文摘This research proposes a novel type of variable stiffness tuned particle damper(TPD)for reducing vibrations in boring bars.The TPD integrates the developments of particle damping and dynamical vibration absorber,whose frequency tuning principle is established through an equivalent theoretical model.Based on the multiphase flow theory of gas-solid,it is effective to obtain the equivalent damping and stiffness of the particle damping.The dynamic equations of the coupled system,consisting of a boring bar with the TPD,are built by Hamilton’s principle.The vibration suppression of the TPD is assessed by calculating the amplitude responses of the boring bar both with and without the TPD by the Newmark-beta algorithm.Moreover,an improvement is proposed to the existing gas-solid flow theory,and a comparative analysis of introducing the stiffness term on the damping effect is presented.The parameters of the TPD are optimized by the genetic algorithm,and the results indicate that the optimized TPD effectively reduces the peak response of the boring bar system.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 11072177)
文摘The bending problem of a thin rectangular plate with in-plane variable stiffness is studied. The basic equation is formulated for the two-opposite-edge simply supported rectangular plate under the distributed loads. The formulation is based on the assumption that the flexural rigidity of the plate varies in the plane following a power form, and Poisson＇s ratio is constant. A fourth-order partial differential equation with variable coefficients is derived by assuming a Levy-type form for the transverse displacement. The governing equation can be transformed into a Whittaker equation, and an analytical solution is obtained for a thin rectangular plate subjected to the distributed loads. The validity of the present solution is shown by comparing the present results with those of the classical solution. The influence of in-plane variable stiffness on the deflection and bending moment is studied by numerical examples. The analytical solution presented here is useful in the design of rectangular plates with in-plane variable stiffness.
