This book presents the most recent advances in the research and applications of reconfigurable mechanisms and robots. It collects 93 independently reviewed papers presented at the Third ASME/IFToMM International Conference on Reconfigurable Mechanisms and Robots (ReMAR 2015) held in Beijing, China, 20-22 July 2015. The conference papers are organized into seven parts to cover the reconfiguration theory, topology, kinematics and design of reconfigurable mechanisms including reconfigurable parallel mechanisms. The most recent results on reconfigurable robots are presented including their analysis, design, simulation and control. Bio-inspired mechanisms are also explored in the challenging fields of rehabilitation and minimally invasive surgery. This book further addresses deployable mechanisms and origami-inspired mechanisms and showcases a wide range of successful applications of reconfigurable mechanisms and robots. Advances in Reconfigurable Mechanisms and Robots II should be of interest for researchers, engineers and postgraduate students in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics.

This book reviews the fundamentals of screw theory concerned with velocity analysis of rigid-bodies, confirmed with detailed and explicit proofs. The author additionally investigates acceleration, jerk, and hyper-jerk analyses of rigid-bodies following the trend of the velocity analysis. With the material provided in this book, readers can extend the theory of screws into the kinematics of optional order of rigid-bodies. Illustrative examples and exercises to reinforce learning are provided. Of particular note, the kinematics of emblematic parallel manipulators, such as the Delta robot as well as the original Gough and Stewart platforms are revisited applying, in addition to the theory of screws, new methods devoted to simplify the corresponding forward-displacement analysis, a challenging task for most parallel manipulators.

In Logomotive Ian Logan's photographs are assembled into chapters and picture essays recalling the great days of lines such as the Santa Fe, the Union Pacific, and the Kansas City Southern. Some of his journeys are presented as travelogues in which he meets the Fat Controller, gets to sound the horn, and wanders into freight yards to see the last generation of streamline locomotives rusting amid the weeds. Animal motifs, Native American allusions, advertising slogans, names of famous trains such as the Super Chief and the Wabash Cannonball provide the subject matter for other picture features.

This self-tutorial offers a concise yet thorough grounding in the mathematics necessary for successfully applying FEMs to practical problems in science and engineering. The unique approach first summarizes and outlines the finite-element mathematics in general and then, in the second and major part, formulates problem examples that clearly demonstrate the techniques of functional analysis via numerous and diverse exercises. The solutions of the problems are given directly afterwards. Using this approach, the author motivates and encourages the reader to actively acquire the knowledge of finite-element methods instead of passively absorbing the material, as in most standard textbooks. The enlarged English-language edition, based on the original French, also contains a chapter on the approximation steps derived from the description of nature with differential equations and then applied to the specific model to be used. Furthermore, an introduction to tensor calculus using distribution theory offers further insight for readers with different mathematical backgrounds.

This book focuses on particulate matter emissions produced by vehicles with combustion engines. It describes the physicochemical properties of the particulate matter, the mechanisms of its formation and its environmental impacts (including those on human beings). It discusses methods for measuring particulate mass and number, including the state-of-the-art in Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS) equipment for measuring the exhaust emissions of both light and heavy-duty vehicles and buses under actual operating conditions. The book presents the authors' latest investigations into the relations between particulate emission (mass and number) and engine operating parameters, as well as their new findings obtained through road tests performed on various types of vehicles, including those using diesel particulate filter regeneration. The book, which addresses the needs of academics and professionals alike, also discusses relevant European regulations on particulate emissions and highlights selected methods aimed at the reduction of particulate emissions from automobiles.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to and technical description of a unique patented surface-modification technology: plasma surface metallurgy with double-glow discharge plasma process, known as the Xu-Tec process. As such it promotes further attention and interest in scientific research and engineering development in this area, as well as industrial utilization and product commercialization. The Xu-Tec process has opened up a new material engineering field of "Plasma Surface Metallurgy". This surface-modification process can transform many low-grade and low-cost industrial engineering materials into "gold" materials with a high value and high grade or special functions. This improved material can be widely used in industrial production to improve the surface performance and quality of mechanical parts and manufacturing products, and to conserve expensive alloying elements for the benefit of all mankind. "This book will be valuable to those in the general area of surface metallurgy. The substantial description of the Xu-Tec process is very important and should assist in expanding the use of this superior technique. The in-depth explanation of glow discharges and their use in general will also serve as a valuable reference in the field." James E. Thompson, Prof. Fellow of the IEEE Dean of Engineering Emeritus University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA November, 2016 "A BREAKTHROUGH IN MAKING METAL TOUGHER". ---- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Business Week, July 24, 1989 "NOVEL SURFACE ALLOYING PROCESS" --- THE LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY WORDWIDE Materials and Processing Report, Dec. 1987

The 24th Leeds-Lyon Symposium was held in London from 4th-6th September 1997, where it was hosted by the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine.

The meeting addressed the topic of "Tribology for Energy Conservation" and attracted a wide range of stimulating papers and speakers. Some 150 delegates from nineteen countries attended and about sixty papers were presented in fifteen sessions. These covered the topics of lubricants, wear, friction reduction, hydrodynamics, elastohydrodynamic lubrication, surface roughness, manufacturing, component life (including condition monitoring), and automotive aspects.

Tribology is emerging from the realm of steam engines and crank-case lubricants and becoming key to vital new technologies such as nanotechnology and MEMS. Wear is an integral part of tribology, and an effective understanding and appreciation of wear is essential in order to achieve the reliable and efficient operation of almost any machine or device. Knowledge in the field has increased considerably over recent years, and continues to expand: this book is intended to stimulate its readers to contribute towards the progress of this fascinating subject that relates to most of the known disciplines in physical science.

"Wear - Materials, Mechanisms and Practice" provides the reader with a unique insight into our current understanding of wear, based on the contributions of numerous internationally acclaimed specialists in the field. Offers a comprehensive review of current knowledge in the field of wear. Discusses latest topics in wear mechanism classification. Includes coverage of a wide variety of materials such as metals, polymers, polymer composites, diamonds, and diamond-like films and ceramics. Discusses the chemo-mechanical linkages that control tribology, providing a more complete treatment of the subject than just the conventional mechanical treatments. Illustrated throughout with carefully compiled diagrams that provide a unique insight into the controlling mechanisms of tribology.

The state of the art research on wear and the mechanisms of wear featured will be of interest to post-graduate students and lecturers in engineering, materials science and chemistry. The practical applications discussed will appeal to practitioners across virtually all sectors of engineeringand industry including electronic, mechanical and electrical, quality and reliability and design.

Mechanical Design: Theory and Applications, Third Edition introduces the design and selection of common mechanical engineering components and machine elements, hence providing the foundational "building blocks" engineers needs to practice their art. In this book, readers will learn how to develop detailed mechanical design skills in the areas of bearings, shafts, gears, seals, belt and chain drives, clutches and brakes, and springs and fasteners. Where standard components are available from manufacturers, the steps necessary for their specification and selection are thoroughly developed. Descriptive and illustrative information is used to introduce principles, individual components, and the detailed methods and calculations that are necessary to specify and design or select a component. As well as thorough descriptions of methodologies, this book also provides a wealth of valuable reference information on codes and regulations.

Gain a Deeper Understanding of Mechanical Fastening: Assemble More Efficient and Competitive Products A good design, quality parts, and properly executed assembly procedures and processes result in well-fastened assemblies. Utilizing a combined knowledge of mechanical assembly engineering and fastening technology, Mechanical Fastening, Joining, and Assembly, Second Edition provides readers with a solid understanding of mechanical fastening, joining, and assembly information. Based on the author's experience in the field, this updated mechanical arts guide and reference chronicles the technical progress since the first edition was published more than a decade ago. Provides Case Studies Showing Real-World Applications for Commonly Used Assemblies The second edition addresses recent trends in the industry, and looks at new fastening technologies used in aerospace, automotive, and other key areas. It explains the fastening function in depth, and describes the types of fastening approaches that can be used effectively. The revised text expands on the presentation and review of fastened components, detailing the assembly, design, manufacturing, and installation of fastener products and procedures. It covers specific joining applications, including vibration, standard, and special materials; details environmental factors; and provides useful reference charts for future use. What's New in the Second Edition: Provides an up-to-date selection of technologies Contains practical approaches to modern fastener technology Reviews engineering fundamentals with a focus on their application in the fastener industry Includes a section on fastener statics Expands on fastener manufacturing processes, most specifically cold heading and roll threading Adds fastener dynamics to draw attention to forces in motion (wind turbine hub turning in strong winds) and fastener strength of materials Extends review of the economics of fastening and provides some tools for engineering economics Examines the difference in static and dynamic strengths Considers fastener materials in this new century, provides some observations about the fastener laboratory, and discusses electrical theory Addresses sustainability, application product management, thermodynamics, energy systems, and new thought maps for application analysis Takes a look at a favorite application, D&D 100, and more Mechanical Fastening, Joining, and Assembly, Second Edition is accessible to novices and experienced technologists and engineers, and covers the latest in fastener technology and assembly training.

In the 1970s and the early 1980s there was an enormous volume of research and development into the subject of molybdenum disulphide lubrication, much of which was supported by national governments for the benefit of defence, aviation or space activities. There were already some well-established practical guidelines for deciding when and how to use molybdenum disulphide, but there was still a considerable lack of universally-accepted theoretical understanding of some of the important and fundamental aspects of molybdenum disulphide technology. However, the state of knowledge was growing rapidly.

In the past fifteen years the situation with regard to the technology of molybdenum disulphide lubrication has stabilised in many respects, and a measure of consensus has been reached about some of the mechanisms involved. The use of molybdenum disulphide has become routine in some industries, and there are many well-established and reputable commercial products available. Except in the high-technology field of physical deposition techniques, especially sputtering, the output of new research publications has fallen from perhaps two hundred a year in the 1970s to fewer than ten a year in the 1990s. In spite of this maturing of the subject, it is clear that there are still many aspects in which disagreements persist about the mechanisms involved, and which as a result are unclear or misunderstood among current, and perhaps even more importantly, potential users.
One of the primary objectives of this book is to analyse the various aspects of molybdenum disulphide lubrication technology about which there are still disagreements or controversy, and to attempt to come to firm conclusions about some of the mechanisms involved. In particular, it will place emphasis on the importance and effects of burnishing and film consolidation.

This book is a result of the lectures and discussions during the conference "Theory and Practice of Geometric Modeling". The event has been organized by the Wilhelm-Schickard-Institut fiir Informatik, Universitat Tiibingen and took place at the Heinrich-Fabri-Institut in Blaubeuren from October 3 to 7, 1988. The conference brought together leading experts from academic and industrial research institutions, CAD system developers and experien ced users to exchange their ideas and to discuss new concepts and future directions in geometric modeling. The main intention has been to bridge the gap between theoretical results, performance of existing CAD systems and the real problems of users. The contents is structured in five parts: A Algorithmic Aspects B Surface Intersection, Blending, Ray Tracing C Geometric Tools D Different Representation Schemes in Solid Modeling E Product Modeling in High Level Specifications The material presented in this book reflects the current state of the art in geometric modeling and should therefore be of interest not only to university and industry researchers, but also to system developers and practitioners who wish to keep up to date on recent advances and new concepts in this rapidly expanding field. The editors express their sincere appreciation to the contributing authors, and to the members of the program committee, W. Boehm, J. Hoschek, A. Massabo, H. Nowacki, M. Pratt, J. Rossignac, T. Sederberg and W. Tiller, for their close cooperation and their time and effort that made the conference and this book a success.

There is an ever increasing need for modelling complex processes reliably. Computational modelling techniques, such as CFD and MD may be used as tools to study specific systems, but their emergence has not decreased the need for generic, analytical process models. Multiphase and multicomponent systems, and high-intensity processes displaying a highly complex behaviour are becoming omnipresent in the processing industry.
This book discusses an elegant, but little-known technique for formulating process models in process technology: stochastic process modelling.
The technique is based on computing the probability distribution for a single particle's position in the process vessel, and/or the particle's properties, as a function of time, rather than - as is traditionally done - basing the model on the formulation and solution of differential conservation equations.
Using this technique can greatly simplify the formulation of a model, and even make modelling possible for processes so complex that the traditional method is impracticable.
Stochastic modelling has sporadically been used in various branches of process technology under various names and guises. This book gives, as the first, an overview of this work, and shows how these techniques are similar in nature, and make use of the same basic mathematical tools and techniques.
The book also demonstrates how stochastic modelling may be implemented by describing example cases, and shows how a stochastic model may be formulated for a case, which cannot be described by formulating and solving differential balance equations.

Key Features:
- Introduction to stochastic process modelling as an alternative modelling technique
- Shows how stochastic modelling may be succesful where the traditional technique fails
- Overview of stochastic modelling in process technology in the research literature
- Illustration of the principle by a wide range of practical examples
- In-depth and self-contained discussions
- Points the way to both mathematical and technological research in a new, rewarding field

- Introduction to stochastic process modelling as an alternative modelling technique
- Shows how stochastic modelling may be succesful where the traditional technique fails
- Overview of stochastic modelling in process technology in the research literature
- Illustration of the principle by a wide range of practical examples
- In-depth and self-contained discussions
- Points the way to both mathematical and technological research in a new, rewarding field

Geothermal waters, hot enough to provide direct heating, are available in many parts of the world. Some are exploited already but many more are only now being considered, as planners begin to recognize the environmental benefits of this unfamiliar energy resource. The relative economic benefits are more marginal, however, and a successful scheme requires careful design and optimization. The nature of geothermal resources imposes special conditions which may be unfamiliar to many plant engineers. In addition, many different approaches are possible, depending on the characteristics of the resource and the user and on the operator's requirements. Must the scheme be optimized for energy recovery or for financial return, or is it more important that it should remain profitable over as wide a range of conditions as possible? This book, written by professional plant engineers with first-hand experience, is designed to guide plant engineers through the different options and to help in this optimization process.

Engineering Technology and Applications contains the contributions presented at the 2014 International Conference on Engineering Technology and Applications (ICETA 2014, Tsingtao, China, 29-30 April 2014). The book is divided into three main topics: - Civil and environmental engineering - Electrical and computer engineering - Mechanical engineering Considerable attention is also paid to big data, cloud computing, neural network algorithms and social network services. The book will be invaluable to professionals and academics in civil, environmental, electrical, computer and mechanical engineering.

The importance of safety in any scientific endeavor is never in question. However, when cryogenic temperatures are involved, safety is especially important. In addition to observing the normal precautions, one must also take into account the variations of physical properties that occur at low temperatures. At these tempera tures, some properties not only exhibit large differences from their normal values but also can vary widely over a small temperature range. Before any cryogenic project is started, a thorough knowledge of the possible hazards is necessary. Only in this way can the safest operation be attained. Over the hundred-year history of cryogenic research, this has been shown to be the case. Keeping this requirement in mind is an essential ingredient in the quest for accident-free work. The past four or five decades have seen a great expansion of cryogenic technology. Cryogenic liquids, such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium, have become commonly used in a number of different applications and are easily available in any part of the United States and, indeed, almost anywhere in the world. Not only are these liquids available, they have become less expensive and also available in ever larger quantities. As quantities increase, so also do the conse quences of mishaps. The future seems to hold promise of ever larger and more widespread use of the common cryogens. Thus, the importance of safety also increases as time progresses."

This volume presents the latest academic research and industrial applications in the area of mechanisms, robotics and dynamics. Contributions cover such topics as biomedical applications, control issues of mechanical systems, dynamics of multi-body systems, experimental mechanics, haptic systems, history of mechanism science, industrial and non-industrial applications, linkages and cams, mechanical transmissions and gears, mechanics of robots and manipulators, theoretical kinematics. Resulting from the 7th European Conference on Mechanism Science, which was held at RWTH Aachen University on September 4-6, 2018, this works comprises an overview on current research activities across Europe. .

This conference provides a forum for exchange of technical and operational information across a wide range of pipeline activities. Various supply and distribution industries, and their service organisations, have traditionally approached pipeline systems from many different perspec tives. The organisers believe that significant benefits can be gained by enabling representatives from the oil, gas, water, chemical, power and related industries to present their latest ideas and methods. An awareness of these alternative methodologies and technologies should result in a more unified and coherent approach to each individual type of pipeline system. The overall theme of the conference is the optimisation of pipeline systems, through design analysis, component specification, operational strategies and performance evaluation, in order to minimise both risk and the lifetime cost of ownership. Wherever possible emphasis is given to important developing technologies with special consideration to use of computational equipment and methods. SYSTEMS APPROACH For the major activities of design, operation and performance; pipeline systems can be conveniently classified in terms of the systetV: components, constraints and objectives. These are described using fluid terminology, to suit' the majority of conference participants, as given below: Components consist of pumps and valves (controls), pipe networks (transmission and distribu tion), reservoirs (storage) and consumer demands (disturbances). The arrangement of these components, to form the system, must take into account the conflicting requirements of structural, hydraulic, and cost, performance."

Geotechnical failures, specially the catastrophic ones, are a stimulus to improve current understanding of phenomena and procedures and tools for analysis and prediction.

This unconventional approach to geomechanics is the essence of this book. In general, soil mechanics and geotechnical textbooks describe first the concepts and theoretical developments and then apply them to interpret or solve a particular applications. This book follows a different course. The case (a failure) is first described and then an explanation is sought. This requires a set of steps which can be summarized as follows: Identify the nature of the problem, develop a dedicated and specific formulation of the case, based on established basic concepts. In general, no single existing theory or procedure is available to solve the case at hand, provide a solution within an acceptable degree of complexity, extract the fundamental aspects of the problem and highlight its relevance.

The cases selected have been grouped into three main topics: Landslides, Embankments and Dams and Dynamics of Failures. Cases selected (Vaiont, Aznalcollar, Brattas-St. Moritz) are unique and illustrate a number of relevant and to some extent controversial issues which are of wide interest, without claiming exhaustive treatment of the subject.

The book teaches how to build the necessary models to understand the failures. Well established soil mechanics concepts are the necessary background. But the cases analyzed require in general a step ahead which is specific for the case analyzed. Balance and equilibrium equations are often required as a starting point. They are formulated at different scales, which are selected having in mind the abstract representation of each case.

Various chapters illustrate also the coupled nature (flow-deformation-temperature) of geotechnical problems and the need to properly address these complexities in some cases. In fact, temperature effects, a subject often neglected in conventional analyses, are necessary to explain some catastrophic landslides (Vaiont). In some of the chapters, specific calculation tools, included in well known and widely available programs (Excel, Maple ) have been used. Details of the ad hoc programs developed have also been included in Appendices to help the readers to follow the details of the calculation.

Finite element methods have not been used. In the landslides analyzed (Vaiont and Brattas-St. Moritz) currently available commercial programs are of limited utility. In the remaining cases the analysis performed provides a sufficient insight and interpretation of field behaviour.

Chapters include also a short description of the changes in the original design and the mitigation measures which could have prevented the failure. Also, a summary section of lessons learned is provided in all chapters. Finally, selected topics and more advanced reading are suggested.

This book is associated with a Master/Doctorate course being offered at the Department of Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences of UPC, Barcelona. Potential readers therefore include Graduate and Master students, faculty and professionals in the fields of Civil and Geotechnical Engineering."