Yuan ChangJia-Ling ChangJyh-Jone Lee2024-07-022024-07-022024-051738494Xhttps://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85192019583&origin=resultslisthttps://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/719549Many researchers have widely applied shape descriptors to perform dimensional synthesis of mechanisms. This work investigates the path synthesis of planar four-bar linkages for closed and open curves using elliptical Fourier descriptors (EFDs). EFD is also a Fourier-based analysis method. Its Fourier coefficients of a coupler curve are obtained through separate Fourier expansion of the x and y components of the coupler curve rather than on a function. Elliptical Fourier descriptors are effective at describing complex curves with high curvature. A process has been developed for approximating non-periodic paths using EFD. By combining the process with the traditional EFD, a general method is established for the synthesis of four-bar linkages for open and closed curves in a single-step optimization process. The proposed approach offers an effective and efficient procedure in the path synthesis of four-bar linkages, providing a foundation for future research in the broader application of EFD in the dimensional synthesis of linkages.falseDifferential evolutionElliptical Fourier descriptorFour-bar linkagesPath synthesisjournal article10.1007/s12206-024-0436-y2-s2.0-85192019583