Connectivity Limits of Mechanical Assemblies Modeled as Networks

Abstract

This paper applies network connectivity analysis to mechanical assemblies. Assemblies have extensive intentional structure while simultaneously displaying some of the properties of previously analyzed networks. Fundamental principles impose restrictions on the structure of assemblies, as do some practical principles. Fundamental restrictions stem from the desire to avoid over-constraining the assembly. Practical restrictions stem from the desire to limit the complexity of the assembly or any significant subassembly. These restrictions play a role analogous to the cost of connection. For these reasons, mechanical assemblies are unlikely to exhibit scale-free properties common in many natural systems and some man-made ones.