Donald Murray Clucas

Rapid Prototyping Technology in Orbital Floor Reconstruction: Application in Three Patients

Rapid prototyping entails the fabrication of three-dimensional anatomical models which provide an accurate and cost-effective method to visualize complex anatomical structures. Our unit has been using this to assist in the diagnosis, planning, and preoperative titanium plate adaptation for orbital reconstruction surgery following traumatic injury. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the potential clinical and cost-saving benefits of this technology.

Active Stirling engine

In this paper the WhisperGen™ micro combined heat and power (microCHP) system, its advantages, control and possible scope for improvement are explored. Concept of active Stirling engine (ASE) is introduced. A test rig designed to test possible improvements of the efficiency and controllability of a kinematic Stirling engine based microCHP system is explained.

Mechatronic design and development of a non-holonomic omnidirectional mobile robot for automation of primary production

Abstract This paper presents the mechatronic system design and development of a four-wheel drive/steer (4WD4S) mobile robot as a non-holonomic omnidirectional robot, MARIO—Mobile Autonomous Robot for Intelligent Operations. An innovative integrated application of CAD/CAM/CAE and RP has been employed for rapid development of the robot chassis and other mechanical parts by using different software tools. Most of the parts were designed by 3D CAD software which allows further CAE analysis including structural and motion analysis. To reduce the manufacturing time and cost, CAM and RP have been used to manufacture the main parts. These master parts are manufactured by workshop machining and 3D printing. Robot Operating System (ROS) alongside Gazebo simulator have been utilized for modelling, simulation, software development and visualization which enabled to develop the optimum embedded system to control the robot. With this integrated approach, a prototype of MARIO has been developed with a reasonably low manufacturing cost and time.

Fabrication of a compliant phantom of the human aortic arch for use in Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experimentation

Abstract Compliant phantoms of the human aortic arch can mimic patient specific cardiovascular dysfunctions in vitro. Hence, phantoms may enable elucidation of haemodynamic disturbances caused by aortic dysfunction. This paper describes the fabrication of a thin-walled silicone phantom of the human ascending aorta and brachiocephalic artery. The model geometry was determined via a meta-analysis and modelled in SolidWorks before 3D printing. The solid model surface was smoothed and scanned with a 3D scanner. An offset outer mould was milled from Ebalta S-Model board. The final phantom indicated that ABS was a suitable material for the internal model, the Ebalta S-Model board yielded a rough external surface. Co-location of the moulds during silicone pour was insufficient to enable consistent wall thickness. The resulting phantom was free of air bubbles but did not have the desired wall thickness consistency.

Reducing the Attentional Demands of In-Vehicle Touchscreens with Stencil Overlays

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly using touchscreens to support driver access to controls. However, input mechanisms displayed on touchscreens lack the tactile sensations of physical controls, creating risks of greater demand for visual attention. These risks can potentially be mitigated by restoring some degree of tactile feedback to touchscreen interaction. This paper describes a study that examines whether touchscreen target selection during simulated driving is improved by overlaying the touchscreen with a see-through 3D printed stencil that allows underlying touchscreen controls to be located or guided by feel. Results showed that touchscreen targets were selected more quickly and with shorter periods of visual attention towards the touchscreen when the stencil was present than when it was absent. Subjective preferences also favoured the stencil condition. The work demonstrates the value of adding tactile feedback to touchscreen interaction, and shows that stencils are a simple and effective way to reduce attentional demands.

Modelling and simulation of a non-holonomic omnidirectional mobile robot for offline programming and system performance analysis

Abstract This paper presents 3D modelling and simulation of a non-holonomic omnidirectional mobile robot, MARIO – Mobile Autonomous Rover for Intelligent Operations, using the Gazebo simulator and Robot Operating System (ROS), aiming for offline programming and system performance analysis. For this purpose, MARIO as a four wheel active driving/steering (4WD4S) platform has been modelled and simulated based on the physical developed model. Gazebo enables simulation of the world environment, physical model, sensors and control system through the Unified Robot Description Format (URDF) file. ROS is interfaced with Gazebo which allows utilization and implementation of different robotic software and tools on the simulated robot. This presented approach allows development, testing and validation of MARIO and required software before implementation on the real system. The presented approach also provides the essential theory and practice for robotic system specialists in modelling and simulation of ground mobile robotic systems using Gazebo simulator and ROS.

Buckling Restrained Brace Deformation Measuring Device

Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB’s) have become common in seismic frames in earthquake areas. If a BRB performs as desired the steel core may yield but it is not easy to know the degree of yielding, or how much of the BRB earthquake life has been used up. To determine whether such a brace should remain as is, or whether it needs to be replaced, an inexpensive and simple measuring device that reports the deformations undergone is required. This paper discusses a study undertaken to develop such a device. Firstly, a literature study was undertaken and candidate devices were selected. Using Subjective Quantitative Analysis (SQA) and specific performance objectives the most appropriate of these was chosen. This device was then constructed and tested in a controlled environment. This mechanical device performed well through various stimulated earthquake cycles and events, is cheap, simple to install, and small. It provides cumulative and maximum displacement estimations and will be beneficial to the industry in post-event decision making.