%A Xinjun LIU, Zhidong LI, Xiang CHEN %T Structural optimization of typical rigid links in a parallel kinematic machine %0 Journal Article %D 2011 %J Front. Mech. Eng. %J Frontiers of Mechanical Engineering %@ 2095-0233 %R 10.1007/s11465-011-0227-x %P 344-353 %V 6 %N 3 %U {https://journal.hep.com.cn/fme/EN/10.1007/s11465-011-0227-x %8 2011-09-05 %X

The motion dynamics and accuracy of parallel kinematic machines largely depend on the weights and rigidity of typical rigid links. Therefore, these parts should be designed in such a way that they are light but rigid. This work employs the techniques of topology and size optimization to design two typical rigid links of a parallel kinematic machine (PKM) and subsequently obtains applicable structures for them. The calculation models are established, and a new algorithm called the Guide-Weight method is introduced to solve topology optimization problems. The commercial software Ansys is used to perform size optimization.