Mechanics and Control of Soft-fingered Manipulation introduces a new approach to the modeling of fingertips that have a soft pad and a hard back plate, similar to human fingers. Starting from the observation of soft-fingered grasping and manipulation, the book provides a parallel distributed model that takes into account tangential deformation of the fingertips. The model is supported with many experimental verifications and simulation results. Statics and dynamics in soft-fingered grasping and manipulation are also formulated based on this new model. The book uniquely investigates how soft fingertips with hard back plates enhance dexterity in grasping and manipulation, theoretically and experimentally, revealing the differences between soft-fingered and rigid-fingered manipulation. Researchers involved in object manipulation by robotic hands, as well as in human dexterity in object manipulation, will find this text enlightening.

This volume gathers the latest fundamental research contributions, innovations, and applications in the field of design and analysis of complex robotic mechanical systems, machines, and mechanisms, as presented by leading international researchers at the 1st USCToMM Symposium on Mechanical Systems and Robotics (USCToMM MSR 2020), held in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA on May 14-16, 2020. It covers highly diverse topics, including soft, wearable and origami robotic systems; applications to walking, flying, climbing, underground, swimming and space systems; human rehabilitation and performance augmentation; design and analysis of mechanisms and machines; human-robot collaborative systems; service robotics; mechanical systems and robotics education; and the commercialization of mechanical systems and robotics. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting and impactful research results that will inspire novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary research collaborations among researchers from around the globe.

Solid State Physics, Volume 73, the latest release in this serial that highlights new advances in the field, presents interesting chapters on a variety of current topics in the field, with each chapter written by an international board of authors.

This volume presents the Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Vibration Problems, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic. ICOVP 2011 brings together again scientists from different backgrounds who are actively working on vibration-related problems of engineering both in theoretical and applied fields, thus facilitating a lively exchange of ideas, methods and results between the many different research areas. The aim is that reciprocal intellectual fertilization will take place and ensure a broad interdisciplinary research field. The topics, indeed, cover a wide variety of vibration-related subjects, from wave problems in solid mechanics to vibration problems related to biomechanics. The first ICOVP conference was held in 1990 at A.C. College, Jalpaiguri, India, under the co-chairmanship of Professor M.M. Banerjee and Professor P. Biswas. Since then it has been held every 2 years at various venues across the World.

This collection of all of Stan Shiels articles for World Pumps covers specification, operational issues, troubleshooting and the well-known PumpAcademy articles which covered specific topics of importance to pump engineers. The result is a volume which is enjoyable and instructive to read, containing facts and opinions as fresh as the day they were written.
*The late Stan Shiels had over 35 years experience as a professional engineer and over a period of nearly 15 years made a regular contribution to World Pumps magazine.
*This book includes 28 articles which will form a valuable resource to the pump engineer.
*Articles cover many aspects of pump specification, operation and troubleshooting

This book describes significant tractable models used in solid mechanics - classical models used in modern mechanics as well as new ones. The models are selected to illustrate the main ideas which allow scientists to describe complicated effects in a simple manner and to clarify basic notations of solid mechanics. A model is considered to be tractable if it is based on clear physical assumptions which allow the selection of significant effects and relatively simple mathematical formulations. The first part of the book briefly reviews classical tractable models for a simple description of complex effects developed from the 18th to the 20th century and widely used in modern mechanics. The second part describes systematically the new tractable models used today for the treatment of increasingly complex mechanical objects - from systems with two degrees of freedom to three-dimensional continuous objects.

Among all the fields in solid mechanics the methodologies associated to multibody dynamics are probably those that provide a better framework to aggregate different disciplines. This idea is clearly reflected in the multidisciplinary applications in biomechanics that use multibody dynamics to describe the motion of the biological entities, or in finite elements where the multibody dynamics provides powerful tools to describe large motion and kinematic restrictions between system components, or in system control for which multibody dynamics are the prime form of describing the systems under analysis, or even in applications with fluid-structures interaction or aeroelasticity. This book contains revised and enlarged versions of selected communications presented at the ECCOMAS Thematic Conference in Multibody Dynamics 2003 that took place in Lisbon, Portugal, which have been enhanced in their self-containment and tutorial aspects by the authors. The result is a comprehensive text that constitutes a valuable reference for researchers and design engineers and helps to appraise the potential of application of multibody dynamics to a wide range of scientific and engineering areas of relevance.

In this monograph, an accurate ultrasonic method for measurement of small motion and deformation of biological tissue is described. In the displacement estimation based on the phase change of echoes, the displacement estimates are biased when the center frequency of the RF echo changes. Such an apparent change in the center frequency could be caused by the interference of echoes from scatterers. To reduce the influence of the center frequency variation on the estimation of motion and deformation, an error correcting function, which does not require the assumption that the center frequency distributions in 2 different frames are the same, was introduced. As a result, the proposed method provides better strain estimates in comparison with conventional phase-sensitive correlation methods. This monograph also shows examples of applications of this method to measurement of small motion and deformation of biological tissues. This method can be applied to measurement of elasticity of dynamic tissues, such as the artery. Also, elastic properties of static tissues can be also measured by combining with actuation using the acoustic radiation force.

Machine tools are the main production factor for many industrial applications, in important sectors such as the automotive and aeronautical industry, precision parts, human implants, and mechanical construction. Recent developments in new motion devices and numerical control have lead to considerable technological improvements in machine tools. The use of five-axis machining centres has also spread, resulting in reductions in set-up and lead times. As a consequence, feed rates, cutting speed and chip section increased, whilst accuracy and precision have improved as well. Additionally, new cutting tools have been developed, combining tough substrates, optimal geometries and wear resistant coatings. Today s machines and machining processes are clearly very different to those of the past.

Machine Tools for High Performance Machining describes in depth several aspects of machine structures, machine elements and control, and application. The basics, models and functions of each aspect are explained by experts from both academia and industry. Postgraduates, researchers and end users will all find this book an essential reference.

This book provides readers with an overview of recent theories and methods for machinery diagnostics applied to machinery maintenance. Each chapter, accepted after a rigorous peer-review process, reports on a selected, original piece of work discussed at the International Congress on Technical Diagnostics, ICTD2016, held on September 12 - 16, 2016, in Gliwice, Poland. The book covers a broad range of topics, including machines operating in non-stationary conditions, and examples from different industrial fields of mechanical, civil, computer and electronic engineering as well as the medical, food, automotive, and mining industries. By presenting state-of-the-art diagnostic solutions and discussing important industrial issues the book offers a valuable resource to both academics and professionals as well as a bridge to facilitate communication and collaboration between the two groups.

The third edition of Engineering Flow and Heat Exchange is the most practical textbook available on the design of heat transfer and equipment. This book is an excellent introduction to real-world applications for advanced undergraduates and an indispensable reference for professionals. The book includes comprehensive chapters on the different types and classifications of fluids, how to analyze fluids, and where a particular fluid fits into a broader picture. This book includes various a wide variety of problems and solutions - some whimsical and others directly from industrial applications. Numerous practical examples of heat transfer Different from other introductory books on fluids Clearly written, simple to understand, written for students to absorb material quickly Discusses non-Newtonian as well as Newtonian fluids Covers the entire field concisely Solutions manual with worked examples and solutions provided

The second edition of this textbook includes refined text in each chapter, new sections on corrosion of steel-reinforced concrete and on cathodic protection of steel reinforced bars embedded in concrete, and some new solved examples. The book introduces mathematical and engineering approximation schemes for describing the thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical systems, which are the essence of corrosion science, in addition to electrochemical corrosion, forms of corrosion and mechanisms of corrosion. This approach should capture the reader's attention on the complexity of corrosion. Thus, the principles of electrochemistry and electrochemical cells are subsequently characterized in simple electrolytes from a thermodynamics point of view.

This book is the first graduate-level textbook presenting a comprehensive treatment of Data Converters. It provides comprehensive definition of the parameters used to specify data converters, and covers all the architectures used in Nyquist-rate data converters. The book uses Simulink and Matlab extensively in examples and problem sets. This is a textbook that is also essential for engineering professionals as it was written in response to a shortage of organically organized material on the topic. The book assumes a solid background in analog and digital circuits as well as a working knowledge of simulation tools for circuit and behavioral analysis.

Weingart's classic book on fireworks covering the author's work and experiments from 1890-1935. In case laminate hardback edition.

Ultra-precision machining is a promising solution for achieving excellent machined surface quality and sophisticated micro/nano-structures that influence the applications of components and devices. Further, given the ultrathin layer of material removed, it is a highly coupled process between cutting tool and material. In this book, scientists in the fields of mechanical engineering and materials science from China, Ukraine, Japan, Singapore present their latest research findings regarding the simulation and experiment of material-oriented ultra-precision machining. Covering various machining methods (cutting, grinding, polishing, ion beam and laser machining) and materials (metal, semiconductor and hard-brittle ceramics), it mainly focuses on the evaluation of the fundamental mechanisms and their implementation in processing optimization for different materials. It is of significant theoretical and practical value for guiding the fabrication of ultra-smooth and functional surfaces using ultra-precision machining.

Viscoelastic damping is becoming widely applied for vibration and noise control in various industries, the most notable examples being aerospace, automotive, computer peripherals and propulsion. A recent review of the literature shows that many engineers are still applying the technology without having a good understanding of the basic underlying principles or the means of describing and measuring the damping parameters.

The comprehensive book introduces simple and effective approaches for describing the damping related properties of viscoelastic materials, with emphasis on the effects of frequency and temperature, and proceeds to illustrate simple techniques for measuring the desired properties and for selecting and applying the materials. In all cases, the need for simplicity in practical applications is emphasized.

Particular topics addressed in some detail include:

• the complex modulus model of viscoelastic behaviour
• effects of frequency and temperature on stiffness and damping of viscoelastic materials
• combination of frequency and temperature into a single variable
• analysis and evaluation of the quality of available test data by means of the Wicket Plot
• simple means of meauring stiffness and damping of viscoelastic materials
• simple approaches for design of treatments for practical structural applications

This unique reference represents a cross-section of forefront robotics research, ranging from robotics and systems to learning, autonomy and failure detection, from vision and navigation to localization and mapping, which are based on the papers presented at the 1st European Robotics Symposium (EUROS-06) held in Palermo, Italy from 16-18 March, 2006. The European Robotics Symposium (EUROS) is a brand-new International scientific event promoted by EURON, the European Robotics Network.

The ECCOMAS Thematic Conference "Multibody Dynamics 2009" was held in Warsaw, representing the fourth edition of a series which began in Lisbon (2003), and was then continued in Madrid (2005) and Milan (2007), held under the auspices of the European Community on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences (ECCOMAS). The conference provided a forum for exchanging ideas and results of several topics related to computational methods and applications in multibody dynamics, through the participation of 219 scientists from 27 countries, mostly from Europe but also from America and Asia. This book contains the revised and extended versions of invited conference papers, reporting on the state-of-the-art in the advances of computational multibody models, from the theoretical developments to practical engineering applications. By providing a helpful overview of the most active areas and the recent efforts of many prominent research groups in the field of multibody dynamics, this book can be highly valuable for both experienced researches who want to keep updated with the latest developments in this field and researches approaching the field for the first time.

"Surface Integrity in Machining" describes the fundamentals and recent advances in the study of surface integrity in machining processes.

"Surface Integrity in Machining" gathers together research from international experts in the field. Topics covered include: the definition of surface integrity and its importance in functional performance; surface topography characterization and evaluation; microstructure modification and the mechanical properties of subsurface layers; residual stresses; surface integrity characterization methods; and surface integrity aspects in machining processes.

A useful reference for researchers in tribology and materials, mechanical and materials engineers, and machining professionals, "Surface Integrity in Machining" can be also used as a textbook by advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students.

1. Background This textbook is an introduction to and exploration of a number of core topics in the ?eld of applied mechanics. Mechanics, in both its theoretical and applied contexts, is, like all scienti?c endeavors, a human construct. It re?ects the personalities, thoughts, errors, and successes of its creators. We therefore provide some personal information about each of these individuals when their names arise for the ?rst time in this book. This should enable the reader to piece together a cultural-historical picture of the ?eld s origins and development. This does not mean that we are writing history. Nevertheless, some remarks putting individuals and ideas in context are necessary in order to make clear what we are speaking about - and what we are not speaking about. At the end of the 19th century, technical universities were established eve- where in Europe in an almost euphoric manner. But the practice of technical mechanics itself, as one of the basics of technical development, was in a desolate state, due largely to the refusal of its practitioners to recognize the in?uence of kinetics on motion. They were correct to the extend that then current mechanical systems moved with small velocities where kinetics does not play a signi?cant role. But they had failed to keep up with developments in the science underlying their craft and were unable to keep pace with the speeds of such systems as the steam engine.

Nanotribology: Critical Assessment and Research Needs is an excellent reference for both academic and industrial researchers working in the fields of nanotechnology, tribology, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, MEMS, NEMS, magnetic recording, and biomedical devices. It will also be of interest to those pursuing scanning probe microscopy, nanoimaging, mesomanufacturing, sensors, actuators, aerospace, defense (controllers, microsystems), and military systems.

Nanotribology: Critical Assessment and Research Needs provides a critical assessment of the current state of the art of nanotribology within the context of MEMS, mesomanufacturing, nanotechnology and microsystems. It contains chapters written by the leading experts in these fields. It identifies gaps in current knowledge and barriers to applications, and recommends research areas that need to be addressed to enable the rapid development of technologies.

This book describes the solution of contact problems with an emphasis on idealized (mainly linear) elastic problems that can be treated with elementary analytical methods. General physical and mathematical features of these solutions are highlighted. Topics covered include the contact of rough surfaces and problems involving adhesive (e.g. van der Waals) forces. The author is a well-known researcher in the subject with hands-on experience of the topics covered and a reputation for lucid explanations. The target readership for the book includes researchers who encounter contact problems but whose primary focus is not contact mechanics. Coverage is also suitable for a graduate course in contact mechanics and end-of-chapter problems are included.

Compliant mechanisms and actuators are growing in importance due to their benefits in robotics, medical technology, sensor applications, or in handling compressible objects. This book helps to understand the mechanical behavior of compliant systems. Suggested classifications and different modeling methods are shown that allow for the description of compliant systems.

In this work, outstanding, recent developments in various disciplines, such as structural dynamics, multiphysic mechanics, computational mathematics, control theory, biomechanics, and computer science, are merged together in order to provide academicians and professionals with methods and tools for the virtual prototyping of complex mechanical systems. Each chapter of the work represents an important contribution to multibody dynamics, a discipline that plays a central role in the modelling, analysis, simulation and optimization of mechanical systems in a variety of fields and for a wide range of applications.