Space robot. Mechanical actuation systems on board SFU.

Development of On-Board Space Computer Systems

This paper describes the functions, characteristics, requirements, and design approaches of the on-board computers for seven space vehicles-Saturn I , Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, Gemini, Saturn IB, Saturn V, Skylab, and Space Shuttle. The data contained in this paper represent an encapsulation of sixteen years of space-borne-computer development. In addition, the evolution of computer ch...

FPGA-based Reconfigurable On-board Computing Systems for Space Applications

The purpose of the thesis is to conceptualize an application method of ground-based reconfigurable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technologies for space systems and to apply the method to the on-board computer of the small satellite Flying Laptop for the on-orbit demonstration. The Flying Laptop satellite is the first small satellite within the “Stuttgart small satellite program” in which...

Mechanical Variable Valve Actuation Systems for Motorcycle Engines

This paper summarizes the results of design of new mechanical variable valve actuation (hereafter VVA) systems, developed for high performance motorcycle engines, at University of Napoli Federico II, Department of Industrial Engineering–Section Mechanics and Energy (hereafter DiME). In addition to a first simple (and limited) system used just as a model for the previous analysis, the work has e...

Quantum mechanical actuation of microelectromechanical systems by the Casimir force.

The Casimir force is the attraction between uncharged metallic surfaces as a result of quantum mechanical vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. We demonstrate the Casimir effect in microelectromechanical systems using a micromachined torsional device. Attraction between a polysilicon plate and a spherical metallic surface results in a torque that rotates the plate about two thin tor...

On Control of Free - Flying Space Robot Manipulator Systems