Engineering Commons^™

An Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System For Modeling Mechanical Properties Of Tapioca Starch-Poly(Lactic Acid) Nanocomposite Foams, Siew-Yoong Lee, Milford Hanna, David D. Jones

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Tapioca starch, poly(lactic acid) and Cloisite 30B nanocomposites foams, with clay contents of 1, 3, 5 and 7% (w/w), were prepared by a meltintercalation method. Multiple inputs single output models were developed to predict radial expansion ratio, unit density, bulk compressibility and spring index of the nanocomposite foams. An individual ANFIS model was developed for each mechanical property using clay content, temperature, pressure and torque as input parameters. All models preformed well with R² values > 0.71. All models had very low root mean squared error values.

The Use Of Instrumented Measures To Describe Lower Extremity Joint Mechanics, Steven Thomas Kaufman

Theses

Currently, various biomechanical assessments are used in clinical settings that offer diagnostic information about the studied joint. These assessments, however, are based on the judgment and experience of the therapist conducting the test and have a high degree of inter and intra rater variability, decreasing the strength of the observation. A set of instrumented measures consisting of a force/torque sensor and an angle sensor was created to quantitatively assess the mechanics of the lower extremity joints as a possible solution to the low repeatability of commonly used clinical tests.

It was shown through the use of instrumentation that the torques …

Biomechanical Evaluation Of Locked And Non-Locked Constructs Under Axial And Torsion Loading, Vinit A. Patel

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Locking compression plates are proven to be safe for use in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The ORIF is a procedure performed to treat fractures. It has various combination of holes, the system provides more options for clinicians to use either locking screw or non-locking screws. This thesis investigates and determines the best construct with special locking and non-locking screws under both axial and torsion loading. Twenty femur constructs were assembled with 2 cm osteotomy gap between femur shaft and condyle, bridged with 4.5 mm - 10 holes condyle plates. Femurs were divided in to 4 groups according to …