2021-04-162013-07-01177066714355663WOS;000320456400007SCOPUS;2-s2.0-84879322908http://hdl.handle.net/10784/29516This article discusses the use of design of computer experiments (DOCE) (i.e., experiments run with a computer model to find how a set of inputs affects a set of outputs) to obtain a force-displacement meta-model (i.e., a mathematical equation that summarizes and aids in analyzing the input-output data of a DOCE) of compliant mechanisms (CMs). The procedure discussed produces a force-displacement meta-model, or closed analytic vector function, that aims to control CMs in real-time. In our work, the factorial and space-filling DOCE meta-model of CMs is supported by finite element analysis (FEA). The protocol discussed is used to model the HexFlex mechanism functioning under quasi-static conditions. The HexFlex is a parallel CM for nano-manipulation that allows six degrees of freedom (x, y, z, ? x, ? y, ? z ) of its moving platform. In the multi-linear model fit of the HexFlex, the products or interactions proved to be negligible, yielding a linear model (i.e., linear in the inputs) for the operating range. The accuracy of the meta-model was calculated by conducting a set of computer experiments with random uniform distribution of the input forces. Three error criteria were recorded comparing the meta-model prediction with respect to the results of the FEA experiments by determining: (1) maximum of the absolute value of the error, (2) relative error, and (3) root mean square error. The maximum errors of our model are lower than high-precision manufacturing tolerances and are also lower than those reported by other researchers who have tried to fit meta-models to the HexFlex mechanism. © 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited.https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/issn/0177-0667info:eu-repo/semantics/articleDesign of computer experimentsHigh-precision manufacturingMetamodelingPlackett-Burman designsQuasi-static conditionsRoot mean square errorsSix degrees of freedomUniform designCompliant mechanismsDesign of experimentsExperimentsFinite element methodKnowledge managementMean square errorMechanical engineeringMechanismsReal time controlMathematical models2021-04-16Acosta, Diego A.Restrepo, DavidDurango, SebastianRuiz, Oscar E.10.1007/s00366-012-0268-8