COURSE SUMMARY
Compliant Mechanism Design is a special course for engineers working on mechanisms that are used to transfer or transform motion, force, or energy. Traditional rigid-body mechanisms consist of rigid links connected at movable joints. A compliant mechanism is a mechanism that gains at least some of its mobility from the deflection of flexible members rather than from movable joints only. This two-day course focuses on the basics of compliant mechanisms, modeling and simulation, materials selection, failure prevention and design.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Day 1
Morning Basics of Compliant Mechanism Design
Introduction (CM advantages, challenges, nomenclature)
Flexibility and deflection
Compliant mechanism building blocks
Afternoon Modeling/Simulation
CM modeling philosophy
Small-deflection analysis
Large-deflection analysis: Pseudo-rigid-body model
Approaches for nonlinear finite element analysis
Principle of virtual work (as time allows)
Day 2
Morning Material Selection and Failure Prevention
Material selection criteria for compliant mechanisms
Failure modes
Failure prevention – static and dynamic
Fabrication and testing of compliant mechanisms
Afternoon Design
Design approach
Examples of compliant mechanism design
Design exercise
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE:
There will be two full lecture days on May 11 & 12, 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama.
COURSE NOTES AND CERTIFICATES:
All registrants will receive a complete set of course notes and individual Certificates of Completion.
INSTRUCTOR: DR. TODD G. NELSON
Dr. Todd G Nelson received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University (BYU) where he studied origami-inspired mechanisms and compliant mechanisms under his advisor, Dr. Larry L. Howell. Combining principles from compliant mechanisms and the ancient art of origami has led to novel mechanisms and products which can be ultra-compact, deployable, scalable and fabricated from a single sheet of material. His research has implications for varied applications including medical implants, surgical tools, aerospace applications, automotive airbags, and deployable structures. Dr. Nelson enjoys teaching mechanism and machine design courses that lead to innovations in aerospace technologies and designs.
REGISTRATION AND FEES:
This course will be held in connection with the 48th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium (AMS). However, this course is not part of the 48th AMS. Therefore, a separate registration and fee is required for delegates attending this course. This is in addition to any AMS fees.
The fee for each attendee to the Compliant Mechanism Design Course is US$995.00. This includes complete course materials and Certificates of Completion. However, there is a discount of US$100.00 for each registration received before April 1, 2026.
Registration link: https://www.launchspace.com/compliant-mechanism-design-2026/
Details about other Launchspace courses can be found on the Launchspace website www.launchspace.com.
For Further Information Contact: info@launchspace.com
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