Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

A Gait Generation Mechanism For Leg Rehabilitation Therapy, Yazan Ahmad Manna

Theses

While most take their ability to walk for granted, some are unable to walk secondary to any number of pathologies, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, as well as various orthopedic conditions. Decreased activity has been shown to be associated with rapidly deconditioning and other co-morbidities. Rehabilitation techniques that afford patients the ability to begin reconditioning through walking sooner may ultimately enhance their return to a better quality of life.

The overall goal of this study is to design a gait generation mechanism for rehabilitation …

Coupled Thermal Fluid Modelling Of A Low Embedded Energy Solar Thermal Collector, Myrrha Corcoran

Theses

Flat-plate collectors are the most economical and are popular in solar domestic heating water system since they are usually permanently fixed in position, have simple construction, and require little maintenance. The design of a solar energy system is generally concerned with obtaining maximum efficiency at minimum cost. The aim of this thesis was to develop a mathematical model, for a forced convection solar heated water system. The solar collector in this study incorporated a honeycombed extruded polycarbonate structure, for both the cover and water channels.

A very detailed thermal analysis of the flat-plate solar collector was carried out to predict …

The Evidence For A Nascent Biotechnology Cluster In Cork, John W. Hobbs

Theses

Over the past 30 years, encouraged by Ireland’s low rate of corporation tax (currently 12.5 %), and active promotion of FDI by the IDA, foreign owned pharmaceutical plants have set up and multiplied in the Cork area. To Ireland’s advantages of a low tax rate, an English speaking population, a pro-business environment and membership of EU, Cork offered the added attractions of a deepwater port and large natural harbour, good freight connections, an international airport, an educated workforce and excellent sporting and leisure facilities for sailing, golf, etc. (Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Schering Plough have …

Heat Transfer Model For The Ignition Of Metal Powder On A Heated Filament, Trent Stanton Ward

Theses

The thermal processes leading to ignition of metal powders in environments that experience rapid temperature changes are currently poorly understood. In this research, a methodology for studying and quantification of such processes is developed. In the experimental case study, the ignition temperature of Mg powder coated on the surface of an electrically heated filament is detected optically at different heating rates. To interpret the results, a heat transfer model has been developed for a multilayer powder coating on top of an electrically heated filament. The coating is modeled using a hexagonal close packed geometry and the heat transfer equations are …