The objective of this project was to create and study the kinematic and dynamic behavior of a Grasshopper Engine. To do so, all engine components were modeled and assembled into subassemblies using Creo Parametric by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC). Within Creo, we examined kinematic and dynamic behavior from two separate sub-linkages as well as one full mechanism. 

The grasshopper engine, also known as the grasshopper beam engine, is an efficient beam engine that utilizes steam power to convert motion into power. As a beam engine, the grasshopper engine incorporates a pivoted overhead beam that is used to apply force to a vertical piston. The engine is a 6-link mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the flywheel and crank into straight line motion on the vertical sliding link of the piston 

In the final design, we used a Kutzbach Analysis or Kutzbach Mobility Criterion to help define the degrees of freedom for a mechanism. A properly defined mechanism in CAD will accurately reflect the true kinematic motion and dynamic reactions. Considering joint types used in the mechanism will reduce redundancies that could break a mechanism. It is important that the joint types used in the Kutzbach Analysis for our engine result in 1 degree of freedom because for our Grasshopper Engine mechanism in Creo we are only concerned about the rotational motion of the flywheel.

Motion Study