Dynamics and Optimization of Compliant and Flexible Mechanisms

Dear Colleagues,

Mechanism design must adapt to the ever-increasing demand for performance in terms of speed of execution, precision, increased efficiency, and adaptability to different working conditions. The use of increasingly lighter and more resistant innovative materials is an obligatory solution which, however, is not enough without an adequate optimization that concerns many often-conflicting aspects, such as the reduction in moving masses/inertias, the increase in stiffness, the reduction of manufacturing times, or the reduction in power consumption. Therefore, classical rigid body mechanisms evolve toward flexible mechanisms with lumped or distributed compliance. Even topology, that is, how links and joints are distributed, is no longer constant but can change, giving rise to reconfigurable mechanisms that adapt to the needs of a flexible industry. Design is increasingly accompanied by simulation and virtual prototyping. This allows for intervention on any design errors from the beginning and eventually reduces costs. Multibody simulation becomes more and more complex trying to capture realism in real-time applications. Aspects such as elasticity of components, collisions, friction, interactions with fluid fields, couplings with electrical/electronic systems, and couplings with other physical or virtual subsets become essential. What emerges is a complex system capable of providing answers close to true systems.

The Special issue fits the scope of Machines, covering:

• Applications of automation
• Systems and control engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Computer engineering
• Mechatronics
• Robotics
• Industrial design
• Mechanical systems, machines, and related components
• Machine design

Dr. Alessandro Cammarata
Guest Editor

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