Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 175). / Microfiche. / x, 175 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 193-195).

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2007. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-80). Also available on the World Wide Web.

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The aim of this thesis has been to argue, on the basis of primary sources, that Huygens was a pioneer in the field of mechanical engineering. He fits the definition of a mechanical engineer as somebody who develops a novel invention either empirically or theoretically, using known mechanical theories. In the same way, a new invention may come about through transforming an existing machine or instrument thus revolutionizing any future versions of it. Huygens did both he applied a pendulum to existing clocks and transformed the making of precision instruments from that moment onwards. The first chapter of the thesis presents Huygens' works on pendulum clocks and marine clocks. The second chapter is dedicated to Huygens' research and designs of the air pump and linking with the third chapter on matter theory. The fourth chapter focuses on Huygens' designs of various instruments (the telescope, the microscope, the level, the planetarium and others). The final chapter depicts Huygens in the societies in which he lived. Huygens was a pioneer of mechanical engineering because he presented a complete work on mechanics to explain instruments, 'automata', by mathematical axioms and laws. Furthermore, he developed a methodology for improving instruments and machines based on searching for the best materials to obtain the best working models. The Horologium Oscillatorium of 1673, was a textbook, which inspired others to continue a tradition of mechanics for the mechanical engineer. With geometrical ratios he was able to show the applicability of technology in everyday life. Therefore, Huygens took the foundations of mechanics further than his contemporaries did. The geometry he used was the basis, which could simplify and give a quantitative measure of nature and of any man-made instruments alike.

Honors project (B.S.) -- Carson-Newman College, 2009. / Project advisor: Dr. Sean Cordry. Includes bibliographical references (p. 27).

Inertial measurement units, or IMUs, serve as effective tracking devices when used in sophisticated aerospace control and navigational systems. This tracking potential, coupled with ever advancing technology that permits IMUs to become smaller and more compact, is allowing IMUs to gain popularity in a many areas of research beyond the areas of aerospace. Using an IMU based on microelectromechanical (MEMS) technology, this document investigates an IMU’s ability to track complex, short range motions such as golf swings. To prepare the IMU, an accurate, yet quick, calibration procedure is proposed and illustrated to show the tools and equipment necessary for this approach. Once calibrated, experimental results from static and dynamic tests are compared to corresponding analytical results to help comprehend and confirm the IMU readings. The IMU is then applied to a series of short range motions for reliability and performance testing.

The diploma thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter is devoted to the history and usage of pendulums with focus on the development of measurement of time and gravitational acceleration. The second chapter deals with the concept of pendulum from a theoretical perspective at all levels of the Czech educational system, including a research in textbooks, collection of questions and problems, and scientific articles. In the third chapter, the results of the research of sources of inspiration for simple real- life experiments, applets and simulations, and laboratory work are presented. The fourth chapter is focused on the theoretical background of the four selected models of pendulums, and the last chapter is devoted to simple experiments with these selected models. For each experiment, a videorecording is available on the enclosed DVD. This thesis is suitable for all physics teachers, as well as for students of teaching physics. However, it may also serve as a motivation for students in optional courses of high school physics. 1

There is a need for smaller and more economic transportation systems. Two-wheeled inverted-pendulum machines, such as the Segway, have been proposed to address this need. However, the Segway places the operator on top of a naturally unstable platform that is stabilized by means of a control system. The control stability of the Segway can be severely affected when minor disturbances or unanticipated conditions arise. In this thesis, a dynamic model of a Segway is developed and used in simulations of various conditions that can arise during normal use. The dynamic model of a general two-wheeled inverted pendulum and human rider is presented. Initial estimates of the parameters were calculated or obtained from other references. The results from numerous experiments are presented and used to develop a better understanding of the dynamics of the vehicle. The experimental data was then used to adjust the model parameters to match the dynamics of a real Segway Human Transporter. Finally, the model was used to simulate various failure conditions. The simulations provide a better understanding of how these conditions arise, and help identify which parameters play an important role in their outcome.

The stiff-knee gait pattern of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) is assumed to be caused by spasticity of the quadriceps which interferes with knee flexion normally occurring during the swing phase of walking. In current clinical practice, the ability to assess quadriceps spasticity is limited by the lack of an objective and reliable test that discriminates the role spasticity plays in functional limitations. The primary purpose of this series of studies was to assess the pendulum test as an objective measure of quadriceps spasticity. The first study assessed the reliability of the pendulum test. Moderate to very high between day reliability for all thirteen measures of the pendulum test were found. The second study assessed the discriminant ability of the pendulum test to correctly identify a stiff-knee gait pattern. Because most clinicians do not have access to a three dimensional motion analysis system, the third study assessed the reliability and accuracy of visual observation of the pendulum test. Sixty-eight children with a primary diagnosis of cerebral palsy participated. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to measure the subjects knee motion while walking, and performing the pendulum test. Spasticity of the quadriceps was also assessed using traditional clinical measures i.e., the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and the Ely tests. Forty-seven percent of the variance in the stiff-knee gait pattern was explained by a regression model using the pendulum test and traditional clinical measures. The only significant measure in the regression model was the magnitude of knee motion occurring during the first swing of the pendulum test (A1). Discriminant analysis revealed the A1 measure correctly classified 77% of the subjects knee-gait pattern. Four observers demonstrated moderate accuracy and repeatability in estimating A1 value. The visual assessment of A1 correctly classified 72-76% of the subjects knee-gait pattern with no prior knowledge of the subjects gait. This series of studies demonstrated the pendulum test is an objective, repeatable measure of quadriceps spasticity. A negative pendulum test (indicated by an A1 value greater than 45 degrees) is more useful for ruling out a stiff-knee gait pattern compared to the traditional clinical measures.