We consider particles with repulsive nearest-neighbor interactions in a periodically modulated tilted-sine potential as a model for a peristaltic ratchet system. Using the Markov chain approach to kinetics (MCAK), the collective transport behavior is investigated with respect to the modulation period, interaction strength, and applied mechanical bias (tilt amplitude). In the stationary state, a...

effective elastic properties for carbon nanotube reinforced composites are obtained through a variety of micromechanics techniques. an embedded carbon nanotube  in  a  polymer  matrix  and  its surrounding  interphase  is  replaced with an equivalent fiber for  predicting  the  mechanical  properties of  the  carbon  nanotube/polymer composite. the effects of an interphase layer between the nan...

This paper presents the optimum combination of major parameters for high mechanical efficiency of a compact scroll compressor with a fixed cylinder diameter. The mechanical efficiency was calculated for a number of cylinder volumes, where the cylinder diameter and the scroll thickness were fixed at a constant value of 75.7 mm and 4 mm, respectively, and combinations of the involute base circle ...

Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are attractive candidates for harvesting electrical energy from mechanical work since they comprise relatively few moving parts and large elastomer sheets can be mass produced. Successfully demonstrations of the DEG prototypes have been reported from a diverse of energy sources, including ocean waves, wind, flowing water and human movement. The energy dens...

Any mechanical pump is far from efficient. Only a fraction of its input energy is ultimately converted to external work. In the case of the heart, this fraction is approximately 25%, and is defined as mechanical efficiency. Heart failure as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by a reduction in efficiency, the extent of which serves as an important prognostic marker. Despite its ...

For all types of locomotion, the overall efficiency with which chemical energy is converted into mechanical work increases with increasing body size. In order to gain insight into the determinants of the scaling of overall efficiency, we measured the scaling of the rate of ATP utilisation during cyclical contractions using glycerinated fibres from the dorsolongitudinal flight muscle of several ...

Mechanical power output and metabolic power input were measured from an asynchronous flight muscle, the basalar muscle of the beetle Cotinus mutabilis. Mechanical power output was determined using the work loop technique and metabolic power input by monitoring CO(2) production or both CO(2) production and O(2) consumption. At 35 degrees C, and with conditions that maximized power output (60 Hz ...

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that a higher intra-individual variability benefits the motor learning of wheelchair propulsion. The present study evaluated whether feedback-induced variability on wheelchair propulsion technique variables would also enhance the motor learning process. Learning was operationalized as an improvement in mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique, which are th...