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...

Developing green propulsion concepts for aviation requires some changes in standard procedures for the preliminary aircraft design. Standard design procedures are not readily applicable to aircraft/rotorcraft that use multiple energy sources; innovative concepts like hybrid propulsion systems require new approaches in weight and performance prediction. In this paper the application of new metho...

The effects of fluid elasticity on the swimming behavior of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are experimentally investigated by tracking the nematode's motion and measuring the corresponding velocity fields. We find that fluid elasticity hinders self-propulsion. Compared to Newtonian solutions, fluid elasticity leads to up to 35% slower propulsion. Furthermore, self-propulsion decreases as e...

As Electric Propulsion (EP) increases in recognition as a means of spacecraft primary propulsion and orbit maintenance, more complex spacecraft using EP will be produced. With the proven adage, test what we fly and fly what we test, the ground and on-orbit verification programs for those spacecraft utilizing EP for primary propulsion also increases in complexity. While EP systems have been test...

The objectives of this work were to determine the effect ofsink sBtngth (presce or absence of pods) ad nitrogen source (nodulatng nw nnoting pnnts) on enymk activ chlorophyll co tion, and sescence of soybean (GIycl max [L.] Merr. cv Harosoy) isolnes. A 2-year (1981-1962) feld sdy was ducted. For both nodlatesd ando lated p ts, ribe bisphosphate carboxybse (RuBPCe) acivity of upper-canopy leaves...