IMP (Integrated Mechanisms Program), A Computer-Aided Design Analysis System for Mechanisms and Linkage

Abstract

An experimental software system for automating the kinematic, static, and dynamic analyses of arbitrary mechanisms is described. The development of a comprehensive analytical technique based on network theory and matrix methods is summarized. The concept of free generalized coordinates of a mechanism and the importance of automatic identification of these coordinates at each position of the mechanism are explained. The application of the ring data structure concepts of SKETCHPAD to mechanism problems is discussed. The interactive capability of this data structure is then combined with a problem oriented language to develop a general purpose design analysis system. The application of this system to mechanism problems is illustrated by examples of varying complexity.