This project involves the integration of computer-aided design methods and computer-aided manufacturing for the production of parts with complex contoured surface shapes. Piecewise continuous rational polynomials will be investigated as suitable functions for both design and manufacture of radial plate cams. The objectives of this research are to design cam contours with high order surface continuity, maintain this continuity during the manufacturing phase, and test the dynamic performance of the cams. The test cams will be compared to control samples prepared using conventional design and manufacturing techniques. This research will determine whether typical production cams can benefit from improvements in geometric design combined with improved manufacturing methods. Interpolation or approximation of part contours between the design and manufacturing phases will be eliminated, using polynomial control algorithms which discretize the shape function to limits within the resolution of the machine tool during the manufacturing phase. Similar techniques may be applied to a wide range of parts with complex surface shapes.
