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The finite element method (FEM) has difficulty solving certain problems where adaptive mesh is needed. Motivated by two engineering problems in live-object handling project, this research focus on a new computational method called the meshless method (MLM). This method is built upon the same theoretical framework as FEM but needs no mesh. Consequently, the computation becomes more stable and the adaptive computational scheme becomes easier to develop. In this research, we investigate practical issues related to the MLM and develop an adaptive algorithm to automatically insert additional nodes and improve computational accuracy. The study has been in the context of the two engineering problems: magnetic field computation and large deformation contact. First, we investigate the effect of two discretization methods (strong-form and weak-form) in MLM for solving linear magnetic field problems. Special techniques for handling the discontinuity boundary condition at material interfaces are proposed in both discretization methods to improve the computational accuracy. Next, we develop an adaptive computational scheme in MLM that is comprised of an error estimation algorithm, a nodal insertion scheme and a numerical integration scheme. As a more general approach, this method can automatically locate the large error region around the material interface and insert nodes accordingly to reduce the error. We further extend the adaptive method to solve nonlinear large deformation contact problems. With the ability to adaptively insert nodes during the computation, the developed method is capable of using fewer nodes for initial computation and thus, effectively improves the computational efficiency. Engineering applications of the developed methods have been demonstrated by two practical engineering problems. In the first problem, the MLM has been utilized to simulate the dynamic response of a non-contact mechanical-magnetic actuator for optimizing the design of the actuator. In the second problem, the contact between the flexible finger and the live poultry product has been analyzed by using MLM. These applications show the developed method can be applied to a broad spectrum of engineering applications where an adaptive mesh is needed.

Soldiers in the Unites States Army operate under uniquely demanding conditions with increasingly high performance expectations. Modern missions, including counter-insurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, are complex operations. The Army expects this complexity to continue to increase. These conditions affect Soldier performance in combat. Despite spending billions of dollars to provide Soldiers with better equipment to meet the demands of the modern battlefield, the U.S. Army has dedicated comparatively little resources to measuring and improving individual Soldier performance in real-time. As a result, the Army does not objectively measure a Soldier’s performance at any point in their active duty career. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the utility and feasibility of monitoring Soldier performance in real-time by means of visual 3D performance maps supported by a Bayesian network model of Soldier performance. This work draws on techniques developed at the University of Texas’ Robotics Research Group for increasing performance in electro-mechanical systems. Humans and electro-mechanical systems are both complex and demonstrate non-linear performance trends which are often ignored by simplified analytical models. Therefore, application of empirical Bayesian models with visual presentation of data in 3D performance maps enables rapid understanding of important performance parameters for a specific Soldier. The performance maps can easily portray areas of non-linear performance that should be avoided or exploited, while presenting levels of uncertainty regarding the assessments, thus empowering the individual to make informed decisions regarding control and allocation of resources. The present work demonstrates the utility of visual performance maps by structuring 19 relatively mature 3D performance maps based on published empirical research data and analytical models related to human performance. Based on a broad review of the literature, the present research evaluated 10 potential physiological indicators, termed biomarkers that correlate with human responses to a select set of stressors, referred to as impact parameters. The 10 evaluated impact parameters affect various components of Soldier performance. The present research evaluated the documentation of these relationships in the existing literature with regard to 9 general Soldier performance measures. Identifying the research supported relationships from biomarkers to impact parameters to Soldier performance measures resulted in a preliminary Bayesian Soldier Performance Model, from which it is possible to create 70 distinct 3D performance maps. Based on the quality of the relationships identified in the reviewed literature, and a contemporary evaluation of existing sensor technology for the related biomarkers, the present research assessed 26 of the potential 70 performance maps as being achievable in the near-term. Continuing development of the Soldier Performance Model (SPM) as proposed in this report has the potential to increase Soldier performance while simultaneously improving Soldier well-being, reducing risk of physical and mental injury, and reducing downstream treatment cost. / text

As new emission regulations in the EU set more stringent requirements on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) must find ways to align with the EUs sustainability goals. By transitioning to more electrically driven machinery, operators of off-highway vehicles can benefit from better fuel economy, lower greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution. This study explores the possibilities of electrifying the hydraulic tilt function of the Steelwrist X18 Tiltrotator, a critical component in off-highway vehicle equipment. According to Steelwrist, other original equipment manufacturers such as VOLVO CE have asked when Steelwrist can deliver a fully electric tiltrotator. Key findings show that the chosen electromechanical actuator concept, the EWELLIX CASM-100-RA, with a 8.2 [kW] motor kit, have acceptable performance, but does not to meet every specified requirement. Installing two CASM-100-RA actuators on the X18 results in a 17% weight increase that would adversely affects the excavator’s load-carrying capacity and work efficiency. Despite the drawbacks, the paper acknowledges that the other considered concepts would have resulted in even heavier and/or bulkier solutions / I och med nya utsläppsregler inom EU som ställer högre krav på växthusgasutsläpp måste tillverkare av originalutrustning hitta sätt att anpassa sig till EU:s hållbarhetsmål. Genom att övergå till mer elektriskt drivna maskiner kanförare av anläggningsfordon dra nytta av bättre bränsleekonomi, lägre utsläpp av växthusgaser och minskade luftföroreningar. Denna studie utforskar möjligheterna att elektrifiera den hydrauliska tiltfunktionen på Steelwrist X18 Tiltrotator, ett vanligt verktyg inom anläggningsindustrin. Enligt Steelwrist har andra tillverkare av originalutrustning, såsom VOLVO CE, visat intresse för när Steelwrist kan leverera en helt elektrisk tiltrotator. Elektrifieringen av anläggningsindustrin är fortfarande i sin linda och endast kompaktfordon finns för närvarande på marknaden. Detta är en anledning till att det ännu inte finns en lösning på detta problem. En annan förklaring är den oöverträffade effekttätheten hos konventionella hydraulcylindrar, vilket gör dem svåra att ersätta. Forskningsfrågorna besvarades genom en grundlig undersökning av den senaste tekniken och experiment för att testa den hydrauliska prestandan hos X18 Tiltrotator. Huvudresultaten visar att det valda EMA-konceptet, specifikt EWELLIX CASM-100-RA med 8,2 [kW]-motor, inte uppfyller de inledande kravspecifikationerna på grund av en oacceptabel ökning av den totala vikten på X18 Tiltrotator .Viktökningen skulle påverka grävmaskinens lastkapacitet och arbetskapacitet negativt. Trots nackdelarna tilläggs det att de andra övervägda koncepten skulle ha resulterat i ännu tyngre och/eller skrymmande lösningar. Denna masteruppsats har belyst de mest utmanande aspekterna av att elektrifiera tiltfunktionen i X18 tiltrotatorn. Dessutom har betydelsen av omfattande och detaljerad prestandadata varit en annan nyckelinsikt i projektet. Prestandadata har visat sig vara avgörande vid utformningen av elektriska tiltaktuatorer för denna tillämpning. Framtida arbete kan ytterligare undersöka anpassade elektromekaniska aktuatorer.

The number of flights have increased by 80% between 1990 and 2014, and the demand for air travel continues to increase. Even though the aviation sector contributes to economical and social benefits, it still affects the climate change [1]. A first step to minimize the environmental impact is to develop more electric aircraft (MEA), where the idea is to maximize the use of electricity and improve the overall energy effciency [2]. In most of today's aircraft, large mechanical transmission shafts with a lot of components are driven by central power units, termed centralized drive systems. By the use of electromechanical actuators (EMAs), a distributed drive systems can be used instead, which increases functionality, reduces mass, maintenance and energy consumption, as well as improves manufacturing and assembly [3].  When designing electromechanical actuators, one must take into account a lot of parameters that affect each other in various ways. It is often a time-consuming job to find the most optimal choice of architecture. Parameters such as temperature, load, lifetime and effciency to mention a few. This master thesis offers a new analytical tool for EMAs of primary and secondary flight control systems for Saab Avionics Systems. The aim of the analytical tool is to characterize the parts of the system and identify important parameters in order to find the most optimal choice of architecture. The tool focus on the main mechanical components such as the three-phase synchronous permanent magnet motor, power-off brake, two-stage planetary gearbox and ball screw. The tool developed in this project generates an initial design of the EMA with optimized dimensions in order to minimize both mass and energy consumption. It functions by identifying three main groups of parameters: The input parameters: fixed values defined by the customer demands The design parameters: variables that the user can change to find the optimal choice of architecture The output parameters: resulting values of either performance or dimensions By defining few design parameters for each component, and implementing multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO), the analytical tool can find an optimized solution for each specific project in a time-efficient way. The final values of the parameters characterize the performance of the EMA.

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Dans le domaine de l'aéronautique, les concepts basés sur l’usage étendu de l'électricité dans les aéronefs plus électriques (MEA) et même tout électriques (AEA) font appel à des actionneurs électromécaniques (EMA) en replacement des actionneurs servo-hydrauliques conventionnels (HSA). Lorsque les EMA sont utilisés pour des applications d'actionnement critique comme les commandes de vol, certains problèmes spécifiques liés à l’équilibre thermique, l'inertie réfléchie, le mouvement parasite dû aux élasticités structurelles, la réponse aux fautes (grippage et rupture) et la synchronisation d’EMA actifs sur charges indépendantes ne peuvent être ignorés. La simulation apporte un support indéniable à la conception pour l’évaluation et la validation des concepts. A cet effet, il est nécessaire de développer des prototypes virtuels des EMA avec une vision système et de façon structurée pour répondre aux besoins des ingénieurs. Malheureusement, les phénomènes physiques qui apparaissent dans les EMA sont multidisciplinaires, couplés et fortement non linéaires. De nombreux logiciels commerciaux de simulation système multi-domaines sont désormais disponibles. Cependant, le processus de modélisation et les besoins des ingénieurs sont rarement pris en compte selon une vision globale, en raison du manque d'approches scientifiques pour la définition d’architectures, la modélisation incrémentale et l’amélioration de l’implémentation numérique des modèles. Dans cette thèse, le prototypage virtuel de l'EMA est adressé en utilisant le formalisme Bond-Graph. De nouvelles approches sont proposées pour permettre la modélisation incrémentale de l'EMA en vue de fournir des modèles pour la synthèse de la commande, l’évaluation de la consommation d'énergie, l'analyse thermique, le calcul des forces de réaction, la simulation de la pollution du réseau d'alimentation électrique, la réponse aux fautes et l'influence de la température. L’intérêt des modèles proposés est illustré sur l’exemple de la synchronisation de position de deux EMA actionnant des charges indépendantes. / In the aerospace field, the concepts based on extended use of electricity in “More Electric Aircraft” (MEA) and even “All Electric Aircraft” (AEA), involve electromechanical actuators (EMAs) to replace conventional hydraulic servo actuators (HSAs). When EMAs are used for safety-critical actuation applications like flight controls, some specific issues related to thermal balance, reflected inertia, parasitic motion due to compliance, response to failure (jamming and free-run) and synchronization of EMAs driving independent loads cannot be ignored. The simulation-aided design process can efficiently support the assessment and validation of the concepts fixing these issues. For that, virtual prototypes of EMAs at system-level have to be developed in a structured way that meets the engineers’ needs. Unfortunately, the physical effects governing the EMAs behavior are multidisciplinary, coupled and highly nonlinear. Although numerous multi-domain and system-level simulation packages are now available in the market of simulation software, the modelling process and the engineers’ needs are rarely addressed as a whole because of lack of scientific approaches for model-based architecting, multi-purpose incremental modelling and model implementation for efficient numerical simulation. In this thesis, the virtual prototyping of EMAs is addressed using the Bond-Graph formalism. New approaches are proposed to enable incremental modelling of EMAs that provides models supporting control design, energy consumption and thermal analysis, calculation of reaction forces, power network pollution simulation, prediction of response to faults and influence of temperature. The case of preliminary design of EMAs position synchronization is used to highlight the interests and advantages of the proposed process and models of EMAs.