Simplified unsteady aerodynamic and inertial force models were developed for a cycloidal propeller system operating at small forward speeds. These models were used to support the development of a VTOL concept demonstrator vehicle. The nature of the blade motion showed that interactions between the blades could be neglected to first order. The downwash through the rotor could not be neglected because of the induced angle of attack caused by the downwash. The total force was compared with wind tunnel data produced by Wheatley in the 30's and a ground test system developed for this project. It was found that the estimates produced by the model agreed with the total force and power to within 10% for the Wheatley data. Agreement between the model and the current tests was within 5% for the total force and power. The inertial loads were used to design the blade structure, the support structure, and the blade motion system. It was found that the inertial loads were much larger than the aerodynamic loads. The aerodynamic effect of forward motion or wind moving toward the propeller was defined. It was modeled as a constant velocity induced flow through the propeller that induced an angle of attack of the blades. It was found that the cycloidal propeller was very susceptible to wind gusts, but that the resultant force from the wind gust could be easily damped out. The same forward motion model was used to simulate downwash. By modeling the downwash as a constant velocity flow through the propeller, the lift and thrust of the propeller was linked to the induced flow velocity. The effect of the induced flow velocity was then linked back to its effect on the lift and thrust produced by the propeller.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Aerospace Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Diploma thesis is divided into three chapters. In first chapter are explained elementary ideas of kinematic geometry in the plane included not just images but also dynamic files made in software GeoGebra. Second chapter is about specific motions in the plane. It describes construstion of the curves in synthetic and analytic way. Every motion has its own file with animation of that motion. Last chapter devoted to history of some curves and also to aplication of kinematic geometry in real life. This thesis is useful for university students of descriptive geometry, but it also may help as motivation for high school students, mainly students of technical schools.

Legged robotics creates the demand for high torque compact actuators able to develop high instantaneous torque. Proprioceptive actuator design theory is a design theory that removes the need for a torque feedback device and relies on the stiffness in the leg for absorbing the high Ground Impact Forces created by walking locomotion. It utilizes a high torque density motor paired with a gearbox with a high gear ratio for torque multiplication. Previously work has been done to design a proprioceptive actuator design that utilizes a planetary gearbox to create a modular low-cost actuator for legged robotics. The purpose of this thesis is to design and analyze a proprioceptive actuator that utilizes a cycloidal gearbox design to test the feasibility of the gearbox design and look at the advantages it might bring over a planetary gearbox design. A cycloidal gearbox utilizes eccentric motion of cycloidal disks, made of epicycloids, to create a high gear ratio in a very limited space without having to rely on expensive gears for torque multiplication purposes. A prototype low-cost actuator was developed using a 2-disk cycloidal gearbox in its design. It was tested for wear life and torque control and was able to meet the torque and operation requirements of the Cal Poly legged robotics project. The design was also optimized to be made using low-cost additive manufacturing techniques rather than relying on conventional machining.

In the present work a simulation model for examining the fundamental dynamic behaviour of a servo driven powertrain is developed. This powertrain consists of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a cycloidal gearbox and a torque motor to apply a load. On basis of this model the selection of components for the design of a test rig is possible. This leads to the constructive draft of the test rig. In order to model the system, the fundamentals give a brief overview of the components incorporated in the test rig system. With ais of the specified task the simulation purpose is defined and the modelling process enabled. The subsequent system analysis is performed intensively to decompose the system into subsystems, which are then investigated to find the optimal modelling approach for the given simulation task. Particular emphasis is put on the investigation of the cycloidal gearbox subsystem and it shows, that approaches for modelling the dynamic behaviour of the gearbox as a whole have only been published partially. Therefore, the available modelling approaches are analysed and suitable models are developed as conceptual models. Those will be formalised and implemented in Matlab/Simulink. The model is verified and simulation experiments are performed, that help in the selection of suitable test rig components. On basis of a flexible test rig, finally the constructive draft is presented.

In the present work a simulation model for examining the fundamental dynamic behaviour of a servo driven powertrain is developed. This powertrain consists of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a cycloidal gearbox and a torque motor to apply a load. On basis of this model the selection of components for the design of a test rig is possible. This leads to the constructive draft of the test rig. In order to model the system, the fundamentals give a brief overview of the components incorporated in the test rig system. With ais of the specified task the simulation purpose is defined and the modelling process enabled. The subsequent system analysis is performed intensively to decompose the system into subsystems, which are then investigated to find the optimal modelling approach for the given simulation task. Particular emphasis is put on the investigation of the cycloidal gearbox subsystem and it shows, that approaches for modelling the dynamic behaviour of the gearbox as a whole have only been published partially. Therefore, the available modelling approaches are analysed and suitable models are developed as conceptual models. Those will be formalised and implemented in Matlab/Simulink. The model is verified and simulation experiments are performed, that help in the selection of suitable test rig components. On basis of a flexible test rig, finally the constructive draft is presented.:1 Introduction 1.1 Motivation 1.2 Procedure 2 Fundamentals 2.1 Definitions 2.2 Modelling 2.3 Servo Drive 2.3.1 Introduction 2.3.2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor 2.3.3 Servo Inverter 2.3.4 Control System 2.4 Torque Motor 2.5 Gearbox 3 Specified Task 4 System Analysis 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Servo Inverter 4.3 Control System 4.4 Servo Motor 4.5 Transmission Elements 4.6 Cycloidal Gearbox 5 Model Formalisation 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Servo Inverter 5.3 Control System 5.4 Servo Motor 5.5 Transmission Elements 5.6 Cycloidal Gearbox 6 Model Implementation 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Servo Inverter 6.3 Control System 6.4 Servo Motor 6.5 Transmission Elements 6.6 Cycloidal Gearbox 7 Simulation 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Solver 7.3 Verification 7.4 System Evaluation 7.4.1 Sensitivity Analysis 7.4.2 Stability Analysis 8 Design of the Test Rig 8.1 Selection of the components 8.2 Constructive Draft 9 Summary and Outlook

Exoskeletons are wearable devices that enhance or supplement the user’s natural abilities. They have been demonstrated to be efective in alleviating pain, reducing work related injuries, improving working conditions, and can play a pivotal role in improving recovery times and recovery outcomes. Commercial exoskeletons are expensive, specialised and not easily accessible to the average user. This thesis describes the design and manufacturing processes for the OpenXO, an open-source knee exoskeleton. The focus of the thesis is the design and manufacture of the exoskeleton drive system. It implements a cycloidal drive design. Additionally, a method of designing tapered crossed roller bearings was developed that allows for easy integration into elements of the drive system. The open source aspect is further supported by designing the OpenXO around commercially available additive manufacturing technologies. Rapid prototyping and iterative test-based design methods were used in conjunction with empirical testing and validation of both the design and manufacturing methods. Performance validations were conducted on an unpowered exoskeleton. The tests focus on ease of use and comfort. Validation on the exoskeleton and its components was performed at various stages during the design process. The resulting drive design was signifcantly lighter than commercially available solutions. The stator design implemented allows for press ft accuracy between the rotor and stator while allowing for smooth rotation. The fully assembled exoskeleton was tested by 5 individuals. All participants performed tasks to test the usability the exoskeleton in common day to day activities. The participants managed to perform several tasks with ease. However, the exoskeleton was prone to misalignment in specifc circumstances. Gait analysis on a user wearing the exoskeleton shows that the exoskeleton does infuence gait patterns. However, the user does not experience signifcant impact on their perceived range of motion. These tests do not demonstrate the efectiveness of the exoskeleton when it comes to powered assistance. Further work is needed to test and validate the powered assist functionality of the exoskeleton. / Eksoskeletonit ovat puettavia laitteita, jotka parantavat tai täydentävät käyttäjän luonnollisia kykyjä. Niiden on osoitettu olevan tehokkaita kipujen lievittämisessä, työtapaturmien vähentämisessä, työolosuhteiden parantamisessa ja niillä voi olla keskeinen rooli paranemisaikojen ja toipumistulosten parantamisessa. Kaupalliset eksoskeletonit ovat kalliita, erikoistuneita eivätkä tavallisen käyttäjän helposti saatavilla. Tämä opinnäytetyö kuvaa avoimen lähdekoodin polven eksoskeleton OpenXO:n suunnittelu-ja valmistusprosessit. Erityisesti painopiste on sykloidiseen käyttöjärjestelmään perustuvan ulkopuolisen tukirankajärjestelmän suunnittelussa ja valmistuksessa. Lisäksi kartiorullalaakereiden suunnittelumenetelmä kehitettiin siten, että se mahdollistaa helpon integroinnin käyttöjärjestelmän elementteihin. Avoimen lähdekoodin näkökulmaa tuetaan edelleen suunnittelemalla OpenXO kaupallisesti saatavilla olevien lisäaineiden valmistustekniikoiden ympärille. Nopeaa prototyyppiä ja iteratiivisia testipohjaisia suunnittelumenetelmiä käytettiin sekä suunnittelu-että valmistusmenetelmien empiirisen testauksen ja validoinnin yhteydessä. Suorituskyvyn validointi suoritettiin tehottomalla eksoskeletonilla 5 vapaaehtoisen poolissa. Testit suuntautuivat arjen yleisten toimintojen ympärille ja keskittyivät pääasiassa helppokäyttöisyyteen ja käyttömukavuuteen. Eksoskeleton ja sen komponenttien validointi suoritettiin suunnitteluprosessin eri vaiheissa. Tuloksena saatu käyttörakenne oli huomattavasti kevyempi kuin kaupallisesti saatavilla olevat ratkaisut. Toteutettu staattorin rakenne mahdollisti roottorin ja staattorin välisen puristussovituksen tarkkuuden säilyttäen samalla tasaisen pyörimisen. Osallistujat onnistuivat suorittamaan suurimman osan tehtävistä helposti. Eksoskeleton oli kuitenkin altis kohdistusvirheelle tietyissä olosuhteissa. Eksoskeletonia käyttävän käyttäjän kävelyanalyysi osoittaa, että ulkoinen luuranko vaikuttaa kävelykuvioihin, mutta käyttäjä ei koe merkittävää vaikutusta havaittuun liikerataan. Siitä huolimatta tarvitaan lisätyötä eksoskeletonin tehollisen aputoiminnon testaamiseksi ja validoimiseksi. / <p>Presentation conducted online via the Zoom video conferencing platform.</p>