Research involves the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) methods and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for the production of radial plate and axial barrel cams. Piecewise continuous rational polynomials will be investigated as suitable functions for both design and manufacture of cams. Traditional methods as well as recently developed spline-based design strategies do not present an integrated, geometrically based system for design and manufacture. The objectives to be realized during the grant include: Development of an understanding of the mathematical foundations of rational polynomial functions currently used in the computer aided design environment; investigation of typical control systems used by industrial cam manufacturers and identification of methods for interfacing CAD systems with CAM controllers to achieve high order motion control in the manufacturing phase; and Development of experience with the design of standard cam motion programs and contours using rational polynomial curves.
