Reports about 8 selected benchmark cases of model hierarchies : Deliverable number: D5.1 - Version 0.1

Based on the multitude of industrial applications, benchmarks for model hierarchies will be created that will form a basis for the interdisciplinary research and for the training programme. These will be equipped with publically available data and will be used for training in modelling, model testing, reduced order modelling, error estimation, efficiency optimization in algorithmic approaches, and testing of the generated MSO/MOR software. The present document includes the description about the selection of (at least) eight benchmark cases of model hierarchies.EC/H2020/765374/EU/Reduced Order Modelling, Simulation and Optimization of Coupled Systems/ROMSO

From Benchtop to Beside: Patient-specific Outcomes Explained by Invitro Experiment

Study: Recent analyses show that females have higher early postoperative (PO) mortality and right ventricular failure (RVF) than males after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation; and that this association is partially mediated by smaller LV size in females. Benchtop experiments allow us to investigate patient-specific (PS) characteristics in a reproducible way given the fact that the PS anatomy and physiology is mimicked accurately. With multiple heart models of varying LV size, we can directly study the individual effects of titrating the LVAD speed and the resulting bi-ventricular volumes, shedding light on the interplay between LV and RV as well as resulting inter-ventricular septum (IVS) positions, which may cause the different outcomes pertaining to sex. Methods: In vitro, we studied the impact of the heart size to IVS position using two smaller and two larger sized PS silicone heart phantoms derived from clinical CT images (Fig. 1A). With ultrasound crystals that were integrated on a placeholder inflow cannula, the IVS position was measured during LV and RV volume changes (dV) mimicking varying ventricular loading states (Fig. 1B). Figure 1 A Two small (blue) and two large PS heart phantoms (orange) on B benchtop. C Median septum curvature results. LVEDD/LVV/RVV: LV enddiastolic diameter/LV and RV volume. Results: Going from small to large dV, at zero curvature, the septum starts to shift towards the left; for smaller hearts at dV = -40 mL and for larger hearts at dV = -50 mL (Fig. 1C). This result indicates that smaller hearts are more prone to an IVS shift to the left than larger hearts. We conclude that smaller LV size may therefore mediate increased early PO LVAD mortality and RVF observed in females compared to males. Novel 3D silicone printing technology enables us to study accurate, PS heart models across a heterogeneous patient population. PS relationships can be studied simultaneously to clinical assessments and support the decision-making prior to LVAD implantation

In-Vitro and In-Silico Investigations of Alternative Surgical Techniques for Single Ventricular Disease

Single ventricle (SV) anomalies account for one-fourth of all cases of congenital Heart disease. The conventional second and third stage i.e. Comprehensive stage II and Fontan procedure of the existing three-staged surgical approach serving as a palliative treatment for this anomaly, entails multiple complications and achieves a survival rate of 50%. Hence, to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate associated with the second and third stages of the existing palliative procedure, the novel alternative techniques called “Hybrid Comprehensive Stage II” (HCSII), and a “Self-powered Fontan circulation” have been proposed. The goal of this research is to conduct in-vitro investigations to validate computational and clinical findings on these proposed novel surgical techniques. The research involves the development of a benchtop study of HCSII and self-powered Fontan circulation

Bio-Inspired Soft Artificial Muscles for Robotic and Healthcare Applications

Soft robotics and soft artificial muscles have emerged as prolific research areas and have gained substantial traction over the last two decades. There is a large paradigm shift of research interests in soft artificial muscles for robotic and medical applications due to their soft, flexible and compliant characteristics compared to rigid actuators. Soft artificial muscles provide safe human-machine interaction, thus promoting their implementation in medical fields such as wearable assistive devices, haptic devices, soft surgical instruments and cardiac compression devices. Depending on the structure and material composition, soft artificial muscles can be controlled with various excitation sources, including electricity, magnetic fields, temperature and pressure. Pressure-driven artificial muscles are among the most popular soft actuators due to their fast response, high exertion force and energy efficiency. Although significant progress has been made, challenges remain for a new type of artificial muscle that is easy to manufacture, flexible, multifunctional and has a high length-to-diameter ratio. Inspired by human muscles, this thesis proposes a soft, scalable, flexible, multifunctional, responsive, and high aspect ratio hydraulic filament artificial muscle (HFAM) for robotic and medical applications. The HFAM consists of a silicone tube inserted inside a coil spring, which expands longitudinally when receiving positive hydraulic pressure. This simple fabrication method enables low-cost and mass production of a wide range of product sizes and materials. This thesis investigates the characteristics of the proposed HFAM and two implementations, as a wearable soft robotic glove to aid in grasping objects, and as a smart surgical suture for perforation closure. Multiple HFAMs are also combined by twisting and braiding techniques to enhance their performance. In addition, smart textiles are created from HFAMs using traditional knitting and weaving techniques for shape-programmable structures, shape-morphing soft robots and smart compression devices for massage therapy. Finally, a proof-of-concept robotic cardiac compression device is developed by arranging HFAMs in a special configuration to assist in heart failure treatment. Overall this fundamental work contributes to the development of soft artificial muscle technologies and paves the way for future comprehensive studies to develop HFAMs for specific medical and robotic requirements

Proceedings of the 2018 Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME) International Congress

Published proceedings of the 2018 Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME) International Congress, hosted by York University, 27-30 May 2018

Life Sciences Program Tasks and Bibliography for FY 1997

This document includes information on all peer reviewed projects funded by the Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications, Life Sciences Division during fiscal year 1997. This document will be published annually and made available to scientists in the space life sciences field both as a hard copy and as an interactive internet web page

Advanced Applications of Rapid Prototyping Technology in Modern Engineering

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has been widely known and appreciated due to its flexible and customized manufacturing capabilities. The widely studied RP techniques include stereolithography apparatus (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), three-dimensional printing (3DP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), 3D plotting, solid ground curing (SGC), multiphase jet solidification (MJS), laminated object manufacturing (LOM). Different techniques are associated with different materials and/or processing principles and thus are devoted to specific applications. RP technology has no longer been only for prototype building rather has been extended for real industrial manufacturing solutions. Today, the RP technology has contributed to almost all engineering areas that include mechanical, materials, industrial, aerospace, electrical and most recently biomedical engineering. This book aims to present the advanced development of RP technologies in various engineering areas as the solutions to the real world engineering problems

Applied Mathematics to Mechanisms and Machines

This book brings together all 16 articles published in the Special Issue "Applied Mathematics to Mechanisms and Machines" of the MDPI Mathematics journal, in the section “Engineering Mathematics”. The subject matter covered by these works is varied, but they all have mechanisms as the object of study and mathematics as the basis of the methodology used. In fact, the synthesis, design and optimization of mechanisms, robotics, automotives, maintenance 4.0, machine vibrations, control, biomechanics and medical devices are among the topics covered in this book. This volume may be of interest to all who work in the field of mechanism and machine science and we hope that it will contribute to the development of both mechanical engineering and applied mathematics