MECH&AE 294A
Compliant Mechanism Design
Description: Lecture, four hours; outside study, eight hours. Requisite: linear algebra. Advanced compliant mechanism synthesis approaches, modeling techniques, and optimization tools. Fundamentals of flexible constraint theory, principles of constraint-based design, projective geometry, screw theory kinematics, and freedom and constraint topologies. Applications: precision motion stages, general purpose flexure bearings, microstructural architectures, MEMs, optical mounts, and nanoscale positioning systems. Hands-on exercises include build-your-own flexure kits, CAD and FEA simulations, and term project. Letter grading.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
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Most Helpful Review
Fall 2024 - This class is less about learning how to design and build compliant mechanisms as it is about evangelizing the professor’s very specific and applicable approach to doing so. Mid-term and Final are each 35% of the grade, so do well on tests. Some concepts are introduced with no actual teaching (designing in CAD, how to do simple FEA, running somewhat complex MATLAB scripts) MSOL students without prior CAD, FEA, or MATLAB skills may struggle. The TA was not helpful and contradicted the professor at times, so be sure to lean on Professor Hopkins’ knowledge if you have questions. He was very reachable by email and you could tell he cared about the student experience.
Fall 2024 - This class is less about learning how to design and build compliant mechanisms as it is about evangelizing the professor’s very specific and applicable approach to doing so. Mid-term and Final are each 35% of the grade, so do well on tests. Some concepts are introduced with no actual teaching (designing in CAD, how to do simple FEA, running somewhat complex MATLAB scripts) MSOL students without prior CAD, FEA, or MATLAB skills may struggle. The TA was not helpful and contradicted the professor at times, so be sure to lean on Professor Hopkins’ knowledge if you have questions. He was very reachable by email and you could tell he cared about the student experience.
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