EJMT Abstract

The symbolic mechanics software “Mechanical Expressions” is capable of expressing static problems where force elements such as springs, masses and actuators interact with geometric elements such as points, lines and circles. It is able to derive symbolic expressions for resultant forces in constraints. Finding an equilibrium for the system involves finding constraint values such that the resultant forces are zero. This can be done in a CAS. In this paper we show how to apply this technique to solve some classic geometry optimization problems.