Abstract
A 6 DOF Multi axis simulation table (MAST) is used to perform vibration and fatigue tests for parts or assemblies of automobiles, aircraft, or other systems. It consists of a table and 6 linear actuators. For its attitude control, we have to adjust the lengths of 6 actuators properly. The system is essentially a parallel mechanism. Three actuators are connected to the table directly and other three actuators are connected indirectly. Because of these, the MAST shows also a serial mechanism#s property: the inverse kinematics is more complicated than a pure parallel mechanism and each actuator can operate independently. The authors have performed a kinematics analysis of the 6 DOF MAST. We have presented an analytical and a numerical solution for the inverse and forward kinematics, and we have verified the solutions by a 3D CAD software.