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This thesis adds to the knowledge base of constant-force mechanisms (CFMs). It begins by reviewing past work done in the area of CFMs and then develops new nondimensionalized parameters that are used to simplify the calculations required to design a CFM. Comparison techniques are then developed that utilize these non-dimensionalized parameters to compare mechanisms based on stiffnesses, percent constant-force, actual lengths, normal displacements, and feasible design orientations. These comparison techniques are then combined with optimization to define new mechanisms with improved performance and range of capabilities. This thesis also outlines a design process, methods to identify mechanisms that are suitable for a given design problem, and relationships and trends between variables. The thesis concludes by discussing the adaptation of CFMs for use in electrical contacts and presenting the results of a design case study which successfully developed a constant-force electrical contact (CFEC).

A mathematical dynamic model is derived for the compliant constant-force mechanism, based on the pseudo-rigid-body model simplification of the device. The compliant constant-force mechanism is a slider mechanism incorporating large-deflection beams, which outputs near-constant-force across the range of its designed deflection. The equation of motion is successfully validated with empirical data from five separate mechanisms, comprising two configurations of compliant constant-force mechanism. The dynamic model is cast in generalized form to represent all possible configurations of compliant constant-force mechanism. Deriving the dynamic equation from the pseudo-rigid-body model is useful because every configuration is represented by the same model, so a separate treatment is not required for each configuration. An unexpected dynamic trait of the constant-force mechanism is discovered: there exists a range of frequencies for which the output force of the mechanism accords nearer to constant-force than does the output force at static levels.

This thesis presents research on the force and deflection behavior of beams with rectangular cross-sections undergoing lateral torsional buckling. The large 3-D deflection path of buckling beam tips was closely approximated by circular arcs in two planes. A new chain algorithm element was created from pseudo-rigid-body segments and used in a chain calculation that accurately predicted the force deflection relationship of beams with large 3-D deflections.

Visual effects for film and animation often require simulated granular materials, such as sand, wheat, or dirt, to meet a director's needs. Simulating granular materials can be time consuming, in both computation and labor, as these particulate materials have complex behavior and an enormous amount of small-scale detail. Furthermore, a single cubic meter of granular material, where each grain is a cubic millimeter, would contain a billion granules, and simulating all such interacting granules would take an impractical amount of time for productions. This calls for a simplified model for granular materials that retains high surface detail and granular behavior yet requires significantly less computational time. Our proposed method simulates a minimal number of individual granules while retaining particulate detail on the surface by supporting surface particles with simplified interior granular models. We introduce a multi-state model where, depending on the material state of the interior granules, we replace interior granules with a simplified simulation model for the state they are in and automate the transitions between those states. The majority of simulation time can thus be focused on visible portions of the material, reducing the time spent on non-visible portions, while maintaining the appearance and behavior of the mass as a whole.

No description available.

Advancements in computational capabilities have allowed researchers to turn towards modeling as an efficient tool to replicate and predict outcomes of complex systems. Computational models of the musculoskeletal system have gone through various iterations with early versions employing dramatic simplifications. In this work, a three-dimensional computational model of the wrist joint was developed. It accurately recreated the skeletal structures of the hand and wrist and represented the constraints imposed by soft tissue structures like ligaments, tendons, and other surrounding tissues. It was developed to function as a tool to investigate the biomechanical contributions of structures and the kinematic response of the wrist joint. The model was created with the use of a commercially available computer-aided design software employing the rigid body modeling methodology. It was validated against three different cadaveric experimental studies which investigated changes in biomechanical response following radioscapholunate fusion and proximal row carpectomy procedures. The kinematic simulations performed by the model demonstrated quantitatively accurate responses for the range of motions for both surgical procedures. It also provided some understanding to the trends in carpal bone contact force changes observed in surgically altered specimens. The model provided additional insight into the importance of structures like the triangular fibrocartilage and the capsular retinacular structures, both of which are currently not very well understood. As better understanding of components of the wrist joint is achieved, this model could function as an important tool in preoperative planning and generating individualized treatment regiments.

Musculoskeletal computational modeling is a versatile and effective tool which may be used to study joint mechanics, examine muscle and ligament function, and simulate surgical reconstructive procedures. While injury to the elbow joint can be significantly debilitating, questions still remain regarding its normal, pathologic, and repaired behavior. Biomechanical models of the elbow have been developed, but all have assumed fixed joint axes of rotation and ignored the effects of ligaments. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to develop and validate a computational model of the elbow joint whereby joint kinematics are dictated by three-dimensional bony geometry contact, ligamentous constraints, and muscle loading.Accurate three-dimensional bone geometry was generated by acquiring CT scans, segmenting the images to isolate skeletal features, and fitting surfaces to the segmented data. Ligaments were modeled as tension-only linear springs, and muscle were represented as force vectors with discrete attachment points. Bone contact was modeled by a routine which applied a normal force at points of penetration, with a force magnitude being a function of penetration depth. A rigid body dynamics simulator was used to predict the model's behavior under particular external loading conditions.The computational model was validated by simulating past experimental investigations and comparing results. Passive flexion-extension range of motion predicted by the model correlated exceptionally well with reported values. Bony and ligamentous structures responsible for enforcing motion limits also agreed with past observations. The model's varus stability as a function of elbow flexion and coronoid process resection was also investigated. The trends predicted by the model matched those of the associated cadaver study.This thesis successfully developed an accurate musculoskeletal computational model of the elbow joint complex. While the model may now be used in a predictive manner, further refinements may expand its applicability. These include accounting for the interference between soft tissue and bone, and representing the dynamic behavior of muscles.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo desenvolver uma formulação numérica baseada em Análise Isogeométrica para o estudo de problemas de interação fluido-estrutura (IFE) em aplicações envolvendo corpos rígidos submersos, onde escoamentos incompressíveis de fluidos Newtonianos com superfície livre são considerados. Propõe-se o emprego da Análise Isogeométrica por permitir a unificação entre os procedimentos de pré-processamento e análise, melhorando assim as condições de continuidade das funções de base empregadas tanto na discretização espacial do problema como na aproximação das variáveis do sistema de equações. O sistema de equações fundamentais do escoamento é formado pelas equações de Navier-Stokes e pela equação da conservação de massa, descrita segundo a hipótese de pseudo-compressibilidade, em uma formulação cinemática ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangean- Eulerian). A consideração da superfície livre no escoamento se dá tratando o fluido como um meio bifásico, através do método Level Set. O corpo rígido apresenta não linearidade na rotação e restrições representadas por vínculos elásticos e amortecedores viscosos, sendo a equação de equilíbrio dinâmico resolvida através do método de Newmark. O esquema de acoplamento sólido-fluido adotado é o particionado convencional, que impõe condições de compatibilidade cinemáticas e de equilíbrio sobre a interface sólido-fluido, analisando ambos os meios de maneira sequencial. A discretização das equações governantes é realizada através do esquema explícito de dois passos de Taylor-Galerkin, aplicado no contexto da Análise Isogeométrica. Por fim, são analisados alguns problemas da Dinâmica de Fluidos Computacional, de onde se concluiu que os resultados obtidos são bastante consistentes com os fenômenos envolvidos, com as ferramentas exclusivas da Análise Isogeométrica, como o refinamento k, melhorando a convergência dos resultados. Para escoamentos bifásicos, verificou-se que o método Level Set obteve resultados bastante promissores apresentando, entretanto, uma dissipação numérica excessiva. Propõe-se, para estudos futuros, a elaboração de esquemas numéricos que conservem melhor o volume da fase líquida do escoamento. / The present work aims to development of a numerical formulation based on Isogeometric Analysis for the study of Fluid-Structure Interaction problems in applications involving rigid bodies submerged, considering incompressible Newtonian flows with free surface. The use of the Isogeometric Analysis allows unification between the preprocessing and analysis steps, improving then the continuity of the base functions employed, both in the spatial discretization and approximation of the variables in the system of equations. The fundamental flow equations are formed by the Navier-Stokes and the mass conservation, described by de pseudo-compressibility hypothesis, in an ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangean-Eulerian) kinematic formulation. The free surface consideration of the flow is handled treating the fluid like a two- phase medium, using the Level Set method. The rigid body considers nonlinearity in rotation, and restrictions represented by elastic springs and viscous dampers, with the dynamic equilibrium equation being resolved using the Newmark’s method. The solid-fluid coupling scheme is the conventional partitioned, which imposes kinematics and equilibrium compatibility conditions on the solid-fluid interface, analyzing both mediums in a sequential manner. The governing equations are discretized using the explicit two step Taylor-Galerkin method, applied in an Isogeometric Analisys context. Finally, some Computational Fluid Dinamics problems are analysed, from which it was concluded that the results obtained are quite consistent with phenomena involved, with the unique tools of Isogeometric Analysis, such as k-refinement, improving the convergence of the results. For biphasic flows, it was verified that the Level Set method obtained very promising results, presenting, however, an excessive numerical dissipation. For future studies, it is proposed the elaboration of numerical schemes that better preserve the volume of the liquid phase of the flow.

The Bistable Aerial Platform (BAP) has been developed in order to further enlarge the repertoire of devices available at the microscale. This novel device functions as a switch in that its platform can lock in two positions, up or down. Herein, it will be examined and explained, but a true understanding of its workings requires a better understanding of its compliant constituent parts. The Helico-Kinematic Platform (HKP), which serves as an actuator for the BAP, is currently under investigation by another researcher and will be merely touched upon here. The focus, therefore, will rest on the analysis of the Quadrantal Bistable Mechanism (QBM), the principle component of the BAP. A preliminary pseudo-rigid-body model, an aid for the understanding of compliant mechanisms, will also be examined for the QBM. The models developed for these two devices, the HKP and QBM, can later be combined to form a full model of the Bistable Aerial Platform.