This paper presents two algorithms for kinematic synthesis of mechanisms . A mechanism is specified by its input and output motions . The algorithms determine a three dimensional structure of rigid parts that implements the given specification . Both algorithms are based on a new composition operation on configuration spaces . Both algorithms are efficient, constraint-satisfaction schemes that operate on abstract motion descriptions. The class of synthesis problems for which the methods apply is identified . Experimental results with both algorithms are obtained with a prototype system implemented in CLP(7L) [5] .

A new algorithm, complementarity, is developed for conformational search of macrocyclic molecules. The algorithm scans a large number of candidate conformations and energy‐minimizes only the promising ones. These candidates can be generated by two operators that construct new conformations from known minima. The candidates have similar bonded‐interaction energy as the known minima and possibly lower nonbonded interaction energy. This algorithm is 9 to 11 times faster than the existing methods when tested on two large rings, cycloheptadecane and rifamycin SV. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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