A gold nanoshell-functionalized polymer multilayer nanorocket performs self-propulsion upon the irradiation with NIR light in the absence of chemical fuel. Theoretical simulations reveal that the NIR light-triggered self-thermophoresis drives the propulsion of the nanorocket. The nanorocket also displays -efficient NIR light-triggered propulsion in -biofluids and thus holds considerable promise...

This paper presents design modification to the existing standard wheelchair by incorporating an improved propulsion system and also braking and tilting systems that allow its full control with only one hand. The proposed design has the propulsion system with a chain drive powered through a four-bar linkage driven by the main handle. The desired direction of motion is obtained by moving the leve...

. Propulsion styles that are characterized by high stresses may influence the susceptibility of manual wheelchair users (MWCU) to upper limb injury. An experimental, crosssectional study was designed to compare physiological and biomechanical characteristics of wheelchair propulsion in two groups of MWCU—a trunk flexion propulsion style group (FG) and a non-trunk flexion propulsion style group ...

Since the introduction of large jet-powered transport aircraft, the majority of these vehicles have been designed by placing thrust-generating engines either under the wings or on the fuselage to minimize aerodynamic interactions on the vehicle operation. However, advances in computational and experimental tools along with new technologies in materials, structures, and aircraft controls, etc. a...

Objectives. To quantify the association between performance-based manual wheelchair propulsion tests (20 m propulsion test, slalom test, and 6 min propulsion test), trunk and upper extremity (U/E) strength, and seated reaching capability and to establish which ones of these variables best predict performance at these tests. Methods. 15 individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) performed the t...

In this paper, a fully-distributed system-level control architecture is described for dispatching, routing, and collision avoidance of multiple passive vehicles moving in a guideway network formed by a multitude of propulsion units. Propulsion units cooperate using a communication network with a topology identical to that of the guideway network, eliminating the need for explicit knowledge of g...