139,960 research outputs found
Predictive modelling of human walking over a complete gait cycle
An inverse dynamics multi-segment model of the body was combined with optimisation techniques to simulate normal walking in the sagittal plane on level ground. Walking is formulated as an optimal motor task subject to multiple constraints with minimisation of mechanical energy expenditure over a complete gait cycle being the performance criterion. All segmental motions and ground reactions were predicted from only three simple gait descriptors (inputs): walking velocity, cycle period and double stance duration. Quantitative comparisons of the model predictions with gait measurements show that the model reproduced the significant characteristics of normal gait in the sagittal plane. The simulation results suggest that minimising energy expenditure is a primary control objective in normal walking. However, there is also some evidence for the existence of multiple concurrent performance objectives.
Keywords: Gait prediction; Inverse dynamics; Optimisation; Optimal motor tas
Biaxial tests of flat graphite/epoxy laminates
The influence of biaxially applied loads on the strength of composite materials containing holes was analyzed. The analysis was performed through the development of a three dimensional, finite element computer program that is capable of evaluating fiber breakage, delamination, and matrix failure. Realistic failure criteria were established for each of the failure modes, and the influence of biaxial loading on damage accumulation under monotonically increasing loading was examined in detail. Both static and fatigue testing of specially designed biaxial specimens containing central holes were performed. Static tests were performed to obtain an understanding of the influence of biaxial loads on the fracture strength of composite materials and to provide correlation with the analytical predictions. The predicted distributions and types of damage are in reasonable agreement with the experimental results. A number of fatigue tests were performed to determine the influence of cyclic biaxial loads on the fatigue life and residual strength of several composite laminates
Determination of two-stroke engine exhaust noise by the method of characteristics
A computational technique was developed for the method of characteristics solution of a one-dimensional flow in a duct as applied to the wave action in an engine exhaust system. By using the method, it was possible to compute the unsteady flow in both straight pipe and tuned expansion chamber exhaust systems as matched to the flow from the cylinder of a small two-stroke engine. The radiated exhaust noise was then determined by assuming monopole radiation from the tailpipe outlet. Very good agreement with experiment on an operation engine was achieved in the calculation of both the third octave radiated noise and the associated pressure cycles at several locations in the different exhaust systems. Of particular interest is the significance of nonlinear behavior which results in wave steepening and shock wave formation. The method computes the precise paths on the x-t plane of a finite number of C(sub +), C(sub -) and P characteristics, thereby obtaining high accuracy in determining the tailpipe outlet velocity and the radiated noise
Design and development of a self-healing fuse
Mercury-filled self-healing fuses for protecting solid state circuits from faults - design and developmen
Single stage experimental evaluation of variable geometry guide vanes and stators. Part 1 - Analysis and design
Variable geometry concepts applied to guide vanes and stators in single stage compressor
Statistical characterization of the fatigue behavior of composite lamina
A theoretical model was developed to predict statistically the effects of constant and variable amplitude fatigue loadings on the residual strength and fatigue life of composite lamina. The parameters in the model were established from the results of a series of static tensile tests and a fatigue scan and a number of verification tests were performed. Abstracts for two other papers on the effect of load sequence on the statistical fatigue of composites are also presented
The segregation of starless and protostellar clumps in the Hi-GAL l=224deg region
Stars form in dense, dusty structures, which are embedded in larger clumps of
molecular clouds often showing a clear filamentary structure on large scales (>
1pc). One of the best-studied regions in the Hi-GAL survey can be observed
toward the l=224deg field. Here, a filamentary region has been studied and it
has been found that protostellar clumps are mostly located along the main
filament, whereas starless clumps are detected off this filament and are
instead found on secondary, less prominent filaments. We want to investigate
this segregation effect and how it may affect the clumps properties. We mapped
the 12CO(1-0) line and its main three isotopologues toward the two most
prominent filaments observed toward the l=224deg field using the Mopra radio
telescope, in order to set observational constraints on the dynamics of these
structures and the associated starless and protostellar clumps. Compared to the
starless clumps, the protostellar clumps are more luminous, more turbulent and
lie in regions where the filamentary ambient gas shows larger linewidths. We
see evidence of gas flowing along the main filament, but we do not find any
signs of accretion flow from the filament onto the Hi-GAL clumps. We analyze
the radial column density profile of the filaments and their gravitational
stability. The more massive and highly fragmented main filament appears to be
thermally supercritical and gravitationally bound, assuming that all of the
non-thermal motion is contributing thermal-like support, suggesting a later
stage of evolution compared to the secondary filament. The status and
evolutionary phase of the Hi-GAL clumps would then appear to correlate with
that of the host filament.Comment: Accepted for publication on "Astronomy and Astrophysics
PREDICTING FEEDING COST OF GAIN WITH MORE PRECISION
Costs during the feeding period, commonly summarized as "feeding cost of gain", are primary determinants of cattle feeding profits. This study provides a method of generalizing information available at placement time into a suitable feeding cost of gain prediction, so that feeders and ranchers can make more informed placement decisions.Cattle-Feeding, Feeding-Cost-Of-Gain, Industrial Organization, Livestock Production/Industries,
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