Polynomial continuation, a branch of numerical continuation, has been applied to several primary problems in kinematic geometry. The objective of the research presented in this document was to explore the possible extensions of the application of polynomial continuation, especially in the field of deployable structure design. The power of polynomial continuation as a design tool lies in its ability to find all solutions of a system of polynomial equations (even positive dimensional solution sets). A linkage design problem posed in polynomial form can be made to yield every possible feasible outcome, many of which may never otherwise have been found. Methods of polynomial continuation based design are illustrated here by way of various examples. In particular, the types of deployable structures which form planar rings, or frames, in their deployed configurations are used as design cases. Polynomial continuation is shown to be a powerful component of an equation-based design process. A polyhedral homotopy method, particularly suited to solving problems in kinematics, was synthesised from several researchers' published continuation techniques, and augmented with modern, freely available mathematical computing algorithms. Special adaptations were made in the areas of level-k subface identification, lifting value balancing, and path-following. Techniques of forming closure/compatibility equations by direct use of symmetry, or by use of transfer matrices to enforce loop closure, were developed as appropriate for each example. The geometry of a plane symmetric (rectangular) 6R foldable frame was examined and classified in terms of Denavit-Hartenberg Parameters. Its design parameters were then grouped into feasible and non-feasible regions, before continuation was used as a design tool; generating the design parameters required to build a foldable frame which meets certain configurational specifications. Two further deployable ring/frame classes were then used as design cases: (a) rings which form (planar) regular polygons when deployed, and (b) rings which are doubly plane symmetric and planar when deployed. The governing equations used in the continuation design process are based on symmetry compatibility and transfer matrices respectively. Finally, the 6, 7 and 8-link versions of N-loops were subjected to a witness set analysis, illustrating the way in which continuation can reveal the nature of the mobility of an unknown linkage. Key features of the results are that polynomial continuation was able to provide complete sets of feasible options to a number of practical design problems, and also to reveal the nature of the mobility of a real overconstrained linkage.

L'analyse des tolérances des mécanismes a pour but d'évaluer la qualité du produit lors de sa phase de conception. La technique consiste à déterminer si, dans une production de grandes séries, le taux de rebuts des mécanismes défaillants est acceptable. Deux conditions doivent être vérifiées: une condition d'assemblage et une condition fonctionnelle. La méthode existante se base sur le couplage de la simulation de Monte Carlo avec un algorithme d'optimisation qui est très couteuse en temps de calcul. L'objectif des travaux de thèse est de développer des méthodes plus efficaces basées sur des approches probabilistes. Dans un premier temps, il est proposé une linéarisation des équations non linéaires du modèle de comportement afin de simplifier l'étape faisant appel à l'algorithme d'optimisation. Une étude de l'impact de cette opération sur la qualité de la probabilité est menée. Afin de minimiser l'erreur d'approximation, deux procédures itératives pour traiter le problème d'assemblage sont proposées. Ils permettent de calculer la probabilité de défaillance d'assemblage de façon précise en un temps de calcul réduit. En outre, les travaux de thèse ont permis le développement d'une nouvelle méthode de résolution basée sur la méthode de fiabilité système FORM (First Order Reliability Method) système. Cette méthode permet de traiter uniquement le problème fonctionnel. Elle a nécessité la mise au point d'une nouvelle formulation du problème d'analyse des tolérances sous forme système. La formulation décompose le mécanisme hyperstatique en plusieurs configurations isostatiques, le but étant de considérer les configurations dominantes menant à une situation de défaillance. La méthode proposée permet un gain de temps considérable en permettant d'obtenir un résultat en quelques minutes, y compris pour atteindre des faibles probabilités. / Tolerance analysis of mechanism aims at evaluating product quality during its design stage. Technique consists in computing a defect probability of mechanisms in large series production. An assembly condition and a functional condition are checked. Current method mixes a Monte Carlo simulation and an optimization algorithm which is too much time consuming. The objective of this thesis is to develop new efficient method based on probabilistic approach to deal with the tolerance analysis of overconstrained mechanism. First, a linearization procedure is proposed to simplify the optimization algorithm step. The impact of such a procedure on the probability accuracy is studied. To overcome this issue, iterative procedures are proposed to deal with the assembly problem. They enable to compute accurate defect probabilities in a reduced computing time. Besides, a new resolution method based on the system reliability method FORM (First Order Reliability Method) for systems was developed for the functional problem. In order to apply this method, a new system formulation of the tolerance analysis problem is elaborated. Formulation splits up the overconstrained mechanism into several isoconstrained configurations. The goal is to consider only the main configurations which lead to a failure situation. The proposed method greatly reduces the computing time allowing getting result within minutes. Low probabilities can also be reached and the order of magnitude does not influence the computing time.

Rapidly assembled tent structures are temporary enclosures used to house people or goods. Their uses vary to include recreation, refugee housing, and military shelters. The structural concepts applied in these shelters are as variable as their uses. Some make use of a tensioned fabric and pole system to provide structural strength. Others have a load-bearing frame with attached fabric skin. Further variants make use of inflatable arches or consist of modular containers. Analysis of a number of different types of rapidly assembled tent structures reveals an area where innovation can occur. Conflicts in the last ten years suggest that rapidly assembled shelters for both military purposes and humanitarian relief have the greatest need for innovative solutions. Existing shelters used by the military lack the versatility and speed of deployment necessary in modern conflict. The lack of scalability in the designs makes it difficult to use an existing tent in different situations. They are slow to construct, heavy, and difficult to transport in large numbers. These problems suggest that there is a need for new shelters that better meet the needs of the military. The application of deployable structures technology meets military's needs for structures with the advantages of a small compacted volume, rapid assembly, and ease of deployment. This makes them ideal for application to shelter structures. The aim of this dissertation was to develop a new type of deployable, long-span shelter frame based upon tiled Bennett mechanisms. An overlapping combination of equilateral Bennett mechanisms yields a structure that opens into a half-cylinder shape, providing an enclosed space useful and applicable to the problem of deployable shelters. The specific application considered in the design portion of this process will be a long-span deployable shelter capable of housing military helicopters. This report details the development of the Bennett Shelter concept. Its deployed and compacted geometries are explored, and a procedure for determining structural properties and dimensions is presented. The full concept for the structure, from outer covering to foundation support is then detailed. Loads affecting the structure are determined, and the process of modelling and analysing the structure is then considered. Optimisation of the structure with respect to weight and serviceability requirements is conducted using a number of different materials, and full analysis of the optimal geometries is completed. As no method exists for evaluating the effect of imperfections on the deployment of overconstrained mechanisms, a procedure is derived. The effects of manufacturing imperfections on deployment of the Bennett mechanism are then explored using the method. A full examination of the variation of energy within the Bennett Shelter during deployment provides valuable insight into the performance of the structure. With the above analysis complete, it is shown that the Bennett Shelter is viable as a long-span deployable shelter.