Kinematic study of planar metamorphic mechanism based on finite elements

The metamorphic mechanisms can change their linkages, mobility or connectivity during the switch of work-stages. Thus, the existing methodology based on finite elements and software cannot be directly used to analyze the kinematics of metamorphic mechanisms. Two finite elements, which are prismatic element along an arbitrary curve and three nodes welding element, are derived based on the principle of minimum potential energy. According to the characteristics of metamorphic mechanisms, the application of this method to the planar metamorphic mechanisms is investigated. The calculation steps and procedure have also been presented. Finally, three typical planar metamorphic mechanisms have been analyzed based on the finite element method. The simulation results show that this method is adaptable to the modular program and calculation and is of great help to the analysis of kinematics of the metamorphic mechanisms.