Minimum-weight robot arm for a specified fundamental frequency

The problem of designing a minimum-weight one-link flexible manipulator for a given fundamental vibration frequency is investigated. The optimum design problem is investigated. The optimum design problem is formulated by using the variational method. Iteration schemes are developed for solving the nonlinear Euler equations derived from variational calculus in various situations. Numerical analysis shows that the weight of a flexible manipulator can be reduced significantly through the optimal distribution of mass and stiffness.<
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