Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Mechanical Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 17 of 17

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Guiding A Human Follower With Interaction Forces: Implications On Physical Human-Robot Interaction, George L. Holmes, Keyri Moreno Bonnett, Amy Costa, Devin Michael Burns, Yun Seong Song Jan 2022

Guiding A Human Follower With Interaction Forces: Implications On Physical Human-Robot Interaction, George L. Holmes, Keyri Moreno Bonnett, Amy Costa, Devin Michael Burns, Yun Seong Song

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work challenges the common assumption in physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) that the movement intention of a human user can be simply modeled with dynamic equations relating forces to movements, regardless of the user. Studies in physical human-human interaction (pHHI) suggest that interaction forces carry sophisticated information that reveals motor skills and roles in the partnership and even promotes adaptation and motor learning. In this view, simple force-displacement equations often used in pHRI studies may not be sufficient. To test this, this work measured and analyzed the interaction forces (F) between two humans as the leader guided the blindfolded follower …


Industry 4.0 Remanufacturing: A Novel Approach Towards Smart Remanufacturing, Prashansa Ragampeta Jan 2022

Industry 4.0 Remanufacturing: A Novel Approach Towards Smart Remanufacturing, Prashansa Ragampeta

Masters Theses

“Smart remanufacturing has become more popular in recent years as a result of its multiple benefits and the growing need for society to encourage a circular economy that leads to sustainability. One of the most common end-of-life (EoL) choices that can lead to a circular economy is remanufacturing. As a result, at the end-of-life stage of a product, it is critical to prioritize this choice over other accessible options because it is the only recovery option that retains the same quality as a new product. This work focuses on the numerous technologies that can aid in the improvement of smart …


Sensing Small Interaction Forces Through Proprioception, Fazlur Rashid, Devin Michael Burns, Yun Seong Song Dec 2021

Sensing Small Interaction Forces Through Proprioception, Fazlur Rashid, Devin Michael Burns, Yun Seong Song

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the human motor control strategy during physical interaction tasks is crucial for developing future robots for physical human-robot interaction (pHRI). In physical human-human interaction (pHHI), small interaction forces are known to convey their intent between the partners for effective motor communication. The aim of this work is to investigate what affects the human's sensitivity to the externally applied interaction forces. The hypothesis is that one way the small interaction forces are sensed is through the movement of the arm and the resulting proprioceptive signals. A pHRI setup was used to provide small interaction forces to the hand of seated …


Trunk Velocity-Dependent Light Touch Reduces Postural Sway During Standing, Anirudh Saini, Devin Michael Burns, Darian Emmett, Yun Seong Song Nov 2019

Trunk Velocity-Dependent Light Touch Reduces Postural Sway During Standing, Anirudh Saini, Devin Michael Burns, Darian Emmett, Yun Seong Song

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Light Touch (LT) has been shown to reduce postural sway in a wide range of populations. While LT is believed to provide additional sensory information for balance modulation, the nature of this information and its specific effect on balance are yet unclear. In order to better understand LT and to potentially harness its advantages for a practical balance aid, we investigated the effect of LT as provided by a haptic robot. Postural sway during standing balance was reduced when the LT force (~ 1 N) applied to the high back area was dependent on the trunk velocity. Additional information on …


2nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference Abstract Book, University Of Missouri--Rolla Apr 2006

2nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference Abstract Book, University Of Missouri--Rolla

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

No abstract provided.


University Of Missouri--Rolla Wood Energy Research, Yildirim Omurtag, V. J. Flanigan, Nathan E. Welch Oct 1978

University Of Missouri--Rolla Wood Energy Research, Yildirim Omurtag, V. J. Flanigan, Nathan E. Welch

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The overall objective of this project is to conduct a research and development program which will lead to the early commercialization of wood gasification technology to process wood residues typical of those found in the Ozark region.


Innovations In Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr. Oct 1978

Innovations In Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The status of the residential heat pump industry is reviewed. Some potential improvements in energy efficiency, operational reliability, and initial cost are described and delineated. These possible innovations include two-speed or variable speed compressors, reliable defrost initiation and termination, improved system components, modifications to the basic thermodynamic cycle, add-on-heat pumps, solar assisted heat pumps, annual cycle energy system, chemical heat pumps, and gas fired heat pumps.


Sizing Of Air-Conditioning Systems -- The New Methodology, Harry J. Sauer Jr., Ronald Hunter Howell Oct 1978

Sizing Of Air-Conditioning Systems -- The New Methodology, Harry J. Sauer Jr., Ronald Hunter Howell

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Accurate cooling load calculations for sizing air-conditioning equipment are more important today than ever. Properly sized equipment saves energy. This paper briefly describes a new method developed by ASHRAE for such calculations .


Design And Operational Characteristics Of A Retrofit Solar Heating System, D. J. Wetteroff, Bassem F. Armaly Oct 1978

Design And Operational Characteristics Of A Retrofit Solar Heating System, D. J. Wetteroff, Bassem F. Armaly

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The construction and the operation of a retrofit solar assisted space heating system are described. Performance characteristics of each component were measured and used to estimate the contribution of solar energy to the yearly space heating energy requirements.


Increased Aluminum Use And Its Impact On The Life-Cycle Energy Cost Of Automobiles, Yildirim Omurtag Oct 1977

Increased Aluminum Use And Its Impact On The Life-Cycle Energy Cost Of Automobiles, Yildirim Omurtag

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper examines the life-cycle of a passenger automobile including ore refining, manufacture of components, assembly, driving and recycling to provide a general computerized model to be used in evaluating the impact of various material substitution rates and recycling policies on the total system energy consumption. The emphasis is on the use of increased aluminum to replace iron and steel.


A Solar Energy System For Space Heating And Space Cooling, Thomas J. Mcnamara Oct 1977

A Solar Energy System For Space Heating And Space Cooling, Thomas J. Mcnamara

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

To help reduce natural gas and electrical operating costs, a retrofit space heating and space cooling solar energy system is integrated into the existing conventional heating and air handling systems serving the exhibit spaces. This installation would not only provide substantial energy cost savings to the Museum, but it would also provide a means of showing and explaining the operation of an actual working solar energy system to the large number of daily visitors to the Museum. This report explains the design, operation and performance of this solar energy system.


A Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Feeding Power Into The Utility Grid, G. C. Thomann, M. Jong, M. H. Snyder Oct 1977

A Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Feeding Power Into The Utility Grid, G. C. Thomann, M. Jong, M. H. Snyder

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A small horizontal axis wind turbine, with about a 2 kW power output, was constructed to convert wind energy into AC power to be fed into the utility grid. The machine is intended to model operation of the larger wind generators now being built. The variable pitch rotor is 18 ft in diameter and has a GA(W)-1 blade airfoil. The rotor is fabricated from sitka spruce mounted on a commercial propeller/hub system. Rotor speeds of from 75 to 150 rpm are used in operation. A chain drive and helical gear drive system steps up rotor speed to 1800 - 3600 …


Airfoil Data For Use Of Wind Turbine Designers, Melvin H. Snyder Oct 1977

Airfoil Data For Use Of Wind Turbine Designers, Melvin H. Snyder

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper reviews design procedures for wind-axis turbine rotors. An "on-design" routine for rotor blade design is presented as well as an "off-design" performance calculation program. Resulting from this review are analyses of desirable characteristics of airfoil sections and of types of data which rotor designers need. Included in the paper are airfoil characteristics for candidate blade sections including 360 degree data for GA(W)-1 and GA(W)-2 airfoils.


Low Head Power Generation With Bulb Turbines, J. L. Carson, R. S. Samuelson Oct 1977

Low Head Power Generation With Bulb Turbines, J. L. Carson, R. S. Samuelson

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Because of uncertainties, delays, and high costs associated with alternative electric energy sources, many agencies responsible for generation of electrical power are investigating means of replacing or supplementing their existing hydroelectric facilities. In the head range between 10 and 60 feet, the bulb-type generating unit, in which the generator is enclosed in a metal capsule within the water passage, has many advantages, including higher efficiency and lower cost, over other types of turbines. Two of the municipalities in the United States which have recently conducted feasibility studies for installing bulb turbines in their systems are the City of Idaho Falls, …


Heat Recovery Devices For Building Hvac Systems, Ronald H. Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr. Oct 1977

Heat Recovery Devices For Building Hvac Systems, Ronald H. Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The opportunities and advantages of air-to-air heat recovery are described. The five basic types (rotary regenerative, coil loop run around, open run-around, heat pipe, and plate type) are described and their typical performance is presented. The potential savings in operating costs as well as initial equipment costs for common applications are presented.


A Systems Study Of Our Energy Problems, S. C. Lee Oct 1977

A Systems Study Of Our Energy Problems, S. C. Lee

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The diminishing supply of petroleum and natural gas has induced many concerned citizens as well as many interest groups to study energy problems. Based on different sources of information and various degrees of economical consideration, conflicting conclusions have been reached. To help resolve this situation, a systems study was conducted. The available statistics on the supply and demand of energy were examined. The resources of nuclear energy, fossil fuel, and renewable energy sources were analyzed. Considerations were weighted equally on energy content, resource availability, existing technology, and consumer economics as well as on the impact of ecology and sociology. The …


Comparative Residential Energy Consumption And Fuel Costs With Various Types Of Systems: Oil-, Gas-, Electric-Furnaces And Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr. Oct 1976

Comparative Residential Energy Consumption And Fuel Costs With Various Types Of Systems: Oil-, Gas-, Electric-Furnaces And Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The electric air-to-air heat pump for residential heating offers an economic alternative to systems traditionally used extensively for home heating, such as, oil or gas fired furnaces and electric resistance heat. This simulation analysis showed that using 1976 mid- Missouri fuel costs, an oil fired furnace was the least expensive to operate of the three traditional type residential heating units. LP gas heating was 19% higher than oil heat while electric resistance heating was 26% higher in cost than oil. The typical air-to- air heat pumps showed a 29% reduction in the heating bill when compared to an oil furnace.