Summary

The code for Euler spirals was originally created by Dr. Alden Yellowhorse and has been used extensively in different areas of research. The Euler spiral is significant because in its undeflected state it is curved, but when proper loads are placed at the end of the beam the spiral lays flat. This give the spiral zero-curvature deformation.

Euler spirals have been used in a variety of designs including design of roads and railroads, computer components, and surgical equipment.

We used this design to create an Euler catapult.

Learn More

This design was developed by the Compliant Mechanisms Research Group (CMR) from Brigham Young University (BYU). Follow us at @byucmr on Instagram or visit the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research (CMR) website to learn more about compliant mechanisms.

Technical Information

For in-depth technical information, see the following publications:

Mohui Jin, Collin Ynchausti, Larry L. Howell, Zero-curvature deformation properties and 3R pseudo-rigid-body model of large-deflection Euler spiral beams, Mechanism and Machine Theory, Volume 183, 2023, 105261, ISSN 0094-114X, [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094114X23000356?via%3Dihub](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094114X23000356?via%3Dihub)

Ynchausti, C., Brown, N., Magleby, S. P., Bowden, A. E., and Howell, L. L. (September 20, 2021). "Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors." ASME. J. Mechanisms Robotics. April 2022; 14(2): 021003. [https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/mechanismsrobotics/article/14/2/021003/1119263/Deployable-Euler-Spiral-Connectors](https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/mechanismsrobotics/article/14/2/021003/1119263/Deployable-Euler-Spiral-Connectors) 

Parkinson, Bethany. "Mechanical Actuation via Resorbable Materials." (2022). [https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/studentpub_uht/261/](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/studentpub_uht/261/)

To learn more about compliant mechanisms in general, see the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research (CMR) website or these books: Compliant Mechanisms, Handbook of Compliant Mechanisms. 

Intellectual Property

The downloadable 3D print files provided here may be used, modified, and enjoyed for noncommercial use. To license this technology for commercial applications, contact:

BYU Technology Transfer Office
3760 Harold B. Lee Library
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
Phone: (801) 422-6266
[https://techtransfer.byu.edu/contact](https://techtransfer.byu.edu/contact)