Finite element modeling of dielectric elastomer actuators for space applications

A special actuator device with passive sensing capability based on dielectric elastomer was studied and specialized to be used in space applications. The work illustrates the research project modeling procedure adopted to simulate the mechanical behavior of this material based on a finite element theory approach. The Mooney-Rivlin’s hyperelastic and Maxwell’s electrostatic models provide the theoretical basis to describe its electro-mechanic behavior. The validation of the procedure is performed through a numerical-experimental correlation between the response of a prototype of actuator developed by the Risø Danish research center and the 3D finite element model simulations. An investigation concerning a possible application in the space environment of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) is also presented

A state-of-the-art assessment of active structures

A state-of-the-art assessment of active structures with emphasis towards the applications in aeronautics and space is presented. It is felt that since this technology area is growing at such a rapid pace in many different disciplines, it is not feasible to cover all of the current research but only the relevant work as relates to aeronautics and space. Research in smart actuation materials, smart sensors, and control of smart/intelligent structures is covered. In smart actuation materials, piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory, electrorheological, and electrostrictive materials are covered. For sensory materials, fiber optics, dielectric loss, and piezoelectric sensors are examined. Applications of embedded sensors and smart sensors are discussed

Aplicações De Métodos De Sensoriamento De Vibração Baseados Em Técnicas

Orientadores: Fabiano Fruett, Claudio FloridiaTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de ComputaçãoResumo: Sensores à fibra óptica distribuídos têm sido empregados para monitorar vários parâmetros, tais como temperatura, vibração, tensão mecânica, campo magnético e corrente elétrica. Quando comparados a outras técnicas convencionais, tais sensores são vantajosos devido a suas pequenas dimensões, imunidade a interferências eletromagnéticas, alta adaptabilidade, robustez a ambientes nocivos, dentre outros. Sensores acústicos distribuídos em particular são interessantes devido a sua capacidade em serem usados em aplicações tais como monitoração de saúde de estruturas e vigilância de perímetros. Através da análise em frequência da estrutura, por exemplo uma aeronave, uma ponte, um edifício ou mesmo máquinas em uma fábrica, é possível avaliar sua condição e detectar danos e falhas em um estágio primário. Tais soluções podem cobrir ambas as aplicações de detecção de intrusão e monitoração estrutural com mínimas adaptações no sistema sensor. Desta forma, vibrações e distúrbios pequenas estruturas com resolução de dezenas de centímetros e em grandes estruturas ou perímetros com alguns metros de resolução espacial e centenas de quilômetros de alcance podem ser detectadas. Outra característica útil desta solução baseada em fibra óptica é a possibilidade de ser combinada com técnicas de processamento digital de sinais, permitindo a detecção e localização de perturbações rápidas, reconhecimento de padrões de intrusão em tempo real e multiplexação de dados de superfícies estruturais para aplicações SHM. O principal objetivo desta tese é fazer uso desses recursos para empregar técnicas de DAS como soluções de tecnologias- chave para várias aplicações. Neste trabalho, as técnicas de phase-OTDR foram estudadas e as principais contribuições da tese focaram em trazer soluções inovadoras e validações para aplicações de vigilância e vigilância. Este doutorado teve um período sanduíche nas instalações da RISE Acreo AB, Estocolmo, Suécia, onde experimentos foram realizados e foi parte da 42ª Chamada CISB/Saab/CNPqAbstract: Distributed optical fiber sensors have been increasingly employed for monitoring several parameters, such as temperature, vibration, strain, magnetic field and current. When compared to other conventional techniques, these sensors are advantageous due to their small dimensions, lightweight, immunity to electromagnetic interference, high adaptability, robustness to hazardous environments, less complex data multiplexing, the feasibility to be embedded into structures with minimum invasion, the capability to extract data with high resolution from long perimeters using a single optical fiber and detect multiple events along the fiber. In particular, distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) based on optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), are of high interest, due to their capability to be used in applications such as structural health monitoring (SHM) and perimeter surveillance. Through the frequency analysis of a structure, for instance an aircraft, a bridge, a building or even machines in a workshop, it is possible to evaluate its condition and detect damages and failures at an early stage. Also, OTDR based solutions for vibration monitoring can be easily adapted with minimum setup modifications to detect intrusion in a perimeter, a useful tool for surveillance of military facilities, laboratories, power plants and homeland security. The same OTDR technique can be used as a non-destructive diagnostic tool to evaluate vibrations and disturbances on both small structures with some dozens of centimeters¿ resolution and in big structures or perimeters with some meters of spatial resolution and hundreds of kilometers of reach. Another useful feature of this optical fiber based solution is the possibility to be combined with high-performance digital signal processing techniques, enabling fast disturbance detection and location, real-time intrusion pattern recognition and fast data multiplexing of structure surfaces for SHM applications. The main goal of this thesis is to make use of these features to employ DAS techniques as key enabling technologies solutions for several applications. In this work, OTDR based techniques were studied and the thesis main contributions were focused on bringing innovative solutions and validations for SHM and surveillance applications. This PhD had a sandwich period at Acreo AB, Stockholm, Sweden, where experimental tests were performed and it was part of the 42ª CISB/Saab/CNPq CalDoutoradoEletrônica, Microeletrônica e OptoeletrônicaDoutora em Engenharia Elétrica202816/2015-0CAPESCNP

Advanced Mobile Robotics: Volume 3

Mobile robotics is a challenging field with great potential. It covers disciplines including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, cognitive science, and social science. It is essential to the design of automated robots, in combination with artificial intelligence, vision, and sensor technologies. Mobile robots are widely used for surveillance, guidance, transportation and entertainment tasks, as well as medical applications. This Special Issue intends to concentrate on recent developments concerning mobile robots and the research surrounding them to enhance studies on the fundamental problems observed in the robots. Various multidisciplinary approaches and integrative contributions including navigation, learning and adaptation, networked system, biologically inspired robots and cognitive methods are welcome contributions to this Special Issue, both from a research and an application perspective

NASA Research Announcement Phase 1 Report and Phase 2 Proposal for the Development of a Power Assisted Space Suit Glove Assembly

In July of 1996, ILC Dover was awarded Phase 1 of a contract for NASA to develop a prototype Power Assisted Space Suit glove to enhance the performance of astronauts during Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA). This report summarizes the work performed to date on Phase 1, and details the work to be conducted on Phase 2 of the program. Phase 1 of the program consisted of research and review of related technical sources, concept brainstorming, baseline design development, modeling and analysis, component mock-up testing, and test data analysis. ILC worked in conjunction with the University of Maryland's Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) to develop the power assisted glove. Phase 2 activities will focus on the design maturation and the manufacture of a working prototype system. The prototype will be tested and evaluated in conjunction with existing space suit glove technology to determine the performance enhancement anticipated with the implementation of the power assisted joint technology in space suit gloves

Bridges Structural Health Monitoring and Deterioration Detection Synthesis of Knowledge and Technology

INE/AUTC 10.0

Becoming Human with Humanoid

Nowadays, our expectations of robots have been significantly increases. The robot, which was initially only doing simple jobs, is now expected to be smarter and more dynamic. People want a robot that resembles a human (humanoid) has and has emotional intelligence that can perform action-reaction interactions. This book consists of two sections. The first section focuses on emotional intelligence, while the second section discusses the control of robotics. The contents of the book reveal the outcomes of research conducted by scholars in robotics fields to accommodate needs of society and industry

Advances of Italian Machine Design

This 2028 Special Issue presents recent developments and achievements in the field of Mechanism and Machine Science coming from the Italian community with international collaborations and ranging from theoretical contributions to experimental and practical applications. It contains selected contributions that were accepted for presentation at the Second International Conference of IFToMM Italy, IFIT2018, that has been held in Cassino on 29 and 30 November 2018. This IFIT conference is the second event of a series that was established in 2016 by IFToMM Italy in Vicenza. IFIT was established to bring together researchers, industry professionals and students, from the Italian and the international community in an intimate, collegial and stimulating environment