Energy can be saved in terrestrial locomotion in many different ways. The maximum shortening speeds (Vmax) of the muscles can be adjusted to their optimum values for the tasks required of them. The moments exerted by the muscles at different joints can be adjusted to keep the ground force in line with the leg so that muscles do not work against each other. The joints of the legs can be kept as ...

There are multiple indications that the nervous system of animals tunes muscle output to exploit natural dynamics of the elastic locomotor system and the environment. This is an advantageous strategy especially in fast periodic movements, since the elastic elements store energy and increase energy efficiency and movement speed. Experimental evidence suggests that coordination among joints invol...

Humans and animals show a remarkable level of proficiency in their ways of locomotion. They exploit the dynamics of the whole body to perform a variety of motions such as jumping and running. Hereby, the elasticity in the muscles and tendons carries a key role in enabling robust, dynamic and energy efficient locomotion [1]. At the Autonomous Systems Lab, we have developed the robotic leg ScarlE...

Modeling mechanical joints in an accurate and computationally efficient manner is of great importance in the analysis of structural systems, which can be composed of a large number of connected components. This work presents an interface model that can be decomposed into a series-series Iwan model together with an elastic chain, subject to interfacial shear loads. A reduced-order formulation of...

Elastic timber gridshells are lightweight structures whose stiffness is highly dependent on multiple factors, such as boundary conditions and the semi-rigidity eccentricity of joints. Their structural analysis requires calibrated numerical models that incorporate all aspects influencing stiffness. Unfortunately, very little research experimentally verified can be found. This paper focuses behav...

Joints exist widely in tunnel engineering. Studying the deformation characteristics of bolted joint is beneficial for preventing rock mass disasters. To reveal joints, elastic solutions radial joints under compression-shear load were derived, which based on Lame solution mechanics and displacement coordination condition interface between bolt (assuming that at equal). Then, distance from any po...

This study evaluates the edgewise bending moment capacity of the four most frequently used middle joints in the upholstered furniture frames. The research included the following joints: Mortise and Tenon, double Dowel, Corner Blocks and double Gusset Plates, designed in the form of middle joints and made of beech and poplar solid wood. The test results indicated that regarding the edgewise bend...