New analysis techniques developed recently have eliminated much of the guess work and creative thinking required in mechanism synthesis. They have placed the synthesis process on a more analytical foundation. This project further enhances that analytical base by incorporating knowledge based systems in the conceptual design of mechanisms. Use of such systems is a more systematic approach to mechanism design than other approaches currently in vogue. Although the project addresses a small class of mechanisms initially, its ultimate application will be to a broad spectrum of mechanisms from small machines to large deployable space structures.
