Mechanical & Industrial Engrg 682 - Highly Compliant Structures

This course will cover fundamental and recent topics in the analysis and design of highly compliant structures. We will study mechanics-based analysis methods and design techniques for both passive and active soft and flexible structures with applications in robotics, deployable space structures and sporting goods. Fundamental approaches for modeling hyperelastic materials, viscoelastic materials and composite materials will be studied, along with closed form and finite element analysis models of large deformation structures. Fabrication methods commonly used in highly compliant structures will also be studied. State-of-the-art compliant structures research will be studied through paper reviews and discussion in the areas of soft robotics and deployable structures. A final project with a hands-on component will allow you to explore a course topic more deeply.

Open to graduate Mechanical Engineering majors. Instructor permission is otherwise required to be enrolled.