The main goal of this thesis is to cast an overall glance on flexure hinges. They can be either monolithic or assembled from different pieces, but either way, the material elasticity is used in order to produce controlled rotations or translations. In contrast to conventional joints, parasitic motions occur, but they can be compensated because of the high repeatability of motion. After the introduction, an alternative for a FEM analysis of four different flexure types is accomplished, so that the accuracy of its formulation can be assessed. For the assessment, analytic calculations of certain values are additionally made, based on the principle of virtual forces, which provide an indicative comparison. To achieve integrity of the chapter, it is ended by the FEM analysis of the circular flexure hinge via commercial software. In the following chapter, the roots of fatigue failure are explained; thereby they can be further developed in subsequent studies. The Wöhler diagram is thoroughly discussed, as well as different dynamic loadings. At the end, the Goodman and Soderberg criteria are presented. In the last few chapters explanations on compliant mechanisms and applications can be found. The pseudo-rigid-body model is introduced, because it serves as in-between phase of the design of flexure-based mechanisms, deriving from their corresponding rigid-body mechanisms. Two synthesis methods are then briefly associated with the matter. For the use of flexure hinges, examples are given for the macro and micro scale application fields.     «

The main goal of this thesis is to cast an overall glance on flexure hinges. They can be either monolithic or assembled from different pieces, but either way, the material elasticity is used in order to produce controlled rotations or translations. In contrast to conventional joints, parasitic motions occur, but they can be compensated because of the high repeatability of motion. After the introduction, an alternative for a FEM analysis of four different flexure types is accomplished, so that th...     »