A comparison of numerical methods in non-linear stability analysis

Many methods have been proposed for the stability analysis of systems described by non-linear differential equations. Of these methods, some are 'ad hoc', being applicable only to those systems for which they were developed. Others are more or less general. The increasing availability of digital computing facilities have made it desirable to develop algorithms, where possible, to allow the numerical implementation of these general methods. This report describes the development of such algorithms for a variety of methods, and a comparison of their power and applicability in different situations. [Continues.

Robotic-assisted internal fixation of femoral fractures

Closed surgical techniques for the internal fixation of femoral fractures require orthopaedic surgeons to work in close proximity to X-rays. In addition to the occupational health risk this imposes, inexperienced surgeons often encounter great difficulty in achieving optimal positioning of fracture repair fixtures. A vision-guided robotic system has been proposed as a possible solution to these problems and an initial investigation involving two exemplar orthopaedic procedures has been undertaken. Robotic surgery assistance imposes rigorous safety-related design constraints, since the orthopaedic robot must operate in close proximity to the patient and operating staff. The design and implementation of a purpose-built robotic system for orthopaedic surgery assistance is described in this paper