**3. Classification of compliant mechanisms concerning the deformation**

In case the deformation-behaviour is chosen as a criterion for classifying compliant mechanisms, two subgroups – dynamic and static deformation – can be distinguished (Zentner & Böhm, 2009). Furthermore the static deformation behaviour of compliant mechanisms having a fixed compliance are considered, whereat influences caused by inertia are neglected. The static deformation behaviour is divided into stable and instable behaviour (Figure 2). Stable deformation behaviour is characterised by a surjective mapping of a particular load F on the deformation u. Thereby one can differentiate between a monotonic behaviour and the behaviour with a singular smooth reversion. In case of instable behaviour of compliant mechanisms snap-through (deformation-behaviour with jump-discontinuities) and bifurcation (local bifurcation of the behaviour) are possible.

Fig. 2. Classification of the static deformation of compliant mechanisms.
