This volume gathers the proceedings of the Joint International Conference of the XIII International Conference on Mechanisms and Mechanical Transmissions (MTM) and the XXIV International Conference on Robotics (Robotics), held in Timisoara, Romania. It addresses the applications of mechanisms and transmissions in several modern technical fields such as mechatronics, biomechanics, machines, micromachines, robotics and apparatus. In doing so, it combines theoretical findings and experimental testing. The book presents peer-reviewed papers written by researchers specialized in mechanism analysis and synthesis, dynamics of mechanisms and machines, mechanical transmissions, biomechanics, precision mechanics, mechatronics, micromechanisms and microactuators, computational and experimental methods, CAD in mechanism and machine design, mechanical design of robot architecture, parallel robots, mobile robots, micro and nano robots, sensors and actuators in robotics, intelligent control systems, biomedical engineering, teleoperation, haptics, and virtual reality.

This book presents the development of SLAM-based mobile robot control systems as an integrated approach that combines the localization, mapping and motion control fields, and reviews several techniques that represent the basics of the mathematical description of wheeled robots, their navigation and path planning approaches, localization and map creating techniques. It examines SLAM paradigms and Bayesian recursive state and map estimation techniques, which include Kalman and particle filtering, and enable the development of a SLAM-based integrated system for the inspection task performed. The system's development is divided into two phases: a single-robot approach and multirobot inspection system. The book describes an original approach to 2D SLAM in multi-floor buildings that covers each 2D level map, as well as continuous 3D pose tracking, and views the multirobot inspection system as a group of homogeneous mobile robots. The last part of the book is dedicated to multirobot map creation and the development of path planning solutions, which allow the robots' homogeneous behavior and configuration to be used to develop a multirobot system without theoretical limitations on the number of robots used.

This book is the first monograph focusing on ellipsoidal heads, which are commonly used as an end closure of pressure vessels in chemical, petroleum, nuclear, marine, aerospace and food processing industries. It provides a comprehensive coverage of stress, failure, design and fabrication of ellipsoidal heads. This book investigates in detail buckling/plastic collapse behaviors of ellipsoidal heads using nonlinear finite element methods and experiments. Buckling/plastic collapse experiments are performed on 37 ellipsoidal heads which cover various geometric parameters, material and fabrication methods. In particular, modern measurement technologies, such as 3D laser scanning, are used in the experiments of these ellipsoidal heads including large heads with a diameter up to 5 metres. Moreover, this book presents new formulas for accurate prediction of buckling/plastic collapse pressures of ellipsoidal heads. Using elastic-plastic theory, this book proposes a new failure mechanism-based method for design of ellipsoidal heads. Compared to other methods in current codes and standards based on elastic or perfectly plastic theory, the new design method can fully develop the head's load-carrying capacity, which reduces head thickness and thus cost. Also, this book studies control on fabrication quality of ellipsoidal heads, including shape deviation, forming strain and forming temperature. It is useful as a technical reference for researchers and engineers in the fields of engineering mechanics, engineering design, manufacturing engineering and industrial engineering.

This book introduces the engineering application of the discrete element method (DEM), especially the simulation analysis of the typical equipment (scraper conveyor, coal silos, subsoiler) in the coal and agricultural machinery. In this book, the DEM is applied to build rigid and loose coupling model, and the kinematic effect of the bulk materials, the mechanical effect of the interaction between the bulk materials, and the mechanical equipment in the operation process of the relevant equipment are studied. On this basis, the optimization design strategy of the relevant structure is proposed. This book effectively promotes the application of DEM in engineering, analyzes the operation state, failure mechanism, and operation effect of related equipment in operation, and provides theoretical basis for the optimal design of equipment. The book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in mechanical engineering, researchers investigating coal and agricultural machinery, and engineers working on designing related equipments.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of multibody and mechatronic systems. Topics addressed include the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms; dynamics of multibody systems; design algorithms for mechatronic systems; robots and micromachines; experimental validations; theory of mechatronic simulation; mechatronic systems for rehabilitation and assistive technologies; mechatronic systems for energy harvesting; virtual reality integration in multibody and mechatronic systems; multibody design in robotic systems; and control of mechatronic systems. The contents reflect the outcomes of the 7th International Symposium on Multibody Systems and Mechatronics (7th MuSMe) in 2020, within the framework of the FEIbIM Commission for Robotics and Mechanisms and IFToMM Technical Committees for Multibody Dynamics and for Robotics and Mechatronics.

This book describes the theoretical framework of parallel manipulators and presents examples of their application. The theoretical part begins with the theory of parallel manipulator synthesis. Working on this basis, various topology designs of one-loop and multiloop parallel manipulators are then obtained. The next section describes the zero parameters method for the analysis of mechanism (manipulator) structure with closed kinematic circuits, and includes examples of its application, highlighting its advantages compared to traditional methods. The book then presents the redundant parameters method for determining the position of special parallel manipulator links, and discusses its application in solving the direct problem of link position for multiloop manipulators. It also addresses one-loop and multiloop manipulators, and includes a solution for the direct and inverse link position problems of kinematics. In closing, the book presents a range of potential applications for parallel manipulator. These examples are intended to promote the development and implementation of new engineering solutions, e.g. in seismic protection systems, renewable energy and other areas. The book includes a wealth of material that can be used for teaching undergraduate, graduate and PhD students majoring in robotics, automation and related fields, and can also be used by researchers to solve problems in connection with introducing robotics technologies.

This monograph presents state-of-the-art knowledge in wood manufacturing design with a special focus on the elaboration of functional relationships. The authors transfer and apply the method of functional relationships to challenges in wood manufacturing, and the book contains many worked examples which help the reader to better understand the presented method. The topical spectrum includes machining processes, energy consumption, surface quality, hardness and durability properties as well as aesthetical properties. The target audience primarily comprises research experts and practitioners in wood manufacturing, but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students alike.

This book investigates the time-dependent behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) at elevated temperatures. The author combines the time-dependent damage mechanisms of interface and fiber oxidation and fracture with the micromechanical approach to establish the relationships between the first matrix cracking stress, matrix multiple cracking evolution, tensile strength, tensile stress-strain curves and tensile fatigue of fiber-reinforced CMCs and time. Then, using damage models of energy balance, the fracture mechanics approach, critical matrix strain energy criterion, Global Load Sharing criterion, and hysteresis loops he determines the first matrix cracking stress, interface debonded length, matrix cracking density, fibers failure probability, tensile strength, tensile stress-strain curves and fatigue hysteresis loops. Lastly, he predicts the time-dependent mechanical behavior of different fiber-reinforced CMCs, i.e., C/SiC and SiC/SiC, using the developed approaches, in order to reduce the failure risk during the operation of aero engines. The book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the mechanical behavior of CMCs, researchers investigating the damage evolution of CMCs at elevated temperatures, and designers responsible for hot-section CMC components in aero engines.

This volume contains the papers of the 7th International Workshop on Medical and Service Robots (MESROB) which was held in Basel, Switzerland, on June 7-9, 2021. The main topics include: design of medical devices, kinematics and dynamics for medical robotics, exoskeletons and prostheses, anthropomorphic hands, therapeutic robots and rehabilitation, cognitive robots, humanoid and service robots, assistive robots and elderly assistance, surgical robots, human-robot interfaces, haptic devices, medical treatments, medical lasers, and surgical planning and navigation. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaboration among different specialists, demonstrating that medical and service robotics will drive the technological and societal change in the coming decades.

This book discusses the impact of fuels characteristics and their effects on the combustion processes in internal combustion engines. It includes the analysis of a variety of biofuels (alcohol fuels and biodiesel) and biogases (natural gas, hydrogen, etc.), providing valuable information related to consequent effects on performance and emissions. The contents focus on recent results and current trends of fuel utilization in the transport sector. State-of-the-art of clean fuels application are also discussed. Thighs book will be of interest to those in academia and industry involved in fuels, IC engines, engine instrumentation, and environmental research.

This book gathers the proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Applied Composite Materials (MEACM), held in Beijing, China on October 24-25, 2020. The conference brought together researchers from several countries and covered all major areas of mechanical engineering and applied composite materials, new applications and current trends. The topics covered include: structure and design, mechanical manufacturing and automation, robotics and mechatronics, mechanical behavior of nanomaterials, nanocomposites, and composite mechanics. Given its scope, the book offers a source of information and inspiration for researchers seeking to improve their work and gather new ideas for future developments.

This book presents central problems in the design, research and maintenance of large-size mining machines for open pits, mobile earth-moving machinery, hydraulic hammers for mining and civil engineering, and screening processes for bulk materials. It brings together the insights of numerous respected academics to offer a thorough and multifaceted overview of the topic. The first few chapters of the book deal with specific problems that frequently occur in machinery for open-pit mining. They focus on the resilience of large-size mining machines, degradation of steels used for supporting structures, and modelling of large-size rotary joints, as well as the noise hazards in connection with degradation processes. The book then moves on to discuss problems arising in earth-moving machinery, such as new approaches to the assessment of operation and maintenance, dynamic loads in front-end loader booms, and synchronic transfer of power from the engine to the driven wheels. The book concludes by discussing hydraulic hammers for mining and civil engineering, and screening processes for bulk materials that combine a vibroscreen with additional feed elements. The book is primarily intended for undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses, but will also be of interest to researchers and mechanical engineers.

This book presents the proceedings of the 30th International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region, RAAD 2021, held in Poitiers, France, 21-23 June 2021. It gathers contributions by researchers from several countries on all major areas of robotic research, development and innovation, as well as new applications and current trends. The topics covered include: novel designs and applications of robotic systems, intelligent cooperating and service robots, advanced robot control, human-robot interfaces, robot vision systems, mobile robots, humanoid and walking robots, bio-inspired and swarm robotic systems, aerial, underwater and spatial robots, robots for ambient assisted living, medical robots and bionic prostheses, cognitive robots, cloud robotics, ethical and social issues in robotics, etc. Given its scope, the book offers a source of information and inspiration for researchers seeking to improve their work and gather new ideas for future developments.

Remarkable developments have taken place in the field of mechatronics in recent years. As symbolized by the "Janglish (Japanese English)" word, mechatronics, the technology and the social adaptation for introducing electronics into mechanics has been readily accepted in Japan. Currently robots are producing many products under computer control in Japanese factories, and supermarkets are utilizing automation systems for sample displays and sales. Further, the fast paced change in semiconductor chip technology has given rise to the need for micro-displacement positioning techniques. Actuators utilizing piezoelectridelectrostrictive effects are expected to meet these needs in mechanical components in the next micro mechatronic age. This book, in English, builds on my earlier publications concerned with ceramic actuators. The first edition titled "Essentials for Development and Applications of Piezoelectric Actuators" was published in 1984 through the Japan Industrial Technology Center. The second edition "PiezoelectriclElectrostrictive Actuators" published in Japanese through Morikita Pub. Co. (Tokyo) became one of the best sellers in that company in 1986, and was then translated into Korean. The problem solving edition "Piezoelectric Actuators -Problem Solving" was also published through Morikita, which was sold in conjunction with a 60 minute video tape to provide easy understanding."

This book comprises state-of-the-art advances in energy, combustion, power, propulsion, environment, focusing on the production and utilization of fossil fuels, alternative fuels and biofuels. It is written by internationally renowned experts who provide the latest fundamental and applied research innovations on cleaner energy production as well as utilization for a wide range of devices extending from micro scale energy conversion to hypersonic propulsion using hydrocarbon fuels. The tailored technical tracks and contributions are portrayed in the respective field to highlight different but complementary views on fuels, combustion, power and propulsion and air toxins with special focus on current and future R&D needs and activities. This book will serve as a useful reference for practicing engineers, research engineers and managers in industry and research labs, academic institutions, graduate students, and final year undergraduate students in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, energy, and environmental engineering.

This book aims to describe the basis meshing theory of roller enveloping worm gear and provides the new design and manufacturing method for solving the problem of backlash in gearing transmission. Also, it presents a new efficient numerical calculation means to predict the lubrication properties for two complex surface meshing in space. Our results provide a series of new viewpoints for design precision reducer.

This book aims to develop systematic design methodologies to model-based nonlinear control of aeroengines, focusing on (1) modelling of aeroengine systems-both component-level and identification-based models will be extensively studied and compared; and (2) advanced nonlinear control designs-set-point control, transient control and limit-protection control approaches will all be investigated. The model-based design has been one of the pivotal technologies to advanced control and health management of propulsion systems. It can fulfil advanced designs such as fault-tolerant control, engine modes control and direct thrust control. As a consequence, model-based design has become an important research area in the field of aeroengines due to its theoretical interests and engineering significance. One of the central issues in model-based controls is the tackling of nonlinearities. There are publications concerning with either nonlinear modelling or nonlinear controls; yet, they are scattered throughout the literature. It is time to provide a comprehensive summary of model-based nonlinear controls. Consequently, a series of important results are obtained and a systematic design methodology is developed which provides consistently enhanced performance over a large flight/operational envelope, and it is thus expected to provide useful guidance to practical engineering in aeroengine industry and research.

Traditionally, electrical machines are classi?ed into d. c. commutator (brushed) machines, induction (asynchronous) machines and synchronous machines. These three types of electrical machines are still regarded in many academic curricula as fundamental types, despite that d. c. brushed machines (except small machines) have been gradually abandoned and PM brushless machines (PMBM) and switched reluctance machines (SRM) have been in mass p- duction and use for at least two decades. Recently, new topologies of high torque density motors, high speed motors, integrated motor drives and special motors have been developed. Progress in electric machines technology is stimulated by new materials, new areas of applications, impact of power electronics, need for energy saving and new technological challenges. The development of electric machines in the next few years will mostly be stimulated by computer hardware, residential and public applications and transportation systems (land, sea and air). At many Universities teaching and research strategy oriented towards el- trical machinery is not up to date and has not been changed in some co- tries almost since the end of the WWII. In spite of many excellent academic research achievements, the academia-industry collaboration and technology transfer are underestimated or, quite often, neglected. Underestimation of the role of industry, unfamiliarity with new trends and restraint from technology transfer results, with time, in lack of external ?nancial support and drastic - cline in the number of students interested in Power Electrical Engineering.

This book provides an overview of clean fuels for sustainable mobility by highlighting on world energy outlook, technic-economic assessment, and the key aspects of the fuel production processes and their possible large impact on various transportation sector segments. The content initially deals with different types of alternative fuels, for example, ethanol, methanol, butanol, hydrogen, biogas, biodiesel, etc. It also focuses on current trends in the automotive sector. Various aspects of the clean fuels production process and formulation to improve the combustion characteristics and efficiency toward sustainability are considered. Some of the important fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, natural gas etc. are discussed in detail. This volume will be useful for the industrial and research community involved in fuels, combustion engines, and environmental research.

This book provides engineers and scientists with practical fundamentals for turbomachinery design. It presents a detailed analysis of existing procedures for the analysis of rotor and structure dynamics, while keeping mathematical equations to a minimum. Specific terminologies are used for rotors and structures, respectively, allowing the readers to clearly distinguish between the two. Further, the book describes the essential concepts needed to understand rotor failure modes due to lateral and torsional oscillations. It guides the reader from simple single-degree-of-freedom models to the most complex multi-degree-of-freedom systems, and provides useful information concerning steel pedestal stiffness degradation and other structural issues. Fluid-film bearing types and their dynamical behavior are extensively covered and discussed in the context of various turbomachinery applications. The book also discusses shaft alignment and rotor balancing from a practical point of view, providing readers with essential information to help them solve practical problems. As the main body of the book focuses on the diagnostics and description of case studies addressing the most pressing practical issues, together with their successful solutions, it offers a valuable reference guide, helping field engineers manage day-to-day issues with turbomachinery.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of multibody and mechatronic systems. Topics addressed include the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms; modelling and simulation of multibody systems; railway and vehicle dynamics; mechatronic systems for energy harvesting; robot design and optimization; and mechatronic design. It gathers the second volume of the proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Multibody Systems and Mechatronics (MuSMe), virtually held in Cordoba, Argentina, on October 12-15, 2021, within the framework of the FEIbIM Commission for Robotics and Mechanisms and IFToMM Technical Committees for Multibody Dynamics and for Robotics and Mechatronics.

The text describes the main features of currently available heat pumps, focusing on system operation and interactions with external heat sources. In fact, before choosing a heat pump, several aspects must be assessed in detail: the actual climate of the installation site, the building's energy requirements, the heating system, the type of operation etc. After discussing the general working principles, the book describes the main components of compression machines - for EHPs, GHPs and CO2 heat pumps. It then addresses absorption heat pumps and provides additional details on the behavior of two-fluid mixtures. The book presents a performance comparison for the different types, helping designers choose the right one for their needs, and discusses the main refrigerants. Notes on helpful additional literature, websites and videos, also concerning relevant European regulations, round out the coverage. This book will be of interest to all engineers and technicians whose work involves heat pumps. It will also benefit students in energy engineering degree programs who want to deepen their understanding of heat pumps.

A highly readable and authoritatively written book with an important message for US industry and government in a world of long-term uncertainty of gasoline price and availability. The author argues persuasively that current low fuel prices and the relative lack of competition in the US auto market are creating an unwillingness by US car companies to innovate and take risks to improve their product. Needed product improvements relate not only to fuel economy, but also to a wide range of technological features. Choice

The halcyon days of low oil prices in the 1980s are fated to give way to another major oil crisis, asserts the author of this comprehensive, carefully documented analysis. Researched under the auspices of the Federation of American Scientists, this study presses for development of automotive fuel economy technologies. Bleviss focuses on two interrelated themes--the spector of another oil crisis and its effect on the light transportation industry. Foreign makers of light vehicles are already ahead of domestic automakers in developing new fuel economy technologies. The study suggests that unless the United States moves aggressively to develop these technologies now, the nation will be unprepared for the severity of the approaching world-wide crisis and for the research advantage gained by foreign industry.

This book analyzes the problems to be solved urgently in the development of launch vehicle control system. The techniques of redundant Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) reconfiguration and trajectory replanning are proposed aiming at the inertial device failures and power system failures during flight of launch vehicles, respectively. It introduces the background of redundant IMU reconfiguration and trajectory replanning technologies and models of launch vehicle dynamics and redundant strap-down IMUs. The approaches for redundant strap-down IMU fault detection, reconfiguration and trajectory replanning are proposed, putting forward a prospect for the development of launch vehicle control system. The content of this book is concise and highly pragmatic. It could serve as a reference for engineers and researchers engaged in the analysis, design and verification of launch vehicle control systems and also as a reference for graduate students and senior undergraduates majoring in navigation, guidance and control.

This book presents experimental and numerical findings on reducing shock-induced separation by applying transition upstream the shock wave. The purpose is to find out how close to the shock wave the transition should be located in order to obtain favorable turbulent boundary layer interaction. The book shares findings obtained using advanced flow measurement methods and concerning e.g. the transition location, boundary layer characteristics, and the detection of shock wave configurations. It includes a number of experimental case studies and CFD simulations that offer valuable insights into the flow structure. It covers RANS/URANS methods for the experimental test section design, as well as more advanced techniques, such as LES, hybrid methods and DNS for studying the transition and shock wave interaction in detail. The experimental and numerical investigations presented here were conducted by sixteen different partners in the context of the TFAST Project. The general focus is on determining if and how it is possible to improve flow performance in comparison to laminar interaction. The book mainly addresses academics and professionals whose work involves the aerodynamics of internal and external flows, as well as experimentalists working with compressible flows. It will also be of benefit for CFD developers and users, and for students of aviation and propulsion systems alike.