Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) enable the realization of energy-efficient and compact actuator systems. DEAs operate at the kilovolt range with typically microampere-level currents and hence minimize thermal losses in comparison to low voltage/high ...
A unified numerical framework is presented for the modelling of multiphasic viscoelastic
and elastic flows. The rheologies considered range from incompressible Newtonian or
Oldroyd-B viscoelastic fluids to Neo-Hookean elastic solids. The model is formulate ...
In capacity designed steel moment resisting frames (MRFs), beam-to-column joints (i.e., panel zones) are designed to remain elastic. To potentially exploit the beneficial aspects of the stable panel zone hysteretic response in shear, a robust panel zone mo ...
In this thesis, we study the mechanics of tight physical knots. Knots are omnipresent in surgery, climbing, and sailing, with disastrous consequences when the filament or the rope fails to perform its function. Even if the importance of mechanical analysis ...
A new electrically driven gas booster is described as an alternative to the classical air-driven gas boosters known for their poor energetic efficiency. These boosters are used in small scale Hydrogen storage facilities and in refueling stations for Hydrog ...
The ability to control high-voltage actuator arrays relies, to date, on expensive microelectronic processes or on individual wiring of each actuator to a single off-chip high-voltage switch. Here we present an alternative approach that uses on-chip photoco ...
Fluidic actuation enables movement in a wide range of mechanical systems, from simple laboratory devices to more complex industrial machinery. Fluids are used to generate motion of mechanical pieces. The term "fluids" encompasses two types of technologies: ...
