Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
PhD, Purdue University, 1993
Email: lhowell@et.byu.edu
Compliant Mechanisms, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), Nonlinear Mechanics, and Machine Design.
Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their motion from the deflection of flexible members. The advantages of such mechanisms include reduction in manufacturing and assembly time and cost, as well as reductions in weight, wear, noise, and need for lubrication. Current research concentrates on the development of analysis and design theories that address the complexities and nonlinearities associated with compliant mechanisms.
Recently developed compliant mechanism theories lend themselves well to application in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Research is currently being conducted in developing general design theories for MEMS. An interdisciplinary approach is used, involving the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Departments.
Related research in nonlinear mechanics, machine design, rigid-body mechanisms, and finite element analysis is being conducted in support of the above topics.
Last modified: June 12, 1995