Research Initiation: The Development of Meta-Models for the Analysis and Design Optimization of Machining Fixtures

9410093 DeMeter The award is for research to develop better understanding of workpiece deflections due to clamping forces resulting from part fixturing systems during machining operations and the resulting part geometric errors. Such improved understanding will help design fixturing systems which minimize part geometric error in the presence of cutting forces. The concept of approximate models or meta-models is used to simplify the problem solution. The results of the research would benefit machining fixture design practices and would be applicable to a broader class of contact problems in mechanics characterized by variable boundary conditions. Currently, the area of machining fixture design is not being addressed adequately by research despite its acknowledged importance.