Experimental verification of robust topology optimization for compliant mechanism

Purpose This paper is to present an experiment to verify that the motion errors of robust topology optimization results of compliant mechanisms are insensitive to load dispersion. Design/methodology/approach First, the test pieces of deterministic optimization and robust optimization results are manufactured by the combination of three-dimensional (3D) printing and casting techniques. To measure the displacement of the test piece of compliant mechanism, a displacement measurement method based on the image recognition technique is proposed in this paper. Findings According to the experimental data analysis, the robust topology optimization results of compliant mechanisms are less sensitive to uncertainties, comparing with the deterministic optimization results. Originality/value An experiment is presented to verify the effectiveness of robust topology optimization for compliant mechanisms. The test pieces of deterministic optimization and robust optimization results are manufactured by the combination of 3D printing and casting techniques. By comparing the experimental data, it is found that the motion errors of robust topology optimization results of compliant mechanisms are insensitive to load dispersion.