Synthesis of Planar Stiffness

Abstract

In this work the problem of designing systems of springs to achieve a desired stiffness matrix is considered. Only planar configurations are studied. After a brief section outlining the theory of the stiffness of planar systems the planar stiffness matrix of three typical design elements are found, simple springs, beams and pairs of stretched springs. A final section shows how arbitrary stiffness matrices can be achieved using three simple springs or two stretched spring pairs