Topology design and analysis of compliant mechanisms with composite laminated plates.

To improve the small deformation and high stress level in hinge zones of compliant mechanisms with isotropic material, a topology optimization method of compliant mechanisms with composite laminated plates was proposed. Based on the anisotropy and designability of composite laminated plates, a topology optimization model of compliant mechanisms with composite laminated plates was built to maximize the deformable capability. Numerical examples of designing compliant inverters and grippers were investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The influence mechanism of layer sequences on topologic shapes, deformation and loading capability were also discussed. The results showed that the deformable capability and stress levels of compliant mechanisms with composite laminated plates were further improved by a reasonable configuration of layer sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]