The Design and Development of Project OVERTIME: Open-source Versatile Experimental Robot for Tendon-driven Instrument Manipulation and Evaluation

Steerable medical instruments are used to reach difficult locations in the body during minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Researching these instruments helps to further improve their performance and reduce their size making them even less invasive. However, developing new technology can be expensive and often complete custom test rigs are build...

Scaling ice-induced vibrations by combining replica modeling and preservation of kinematics

A modeling approach to simulate ice-induced vibrations of vertically sided offshore structures in ice tank experiments is presented. The technique combines replica modeling with the preservation of kinematics during ice-structure interaction. The technique was chosen based on the theoretical understanding that ice-induced vibrations are...

The Way to Success: Oxygen Consumption (VO2), Effort and Weaning in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients require a substantial amount of energy to meet their basic metabolic demands, as well as for their recovery, spontaneous breathing, gaining of strength, and weaning from the ventilator. It is important for patients to use their energy as efficient as possible at all stages of the disease and...

A Novel Tribometer and a Comprehensive Testing Method for Rolling-Sliding Conditions

This study introduces a method based on fine torque control to evaluate traction in rolling—liding line contacts under small slide-to-roll ratios (SRRs). To accomplish this, we engineered an innovative testing machine—a two-roller tribometer capable of precisely applying resisting torques to one of the rollers. Two types of tests were designed...

On the dependency of the development of frequency lock-in on the mode shape amplitude for higher structural modes

Drifting sea ice failing in crushing against vertically-sided offshore structures can cause ice-induced vibrations. Offshore structures are typically founded on slender structures to minimize the load effect of waves and currents. In combination with large top masses, those offshore structures often provide sufficient compliance for ice-induced...

Cycling fiber metal laminates: Considerations, test setup and results

The development of fiber metal laminates to multi-functional materials by embedding heater elements in the laminate extends their field of application. Fiber metal laminates with embedded heater elements are likely to be used for the de- and anti-icing of leading edges in aircraft as they combine structural and heating functions. Hence, those...

Thermal cycling fiber metal laminates: Considerations, test setup and results

The development of fiber metal laminates to multi-functional materials by embedding heater elements in the laminate extends their field of application. Fiber metal laminates with embedded heater elements are likely to be used for the de- and anti-icing of leading edges in aircraft as they combine structural and heating functions. Hence, those...