Aerospace medicine and biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 204

This bibliography lists 140 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in February 1980

Powerskin Conference: Proceedings

The “third skin†of human beings – the building envelope – has a long history of development with a major impact on architecture. As an interface between inside and outside, facades not only determine aspects such as performance and energy efficiency, they also determine the aesthetics of buildings and cities; to the extend that they can create cultural identity. The invention of the curtain wall made facades independent from the building structure, but it remained an important – yet passive – element.  Powerskin Conference: Proceedings, January 19th 2017– Munich &nbsp

Construction, assembly and tests of the ATLAS electromagnetic end-cap calorimeters

The construction and the assembly of the two end-caps of the ATLAS liquid argon electromagnetic calorimeter as well as their test and qualification programs are described. The work described here started at the beginning of 2001 and lasted for approximately three years. The results of the qualification tests performed before installation in the LHC ATLAS pit are given. The detectors are now installed in the ATLAS cavern, full of liquid argon and being commissioned. The complete detectors coverage is powered with high voltage and readout

Advances in Architectural Acoustics

Satisfactory acoustics is crucial for the ability of spaces such as auditoriums and lecture rooms to perform their primary function. The acoustics of dwellings and offices greatly affects the quality of our life, since we are all consciously or subconsciously aware of the sounds to which we are daily subjected. Architectural acoustics, which encompasses room and building acoustics, is the scientific field that deals with these topics and can be defined as the study of generation, propagation, and effects of sound in enclosures. Modeling techniques, as well as related acoustic theories for accurately calculating the sound field, have been the center of many major new developments. In addition, the image conveyed by a purely physical description of sound would be incomplete without regarding human perception; hence, the interrelation between objective stimuli and subjective sensations is a field of important investigations. A holistic approach in terms of research and practice is the optimum way for solving the perplexing problems which arise in the design or refurbishment of spaces, since current trends in contemporary architecture, such as transparency, openness, and preference for bare sound-reflecting surfaces are continuing pushing the very limits of functional acoustics. All the advances in architectural acoustics gathered in this Special Issue, we hope that inspire researchers and acousticians to explore new directions in this age of scientific convergence

AI-Driven Personalised Offloading Device Prescriptions: A Cutting-Edge Approach to Preventing Diabetes-Related Plantar Forefoot Ulcers and Complications

Diabetes-related foot ulcers and complications are a significant concern for individuals with diabetes, leading to severe health implications such as lower-limb amputation and reduced quality of life. This chapter discusses applying AI-driven personalised offloading device prescriptions as an advanced solution for preventing such conditions. By harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence, this cutting-edge approach enables the prescription of offloading devices tailored to each patient's specific requirements. This includes the patient's preferences on offloading devices such as footwear and foot orthotics and their adaptations that suit the patient's intention of use and lifestyle. Through a series of studies, real-world data analysis and machine learning algorithms, high-risk areas can be identified, facilitating the recommendation of precise offloading strategies, including custom orthotic insoles, shoe adaptations, or specialised footwear. By including patient-specific factors to promote adherence, proactively addressing pressure points and promoting optimal foot mechanics, these personalised offloading devices have the potential to minimise the occurrence of foot ulcers and associated complications. This chapter proposes an AI-powered Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) to recommend personalised prescriptions of offloading devices (footwear and insoles) for patients with diabetes who are at risk of foot complications. This innovative approach signifies a transformative leap in diabetic foot care, offering promising opportunities for preventive healthcare interventions.Comment: 33 pages, 2 figure

Investigation of end-stop motion constraint for a wave energy converter

This work develops a design protocol for wave energy converter motion constraint, endstop systems. It applies the protocol by first using a numerical hydrodynamic wave energy converter (WEC) model to obtain preliminary design loads. Following a definitive set of selection criteria, comprehensive design of a system of load-bearing, helical springs is produced. A preliminary design is modeled with finite element analysis, and compared to analytical results. New dynamical collision models are conceived for impact damping systems based on spring-mass and anisotropic surface friction phenomena, by applying the concept observed on the snake ventral skin. Friction and compressive forces are correlated by classical mechanics. Finally, dimensional analysis is applied to yield design parameterization to directly compare the micro and macro influences within these distinct models, resulting in new knowledge on the physical relationships within contact interfaces and a dimensionless mechanical impedance formulationEsta dissertação desenvolve um protocolo para projetos de sistemas de restrição de movimentos associado a um limitador de fim de curso em conversores de energia das ondas. Inicialmente, é aplicado um modelo numérico hidrodinâmico para análise de cargas em um conversor de energia das ondas (WEC). Em seguida, é apresentado um conjunto definitivo de critérios de seleção, para análise de um sistema de molas helicoidais compressivas, para atenuar as forças provocadas pelos movimentos extremos da boia. Um projeto preliminar é modelado com análises de elementos finitos e comparado com os resultados analíticos. Novos tipos de modelos dinâmicos são idealizados para amortecimento do impacto, baseados em molas e no fenômeno de atrito superficial anisotrópico, aplicando o conceito observado na pele ventral de cobras. As forças de atrito e compressivas foram correlacionadas por meio de princípios de mecânica clássica. Finalmente, uma análise adimensional é utilizada para gerar a parametrização do projeto, para comparar diretamente as micro e macro influências entre esses modelos distintos, resultando em novos conhecimentos sobre as relações físicas nas interfaces de contato e uma formulação adimensional de impedância mecânica

NASA Tech Briefs Index, 1976

Abstracts of new technology derived from the research and development activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are presented. Emphasis is placed on information considered likely to be transferrable across industrial, regional, or disciplinary lines. Subject matter covered includes: electronic components and circuits; electronic systems; physical sciences; materials; life sciences; mechanics; machinery; fabrication technology; and mathematics and information sciences

Dynamic impact of ageing dump truck suspension systems on whole-body vibrations in high-impact shovel loading operations

Surface mining operations typically deploy large shovels, with 100+ tons per pass capacity, to load dump trucks in a phenomenon described as high-impact shovel loading operations (HISLO). The HISLO phenomenon causes excessive shock and vibrations in the dump truck assembly resulting in whole body vibration (WBV) exposures to operators. The truck suspension system performance deteriorates with time; therefore their effectiveness in attenuating vibrations reduces. No research has been conducted to study the impact of ageing suspension mechanisms on the magnitudes of WBV in HISLO operations. This study is a pioneering effort to provide fundamental and applied knowledge for understanding the impact of ageing on the magnitudes of WBV exposures. The effects of underlying ageing processes on a suspension performance index are mathematically modeled. The effects of scheduled maintenance and corrective maintenance on improving the performance index (PI) are also modeled. Finally, the proposed mathematical ageing model is linked to the truck operator\u27s exposure to WBVs via a virtual prototype CAT 793D truck model in the MSC ADAMS environment. The effects of suspension system ageing in increasing the WBV levels are examined in the form of both the vertical and horizontal accelerations under HISLO conditions. This study shows that the hydro-pneumatic suspension strut ageing results in deteriorating stiffness-damping parameters. The deteriorating suspension performance (with time) introduces more severe and prolonged WBVs in HISLO operations. The RMS accelerations increase significantly with time (suspension ageing). The vertical RMS accelerations increase to severe magnitudes of over 3.45, 3.75, and 4.0 m/s2 after 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. These acceleration magnitudes are well beyond the ISO limits for the human body\u27s exposure to WBVs. This pioneering research effort provides a frontier for further research to provide safe and healthy working environments for HISLO operations --Abstract, page iii

Amphibious Drone

This report details the progress made in continuing the UPLOAD Amphibious Drone Capstone project. Alex Desilets has tasked the team with improving last years design and has offered support with financial and technical matters through the design process. The UPLOAD MK. II team has been tasked with improving the design made by the original UPLOAD team from last year. The team from last year designed a UAV capable of delivering a payload over both land and sea over a range of 5 miles. The drone was to take off and land vertically but y horizontally for better efficiency. UPLOAD was able to successfully design a working control system, unfortunately it was unable to y successfully. UPLOAD MK.II will be focusing on improving last year\u27s design using the control systems designed last year will produce a working prototype by May 2017. 120 concepts were combined and reduced into preliminary prototypes of a winglet, testing rig, and landing system. These designs were modeled through CAD and realized through rapid prototyping. Wind tunnel testing was preformed on the winglet to test for increased efficiency, and stress tests have been preformed on the testing rig and the landing gear to ensure safety