Shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibit two very important properties: shape memory phenomenon and superelastic deformation due to intrinsic thermoelastic martensitic transformation. To fully exploit the potential of SMAs in developing functional structures or smart structures in mechanical and biomechanical engineering, it is important to understand and quantify the failure mechanisms of SMAs. This...

We report on the cryogenic properties of a low-contraction silicon–aluminum composite, namely Japan Fine Ceramics SA001, to use as packaging structure for silicon devices. SA001 is composite material (75% by volume) and has low thermal expansion coefficient ( $$\sim $$ 1/3 that aluminum). The superconducting transition temperature measured be 1.18 K, which in agreement with pure aluminum thus a...

Most vertebrates increase cardiac output during activity by elevating heart rate with relatively stable stroke volume. However, several studies have demonstrated 'intrinsic autoregulation' of cardiac output where artificially increased heart rate is associated with decreased stroke volume, leaving cardiac output unchanged. We explored the capacity of noradrenaline to overcome autoregulation in ...

The ventricular systolic pressure-volume area correlates well with myocardial oxygen consumption. However, in isolated muscle preparations, there are experimental data based on both mechanical and energetic measurements that suggest that the pressure-volume area concept may not obtain. In the present study, force-length area, the analog of pressure-volume area for a linear muscle, was examined ...

The instantaneous isovolumic and ejecting pressure-volume relationship of the right ventricle was studied in 11 cross-circulated, isolated canine hearts to characterize the right ventricular contractile state. Accurate measurement of volume was achieved by the use of a water-filled, thin latex balloon in the right ventricle connected to a special volume loading and transducing chamber. Pressure...

In robotics, Air Muscle is used as the analogy of the biological motor for locomotion or manipulation. It has advantages like the passive Damping, good power-weight ratio and usage in rough environments. An experimental test set up is designed to test both contraction and volume trapped in Air Muscle. This paper gives the characteristics of Air Muscle in terms of contraction of Air Muscle with ...

Thermal expansion is an important property of substances. Its theoretical prediction has been challenging, particularly in cases the volume decreases with temperature, i.e., thermal contraction or negative thermal expansion at high temperatures. In this paper, a new theory recently developed by the authors has been reviewed and further examined in the framework of fundamental thermodynamics and...

We have measured the effects of barium-induced cardiac contraction on the intramyocardial blood volume content of all vessels and have independently measured the blood volume content of vessels with a diameter greater than 100 ,um in rat myocardium. Measurements of total intramyocardial blood volume were made by using [1251]albumin as a plasma marker and technetium-99m as a red blood cell marke...

De Troyer, André. Interaction between the canine diaphragm and intercostal muscles in lung expansion. J Appl Physiol 98: 795–803, 2005. First published November 12, 2004; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol. 00632.2004.—Changes in intrathoracic pressure produced by the various inspiratory intercostals are essentially additive, but the interaction between these muscles and the diaphragm remains uncertain. ...

........................................................................................................................................... V Populärvetenskaplig sammanfattning ............................................................................. VII List of Papers ..............................................................................................................................