Abstract: Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their mobility of their members rather than from rigid-body joints only. So the deflections of their members are large, and the geometrically nonlinearity is introduced in the governing equations. It is important to develop the efficient and usable analysis and design techniques. Based on the multi-rigid-body discrete element model, the model method for compliant segment and compliant mechanisms is developed, and the governing equations are deduced. It is applicable to the eigenfrequency and geometric nonlinear response analysis of compliant mechanisms. Given examples show that the model is successful in static and dynamic geometric nonlinear analysis of compliant mechanisms.

Key words: Compliant mechanisms, Geometric nonlinearity, Multi-rigid-body discrete element, Magnetization of cutting tool, Magnetization of workpiece materials, Transition mechanism among magnetization, heat and material deformation, Magnetic effect