Page 30 - ASME IMECE 2017 Program

TRACK PLENARY
Track 4: Biomedical and Biotechnology
Engineering
4-1-1: BIOMEDICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGY PLENARY
Tuesday, November 7, 8:00am–9:45am
Room 3, Tampa Convention Center
Neuroprosthetic Engineering with Artistic Expression Via
Additive Manufacturing
(IMECE2017-72839)
Albert Manero
Limbitless Solutions
Abstract: Access to functional bionic devices for pediatric and
adolescent patient groups is limited due to significant
challenges. High monetary device costs coupled with rapid
physical growth by users has yielded a limited accessibility
paradigm. Further, traditional devices have historically
demonstrated high rejection rates from children who do have
access. To change that, our team formed Limbitless Solutions,
an engineering innovation company that helps children in need
through the design and delivery of 3-D printed bionic limbs
and disability technology that are donated to every family. By
re-framing the disability challenges with technology and art,
we helped the kids discover and freely express their own
identities without fear.The non-profit organization is a direct
support organization for the University of Central Florida, uses
additive manufacturing to advance artistically personalized
bionics and solutions for disabilities. Their work focused on
combining non-organic forms with colorful design elements to
foster user adoption. The use of electromyographic sensing at
the distal abbreviated limb allows for reliable bio-sensing used
to activated motors for grip control. Signals processing of
electromyographic waves allowed for reliability and minimal
adaptation time when calibrated.
Further innovation has continued with the first of its kind Xavier
hands-free wheel electromyographic wheel chair control
system. This system allows for wheel chair users with limited
dexterity where otherwise a joystick could not be used for
navigation to remain independent by providing direct control
with facial muscle gesture control. This advancement has the
potential to impact the lives of patient groups that otherwise
would remain immobile.
Biography: Dr. Albert Manero is the President flutter control of a long-span suspension bridge.
of Limbitless Solutions non-profit, a direct
support organization for the University of
Central Florida. Limbitless Solutions is an
engineering innovation company that helps
children in need through the design and
delivery of 3-D printed bionic limbs and disability technology
that are donated to every family. The non-profit organization
uses additive manufacturing to advance artistically person-
alized bionics and solutions for disabilities. He holds a Ph.D.
in mechanical engineering from the University of Central
Florida. Limbitless Solutions started as a student project at
the University of Central Florida with a group of fellow students
xxviii who combined their academic skills with an innovative and
entrepreneurial spirit to advance the field of bionics.
Track 5: Dynamics, Vibration, and Control
5-1-1: DYNAMICS, VIBRATION, AND CONTROL PLENARY
Wednesday, November 8, 8:00am–9:45am
Room 2, Tampa Convention Center
Nonlinear Dynamics for Design Across Different Scales:
Challenges and Opportunities
(IMECE2017-73537)
Walter Lacarbonara
Sapienza University
Abstract: Nonlinear dynamics is a mature field of research that
has been traditionally focused on investigation and prediction
of dynamical phenomena ensuing from system nonlinearities
and/or interaction force fields. There is an on-going paradigm
shift in the design of high-performance structures and devices
by which new ways are sought to exploit advantageously
different kinds of nonlinearities at different scales rather than
enforcing constrains to overcome the onset of nonlinear
phenomena. Advanced tools of robust nonlinear modelling,
analysis, identification and optimization can be turned into
powerful design tools tailored for achieving high levels of
vibration control authority and synthesis of engineered systems
and materials.
First, the general principles of active resonance cancellation
based on perturbation techniques are illustrated in the context
of magnetically levitated bodies, cranes, and beams. The
active control inputs delivered by the different actuators can
be shaped to suppress resonances possessing an activation
threshold as is the case for parametric resonances or
subharmonic/superharmonic resonances.
Nonlinear passive absorbers based on hysteretic nonlinearities
can also be designed to outperform linear viscoelastic
absorbers in predefined ranges of operation. This is achieved
by using wire ropes made of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires
and steel wires for which the interwire friction and the SMA
phase transformations are the primary mechanisms of energy
dissipation. In this context, perturbation methods and
differential evolution algorithms are employed synergestically
to drive the optimization process triggered by the approximate
nonlinear solutions afforded by asymptotics. Examples are
shown dealing with sway control of a five-story building and
In conclusion, recent advances on high-damping nanomaterials
made of a hosting matrix with dispersed carbon nanotubes are
discussed. The hysteresis exhibited as frictional sliding
between carbon nanotubes and the polymer chains of the
hosting matrix can be largely modified and optimized by
adjusting the micro-structural constitutive features within the
developed computational framework to optimize vibration
absorption up to unprecedented levels. Recent experimental
and modeling efforts are discussed in the context of new
directions in material design for dynamic applications.