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2008

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Articles 31 - 60 of 567

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Translating Terms Of The Functional Basis Into Biologically Meaningful Keywords, Hyunmin Cheong, L. H. Shu, Robert B. Stone, Daniel A. Mcadams Dec 2008

Translating Terms Of The Functional Basis Into Biologically Meaningful Keywords, Hyunmin Cheong, L. H. Shu, Robert B. Stone, Daniel A. Mcadams

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Biology has long been recognized as an excellent source of analogies and stimuli for engineering design. Previous work focused on the systematic identification of relevant biological analogies by searching for instances of functional keywords in biological information in natural language format. This past work revealed that engineering keywords couldn't always be used to identify the most relevant biological analogies, as the vocabularies between biology and engineering are sufficiently distinct. Therefore, a method of identifying biologically meaningful keywords that correspond to engineering keywords was developed. Here, we apply and refine this method by generating biologically meaningful keywords for the terms of …


A Retrospective On Twenty Years Of The Design Theory And Methodology Conference, Jacquelyn K. Stroble, Robert L. Nagel, Kerry R. Poppa, Matt Robert Bohm, Robert B. Stone Dec 2008

A Retrospective On Twenty Years Of The Design Theory And Methodology Conference, Jacquelyn K. Stroble, Robert L. Nagel, Kerry R. Poppa, Matt Robert Bohm, Robert B. Stone

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Since its birth from the Design Automation Conference (DAC) and the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) twenty years ago, the Design Theory and Methodology (DTM) Conference has accepted 769 papers for presentation in a total of 179 tracks. Papers have covered advances in design theory and methods as well as design education, decision making, product development, collaborative endeavors, case studies, information processing, computational methods and industrial applications. through the years tracks have evolved to better define existing research topics and branched to spawn new areas of interest. This paper presents a retrospective of the past twenty years …


Generation And Analysis Of Fcg Data Using A Single Specimen And Kmax - ∆K Testing Matrix, Sree Phani Chandar Reddy Dec 2008

Generation And Analysis Of Fcg Data Using A Single Specimen And Kmax - ∆K Testing Matrix, Sree Phani Chandar Reddy

Masters Theses

A custom method to generate fatigue crack growth (FCG) data requires testing of multiple specimens at different load ratios. In addition, it includes the application of a load shedding procedure from pre-cracking level to threshold.

In this thesis, a novel method of testing has been investigated that utilizes a single specimen and a testing matrix in terms of Kmaxand ∆K values corresponding to predetermined R-ratios for which FCG data, da/dN, are recorded. Automatic K-controlled tests on 2324-T39 Al alloy were conducted using the ∆K increasing and ∆K decreasing procedures while Kmaxwas kept constant. Results show that …


Development Of A Mathematical Model For 3d Reconstruction Of Target Objects By Photogrammetry, Keith F. Blonquist Dec 2008

Development Of A Mathematical Model For 3d Reconstruction Of Target Objects By Photogrammetry, Keith F. Blonquist

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This thesis outlines the development of a mathematical model which can be used to perform 3D reconstruction of a target object from surveillance images. 3D reconstruction is a common procedure in photogrammetry, but performing 3D reconstruction from surveillance images can be more difficult than typical photogrammetry applications.

Surveillance images are generally captured in an unsystematic manner because there is no control over the target that is being photographed. Surveillance images can have a wide variety of fields of view, are often captured with uncalibrated cameras, and typically the targets are objects for which there is no other a priori information. …


Particle Characterization And Concentration Using Aerodynamic Vectoring, Zac Humes Dec 2008

Particle Characterization And Concentration Using Aerodynamic Vectoring, Zac Humes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An experimental demonstration of a new, non-contact particle characterization technique called Aerodynamic Vectoring Particle Sorting (AVPS) is presented. AVPS uses secondary blowing and suction control flows-flows that are a fraction of the jet flow rate-to sharply change the direction of a planar, particle-laden jet. As the jet is vectored, particles present in the flow experience a resultant drag force, dependent upon their size, that balances inertia. Since this balance determines the particle's trajectory, vectoring the flow leads to a separation of particles downstream. This simple, low-pressure-drop sorting technique classifies particles with less risk of damage or contamination than currently available …


Holographic Fabrication Of Photonic Crystals Using Multidimensional Phase Masks, Yuankun Lin, Ahmad Harb, Daniel Rodriguez, Karen Lozano, Di Xu, K. P. Chen Dec 2008

Holographic Fabrication Of Photonic Crystals Using Multidimensional Phase Masks, Yuankun Lin, Ahmad Harb, Daniel Rodriguez, Karen Lozano, Di Xu, K. P. Chen

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper reports the experimental approaches to the fabrication of two-layer integrated phase masks and the fabrication of photonic crystal templates using the phase mask based on holographic lithography technique. The photonic crystal template is formed by exposing photoresist mixtures to five-beam interference patterns generated through the phase mask. The fabricated phase mask consists of two layers of orthogonally oriented gratings produced in a liquid crystal and photoresist mixture. A polymerization-induced phase separation preserves the grating structure during the exposure. The vertical spatial separation between two layers of gratings produces a phase difference among diffracted laser beams, which enables the …


Experiments And Models For The Thermal Response Of Railroad Tapered-Roller Bearings, Constantine M. Tarawneh, Kevin D. Cole, Brent M. Wilson, Fadi Alnaimat Dec 2008

Experiments And Models For The Thermal Response Of Railroad Tapered-Roller Bearings, Constantine M. Tarawneh, Kevin D. Cole, Brent M. Wilson, Fadi Alnaimat

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

The need to understand and quantify the heat transfer paths within tapered-roller bearings is of great importance in the railroad industry since bearing cup temperature measurement is the primary tool utilized in the removal of distressed bearings from service. Experiments were performed to acquire temperature histories at several locations on a stationary bearing subjected to heat sources imbedded in two rollers. The experimental results were compared to zero- and first-order thermal models to estimate overall heat transfer coefficients from the bearing. The results presented here can be used to explain some of the mechanisms that lead to overheating of tapered-roller …


Fabrication Of Long-Fiber-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Using Ultrasonic Consolidation, Yanzhe Yang Dec 2008

Fabrication Of Long-Fiber-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Using Ultrasonic Consolidation, Yanzhe Yang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This research is a systematic study exploring a new fabrication methodology for long-fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) using a novel additive manufacturing technology. The research is devoted to the manufacture of long-fiber-reinforced MMC structures using the Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC) process. The main objectives of this research are to investigate the bond formation mechanisms and fiber embedment mechanisms during UC, and further to study the effects of processing parameters on bond formation and fiber embedment, and the resultant macroscopic mechanical properties of UC-made MMC structures.

From a fundamental research point of view, bond formation mechanisms and fiber embedment mechanisms have been …


Product Family Design Using Smart Pareto Filters, Jonathan D. Yearsley Nov 2008

Product Family Design Using Smart Pareto Filters, Jonathan D. Yearsley

Theses and Dissertations

Product families are frequently used to provide consumers with a variety of appealing products and to help maintain reasonably low production costs for manufacturers. Three common objectives in the design of product families are used to balance the interests of both consumers and manufacturers. These objectives are to maximize (i) product performance, (ii) product distinctiveness as perceived by the consumer, and (iii) product commonality as seen by the manufacturer. In this thesis, three methods are introduced that use multiobjective optimization and Smart Pareto filtering to satisfy the three objectives of product family design. The methods are progressive in nature and …


Design And Testing Of A Pumpless Microelectromechanical System Nanoinjector, Quentin Theodore Aten Nov 2008

Design And Testing Of A Pumpless Microelectromechanical System Nanoinjector, Quentin Theodore Aten

Theses and Dissertations

A deeper understanding of human development and disease is made possible partly through the study of genetically modified model organisms, such as the common mouse (Mus musculus). By genetically modifying such model organisms, scientists can activate, deactivate, or highlight particular characteristics. A genetically modified animal is generated by adding exogenous (foreign) genetic material to one or more embryonic cells at their earliest stages of development. Frequently, this exogenous genetic material consists of specially engineered DNA, which is introduced into a fertilized egg cell (zygote). When successfully introduced into the zygote, the exogenous DNA will be incorporated into the …


Ecad To Mcad Interoperability For Automated Enclosure Design, Adam C. Wilcox Nov 2008

Ecad To Mcad Interoperability For Automated Enclosure Design, Adam C. Wilcox

Theses and Dissertations

Enclosure design is the process of creating a package that will support and protect enclosed circuitry. Electronic enclosures are used in almost all industries, such as aerospace, automotive, naval, computer, toy, etc. Many designers use computer aided design (CAD) packages to aid them in creating these enclosures. Enclosure creation involves a working knowledge of the physics behind electrical and mechanical systems. Each of these engineering disciplines has separate CAD packages with their own set of rules, programming language, and interfaces. This creates a barrier for communication flow between electrical CAD (ECAD) and mechanical CAD (MCAD). The purpose of this thesis …


Design Of A Three-Passage Low Reynolds Number Turbine Cascade With Periodic Flow Conditions, Daniel R. Rogers Nov 2008

Design Of A Three-Passage Low Reynolds Number Turbine Cascade With Periodic Flow Conditions, Daniel R. Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

A numerical method for modeling a low Reynolds number turbine blade, the L1M, is presented along with the pitfalls encountered. A laminar solution was confirmed to not accurately predict the flow features known in low Reynolds number turbine blade flow. Three fully turbulent models were then used to try to predict the separation and reattachment of the flow. These models were also found to be insufficient for transitioning flows. A domain was created to manually trip the laminar flow to turbulent flow using a predictive turbulence transition model. The trip in the domain introduced an instability in the flow field …


Drilling, Alternative Fuels And Efficiency: Can The United States Wean Itself From Imported Oil?, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey Nov 2008

Drilling, Alternative Fuels And Efficiency: Can The United States Wean Itself From Imported Oil?, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Perhaps the most daunting challenge the next generation of Americans will face is what President Bush called our "addiction to oil." The challenge is to find the means to provide for our transportation needs in the face of declining world oil production. Perhaps the central question is whether we will export the great wealth of America to foreign countries in payment for oil before we tackle the grand challenge of creating a new transportation future that does not rely completely on oil.

This article presents the historical facts relative to America's oil demand and domestic and world oil production resources. …


A Biomechanical Comparison Of Locking Plates Contrasted With Intramedullary Treatment Of Distal Femur Fracture, Christina Salas Nov 2008

A Biomechanical Comparison Of Locking Plates Contrasted With Intramedullary Treatment Of Distal Femur Fracture, Christina Salas

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This study compares the pattern of failure of locking compression plates (LCP) and intramedullary nails (IM) used in treatment of unstable comminuted distal femur fractures in osteoporotic and normal bones. Possible late failure of the fixation represents a critical problem in the treatment of distal femur fractures. Few biomechanical studies have examined the effects of osteoporosis on stability of the bone after fixation. Some reports have described catastrophic failure of fixation when LCP were used compared with IM nails making salvage procedures difficult. This thesis reports on the behavior of synthetic composite bone and embalmed cadaveric bone with and without …


Micromechanics Model Based On The Nanostructure Of Pfsa Membranes, Ahmet Kusoglu, Michael H. Santare, Anette M. Karlsson, William B. Johnson, Simon Cleghorn Nov 2008

Micromechanics Model Based On The Nanostructure Of Pfsa Membranes, Ahmet Kusoglu, Michael H. Santare, Anette M. Karlsson, William B. Johnson, Simon Cleghorn

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

A micromechanics model is developed to predict Young’s modulus of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes at various temperatures and water contents. The morphology of PFSA membranes is characterized by a two-phase structure, where hydrophilic clusters expand to hold water molecules during swelling, whereas the hydrophobic polymer network maintains the structural stability. A representative volume element (RVE) is proposed based on the descriptions for the nanostructure of PFSA membranes available in the literature. On the basis of mechanics model, we estimate Young’s modulus in tension of PFSA membranes as a function of water volume fraction for various temperatures. The results show that …


Lean Six Sigma As A Source Of Competitive Advantage, Alessandro Giorgio Cavallini Nov 2008

Lean Six Sigma As A Source Of Competitive Advantage, Alessandro Giorgio Cavallini

Theses and Dissertations

Anecdotal data affirms that companies applying Lean Six Sigma in their operations not only deliver higher quality products and services, but also obtain superior financial results. The goal of this research was to empirically verify anecdotal data. The study proposed to analyze a group of publicly traded manufacturing companies with the intent of verifying if a correlation exists between companies being lean and the attainment of superior returns on investments. The researcher performed a series of statistical tests comparing key Financial Performance Indicators (FPI) extracted from annual reports (10-K) from a large pool of companies. The outcome of this study …


Drop Impact Dynamic Response Study Of Jedec Jesd22-B111 Test Board, Michael Krist, Jianbiao Pan, Andrew Farris, Nicolas Vickers Nov 2008

Drop Impact Dynamic Response Study Of Jedec Jesd22-B111 Test Board, Michael Krist, Jianbiao Pan, Andrew Farris, Nicolas Vickers

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Mobile and handheld electronic devices are prone to being dropped. This drop event may result in failure of solder joints inside these devices. The need for RoHS compliant boards coupled with the demand for reliable electronics has resulted in the development of the JEDEC Standard JESD22-B111 to standardize the method of drop testing surface mount electronic components. However, there has been little study on the effects of additional mass on the board and rigidity of the board on drop test reliability. This paper examines the drop impact dynamic responses of the JEDEC JESD22-B111 board. Of interest are the effects of …


The Effect Of Ultrasonic Frequency On Gold Wire Bondability And Reliability, Jianbiao Pan, Minh-Nhat Le, Cuong Van Pham Nov 2008

The Effect Of Ultrasonic Frequency On Gold Wire Bondability And Reliability, Jianbiao Pan, Minh-Nhat Le, Cuong Van Pham

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This paper presents a systematic study on the effect of 120KHz ultrasonic frequency on the bondability and reliability of fine pitch gold wire bonding. The study was carried out on a thermosonic ball bonder that is allowed to easily switch between ultrasonic frequency of 60KHz and 120 KHz by changing the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic generator. Bonding parameters were optimized through design of experiment methodology for four different cases: 25.4 μm wire at 60 kHz, 25.4 μm wire at 120 kHz, 17.8 μm wire at 60 kHz, and 17.8 μm wire at 120 kHz. The integrity of wire bonds …


Isolation Of Methyl Laurate From Coconut Oil As Raw Material For Fatty Alcohol Sulfate, Rita Arbianti, Tania Surya Utami, Astri Nugroho Nov 2008

Isolation Of Methyl Laurate From Coconut Oil As Raw Material For Fatty Alcohol Sulfate, Rita Arbianti, Tania Surya Utami, Astri Nugroho

Makara Journal of Technology

Isolation of Methyl Laurate from Coconut Oil as Raw Material for Fatty Alcohol Sulfate. Methyl laurate is a raw or base material for many industries, including surfactant industries. In this research, coconut oil (VCO) is transesterified with methanol to produce methyl ester, using NaOH as the catalyst. Methyl laurate is then separated by method based on the difference in melting point. This research focuses at determining the effects of some variables in transesterification on the concentration of produced methyl laurate. The variables are temperature (40 oC, 50 oC, 60 oC, 80 oC), time of transesterification reaction (0,5 hour, 1 hour, …


The Decompositioning Of Volatile-Matter Of Tanjung Enim Coal By Using Thermogravimetry Analyzer (Tga), Nukman Nukman Nov 2008

The Decompositioning Of Volatile-Matter Of Tanjung Enim Coal By Using Thermogravimetry Analyzer (Tga), Nukman Nukman

Makara Journal of Technology

The Decompositioning of Volatile-Matter of Tanjung Enim Coal by using Thermogravimetry Analyzer (TGA). Coal is a nature material which a kind of energy source. The decompotition of coal could analyze by heat treated using thermogravimetry analyzer. The decomposition of the volatile matter for three kinds of Tanjung Enim coal could be known. The value of activation energy that be found diference, then for Semi Anthracite, Bitumonius and Sub Bituminous Coal, the initial temperatures are 60.8 oC, 70.7 oC, 97.8oC, and the last temperatures are 893.8 oC, 832 oC, 584.6oC.


Phase Unwrapping Insar Image Using Local Energy Minimization Approach, Kusworo Adi, Tati L.R. Mengko, Andriyan B. Suksmono, Hendra Gunawan Nov 2008

Phase Unwrapping Insar Image Using Local Energy Minimization Approach, Kusworo Adi, Tati L.R. Mengko, Andriyan B. Suksmono, Hendra Gunawan

Makara Journal of Technology

Phase Unwrapping InSAR Image Using Local Energy Minimization Approach. Reconstruction process of phase data from its cover is called Phase Unwrapping (PU). Ideally, without any noise phrase, singularity, and aliasing problems, the phase information can be unwrapped easily. However, in fact, the phase data actually always get noise disturbance and discontinuity. The PU process becomes more complicated and needs a better PU algorithm to address the problems properly. In this research, the local PU algorithm is developed using minimization of close related firstorder pixels energy approach. In this method, the energy difference between four close related pixels is counted, followed …


Two Element Microstrip Antenna Array With Defected Ground Structure, Fitri Yuli Zulkifli, Eko Tjipto Rahardjo, Muhamad Asvial, Djoko Hartanto Nov 2008

Two Element Microstrip Antenna Array With Defected Ground Structure, Fitri Yuli Zulkifli, Eko Tjipto Rahardjo, Muhamad Asvial, Djoko Hartanto

Makara Journal of Technology

Two Element Microstrip Antenna Array with Defected Ground Structure. This paper presents a two element microstrip antenna array using trapezium shape defected ground structure (DGS). The DGS is inserted in the ground plane between two elements of antenna array. Insertion of the DGS is intended to suppress the mutual coupling effect produced by antenna array. Simulation and measurement results were taken and compared between antenna array with and without DGS. Measurement results show that the antenna with DGS compared to antenna without DGS can suppress mutual coupling effect to 7.9 dB, improve the return loss to 33.29% from -30.188 dB …


Board Level Failure Analysis Of Chip Scale Package Drop Test Assemblies, Nicholas Vickers, Kyle Rauen, Andrew Farris, Jianbiao Pan Nov 2008

Board Level Failure Analysis Of Chip Scale Package Drop Test Assemblies, Nicholas Vickers, Kyle Rauen, Andrew Farris, Jianbiao Pan

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This paper presents the failure analysis results of board level drop tests. In this study, the test vehicle was designed according to the requirements of the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) drop test board. The test vehicle was assembled with 15 chip scale packages (CSPs) each having 228 daisy-chained 0.5 mm pitch solder joints using Sn-3.0 wt% Ag-0.5 wt% Cu (SAC305) lead free solder. Assemblies were drop tested using three different peak accelerations of 900 G, 1500 G, 2900 G, with 0.7 ms, 0.5 ms, and 0.3 ms pulse durations, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy …


Hydrogen Absorption In Weldments Of Overlaid Claded Pressure Vessel, Ronnie Higuchi Rusli Nov 2008

Hydrogen Absorption In Weldments Of Overlaid Claded Pressure Vessel, Ronnie Higuchi Rusli

Makara Journal of Technology

Cracks was found in type 347 stainless steel internal attachment welds of a reactor for a high temperature, and high pressure hydrogen service. One of the possible causes of cracking is low cycle fatigue cracking induced by repetition of thermal stress to embrittled weld metal. Type 347 weld metal loses its ductility by presence of sigma phase and hydrogen.


Neutron Irradiation On Ss316 Material For Radioactive Endovascular Stent Production, Rohadi Awaludin, Abidin Abidin, Sriyono Sriyono Nov 2008

Neutron Irradiation On Ss316 Material For Radioactive Endovascular Stent Production, Rohadi Awaludin, Abidin Abidin, Sriyono Sriyono

Makara Journal of Technology

Neutron Irradiation on SS316 Material for Radioactive Endovascular Stent Production. It was reported that restenosis could be prevented by radioactive endovascular stent. SS316 material of endovascular stent has been irradiated at pneumatic rabbit system of G.A. Siwabessy reactor for 5 minutes for producing radioactive stent by neutron activation. After 10 days of decay, the irradiated SS316 was measured by gamma spectrometer. The radioisotopes of 51Cr, 59Fe and 60Co were detected in the irradiated SS316 with radioactivity of 5990, 107 and 109 Bq/mg respectively. The Calculation results showed that radioisotopes of 51Cr, 59Fe and 55Fe were produced by neutron activation. The …


Physical Characteristics And Utilization Oft The Karst Beaches In Kabupaten Gunungkidul, Astrid Damayanti, Ranum Ayuningtyas Nov 2008

Physical Characteristics And Utilization Oft The Karst Beaches In Kabupaten Gunungkidul, Astrid Damayanti, Ranum Ayuningtyas

Makara Journal of Technology

Physical Characteristics and Utilization oft the Karst Beaches in Kabupaten Gunungkidul. Karsts beaches at Gunungkidul Regency (Baron, Kukup, Sepanjang, Drini, Krakal, Ngandong, and Sundak), located in south of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Province, have economic potential. Even they have similarity in geological condition (genesis and morphological processes), but they have different physical characteristics. Based on result of observation environment on morphological conditions and spatial analysis method, we found the proper utilization of the beaches.


Spectral Response Surfaces And The Ringing Response Of Offshore Structures, I Ketut Suastika Nov 2008

Spectral Response Surfaces And The Ringing Response Of Offshore Structures, I Ketut Suastika

Makara Journal of Technology

A method, called spectral response surface method, is proposed for the study of the ringing phenomenon of offshore structures. Newman’s results for diffraction force on a column were reformulated in terms of the frequency components of the ocean surface and their Hilbert transforms. Using a first-order reliability method together with a dynamic model for the structural response, it is straightforward to calculate the ocean surface history most likely to generate an extreme ringing response and the ringing response history.


Localised Galvanic Corrosion Processes In Thermal Spray Coated/Cast Aluminium Alloy Systems, David Culliton, Tony Betts, David Kennedy Nov 2008

Localised Galvanic Corrosion Processes In Thermal Spray Coated/Cast Aluminium Alloy Systems, David Culliton, Tony Betts, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Cast Aluminium Alloys, because of the propensity of aluminium to react with impurities and alloying elements, are prone to developing IM impurities during the solidification process. These IM phases can act, in some fluids, as initiation sites for localised corrosion processes, resulting in degradation phenomena, such as pitting. Whilst Thermal Spray coatings can improve the wear resistance of Cast Aluminium Alloys, their corrosion performance may be hampered by the presence of through porosity within the coating.

The present work details some preliminary studies of the localised corrosion processes occurring at the interface area between a Thermal Spray coating and a …


Real-Time Vertical Track Deflection Measurement System, Sheng Lu Nov 2008

Real-Time Vertical Track Deflection Measurement System, Sheng Lu

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Track quality is a major factor in railroad safety, and one accepted indicator of track quality is the vertical track deflection. Measuring track deflection from a moving railcar is difficult because there is no stable reference for the measurements. A system developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska to measure track deflection from a moving railcar in real-time is described in detail. The system consists of a loaded hopper with a camera/laser sensor system to detect the vertical deflection of the rail relative to the wheel/rail contact point. Modeling and simulation of the system is also presented along with …


Image Analyses Of Two Crustacean Exoskeletons And Implications Of The Exoskeletal Microstructure On The Mechanical Behavior, Liang Cheng, Liyun Wang, Anette M. Karlsson Nov 2008

Image Analyses Of Two Crustacean Exoskeletons And Implications Of The Exoskeletal Microstructure On The Mechanical Behavior, Liang Cheng, Liyun Wang, Anette M. Karlsson

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The microstructures of exoskeletons from Homarus americanus (American lobster) and Callinectes sapidus (Atlantic blue crab) were investigated to elucidate the mechanical behavior of such biological composites. Image analyses of the cross-sectioned exoskeletons showed that the two species each have three well-defined regions across the cuticle thickness where the two innermost regions (exocuticle and endocuticle) are load bearing. These regions consist of mineralized chitin fibers aligned in layers, where a gradual rotation of the fiber orientation of the layers results in repeating stacks. The exocuticle and endocuticle of the two species have similar morphology, but different thicknesses, number of layers, and …