The IMPACT DYNAMICS Laboratory investigates industrially relevant problems associated
with impact dynamics, friction, and lubrication. The principal component in the
setup is a WATSMART three-dimensional digitizing and motion analysis system. This
system comprises of a pair of infrared cameras linked to a data acquisition and
digitizing unit, and is controlled through a computer. The cameras through a pre-calibrated
space track active infrared emitting diodes attached to the target object. This
system has a sampling rate of 4200 Hz.. A planar two-link chain system is being
used for ongoing impact experimental studies. Recent research has emphasized the
mechanisms of collision with solid lubrication.
Other work in the laboratory includes research into dynamics and control of multibody systems. The laboratory is also equipped with a Seiko D-Tran industrial robot. We seek to develop intelligent robots and walking machines that are capable of navigating in unstructured terrain and adapting to changing environments.
The laboratory currently houses one SUN SPARCstation and three MacIntosh computers. The development of stability tools for the multidisciplinary design of ground vehicles is also underway. This would involve the use of artificial neural networks and incorporates distributed processing (i.e., parallel processing) for computer aided engineering processes. Other focus areas include biomechanics and design for manufacturing.
This new laboratory is dedicated to the construction, dynamics and control of
industrial mechanisms and machines. The lab has been used to study slider cranks
and four bars mechanisms, although it is not limited to these applications. In
a recently completed experiment a flexible rod slider crank mechanism was driven
at high speeds with a ½ HP DC motor drive and VariAC AC-DC power converter. The
mechanism was shrouded with a plexiglass and steel enclosure to protect the operator.
Strain gage voltages were amplified using a Model 2120A Measurement Group strain
gage conditioner. Voltage signals were fed to a 80386 PC with a high speed 4 channel
data acquisition system, and flexible rod response, stresses, and strains were
later extracted from the stored data. Software resident on the PC was used to
immediately view strain gage response and FFT response. The mechanism was constructed
in our well-equipped machine shop. Accelerometers have also been attached to sense
vibrations transmitted by the operating mechanism to its base. Other projects
performed in the lab have included determination of power requirements for a beach
cleaning machine, studies of vibrating beams, and the design and construction
of a innovative braiding machine. The braider is speed controlled, capable of
very high speeds, with deflectors that are solenoid actuated. Deflectors are also
computer controllable, permitting a multitude of braid patterns as yet unavailable.
The braider project has been a prime example that demonstrates a marriage of mechanical
engineering (machine design) and textile engineering (i.e. braiding) to achieve
a unique and innovative product. The braider is currently being patented. Not
to be overlooked are the powerful computational capabilities (both hardware and
software) available on the SUN network. Mechanical systems simulation and control
packages - such as ADAMS, MATLAB, and others - that are readily available, along
with a suite of numerical and finite element codes to correlate experimental and
analytical results.
