Abstract
Several criteria are required to reduce the number of feasible mechanical assembly sequences that are generated by a computer. One of them is the stability of subassemblies under gravity, since machines are generally assembled with as few supporting tools as possible. This paper presents a testing method of the stability of subassemblies using a 2-D geometric model. First, we introduce an assumption with respect to the pressure distribution over the line of contact between two parts. Based on this assumption, we model the forces by which parts act upon each other. An algorithm for deciding whether any part will fall using techniques of mathematical programming, is proposed. The computational results are shown in examples.
