a frequency domain dynamic analysis is needed to obtain the response of structures constructed on a system of base isolators on flexible soil when subjected to earthquake ground motion. in such systems, the lateral stiffness of the base isolators is so small, compared to the structural stiffness, that in an earthquake attack the fundamental vibration mode dominates the response. with this in mi...

In this paper, we formulate a semi-implicit time-stepping model for multibody mechanical systems with frictional, distributed compliant contacts. Employing a polyhedral pyramid model for the friction law and a distributed, linear, viscoelastic model for the contact, we obtain mixed linear complementarity formulations for the discrete-time, compliant contact problem. We establish the existence a...

A new methodology for determining the radial elastic modulus of a one-dimensional nanostructure laid on a substrate has been developed. The methodology consists of the combination of contact resonance atomic force microscopy (AFM) with finite element analysis, and we illustrate it for the case of faceted AlN nanotubes with triangular cross-sections. By making precision measurements of the reson...

Abstract An approach to producing interfaces with tailored and repeatable normal contact stiffness using micropatterned surfaces is developed. A finite element model first used design square wave having a range of stiffnesses, these are fabricated in polycarbonate via microfabrication process. Results demonstrate that the stiffnesses both tailorable repeatable. The can be broadened other materi...

A tactile sense is key to advanced robotic grasping and manipulation. By touching an object it is possible to measure contact properties such as contact forces, torques, and contact position. From these, we can estimate object properties such as geometry, stiffness, and surface condition. This information can then be used to control grasping or manipulation, to detect slip, and also to create o...

Running-specific prostheses (RSF) are designed to replicate the spring-like nature of biological legs (bioL) during running. However, it is not clear how these devices affect whole leg stiffness characteristics or running dynamics over a range of speeds. We used a simple spring-mass model to examine running mechanics across a range of speeds, in unilateral and bilateral transtibial amputees and...