Symmetry and Its Applications in Mechanical Design
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Engineering and Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 86
Special Issue Editors
Interests: mechanical design; mechanical processes; design optimization; automobile engineering
Interests: stress analysis; finite element analysis; biomechanics; mechanical design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Symmetry and asymmetry are fundamental concepts in mechanical design that influence the functionality, structural strength, performance, and aesthetics of components and systems. The choice between a symmetrical or asymmetrical approach depends on the design objectives and specific needs of each application.
Symmetry in mechanical design refers to the shape, cross-sections, materials, and loads applied to a structure or component being identical with respect to one or more axes, planes, or points. The advantages of using symmetry include the following: a) Balance and stability: Symmetrical mechanical designs distribute loads and stresses evenly, contributing to greater structural stability and reducing fatigue failures. b) Simplified manufacturing: Symmetry facilitates production and machining, as processes can be standardized. c) Simplified analysis: In finite element analysis, symmetry allows the model to be significantly reduced to a fraction of the component, thereby reducing calculation time. d) Interchangeability: Symmetrical components are typically easier to assemble and replace, as they do not have a unique orientation.
However, symmetry presents less versatility; the rigidity of a symmetrical design may not be optimal for all applications. If operating conditions change or the environment is inherently uneven, an asymmetrical mechanical design may be the solution.
Asymmetry is the inequality between the parts of a component. Asymmetry seeks visual and functional balance through intentional mechanical design in shapes, creating more dynamic designs tailored to specific systems. The advantages of using asymmetry include the following: a) Efficiency under uneven loads: Optimizing the mechanical design where loads are not evenly distributed, making the component more efficient and resilient in its specific environment. b) Improved performance: It can improve performance in specialized applications, for example, the profile of an aircraft wing. c) Design for Assembly (DFM): Asymmetry in components such as bottle caps facilitates the assembly process by making their orientation unique and obvious. d) Space optimization: An asymmetric design allows a component to fit into a limited space or one with geometric restrictions.
This Special Issue aims to publish relevant works on the subject of mechanical design, using concepts of symmetry and asymmetry that have applications in engineering. For this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews that may include (but are not limited to) the following research areas:
- Mechanical Element Design
- Finite Element Design
- Structural Design
- Automotive Systems Design
- Design and Analysis of Heat Transfer
- Design and Analysis of Fluid Mechanic
- Process Design
Dr. Juan Carlos Paredes-Rojas
Dr. Christopher René Torres San Miguel
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- mechanical element design
- finite element design
- structural design
- automotive systems design
- design and analysis of heat transfer
- design and analysis of fluid mechanic
- process design
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