Soft robotics is a subfield of robotics that encompasses the design and fabrication of robots with soft and compliant materials. Soft robots represent components like human prosthetics or biomimicking systems. Soft robotics relies on technically astute designs based on the correct choice of materials to enable a level of dexterity not possible with rigid components alone. The basic prime movers (actuators) and perception (sensors) require control systems capable of accommodating imprecise feedback data and often unpredictable reaction times. Mobility in such robots is more akin to entomological or marine systems than conventional guided vehicles. This reference is a guide to materials and systems used in soft robotics. If features 6 chapters contributed by robotics experts that review fundamental and applied topics that are important for understanding the requirements of soft robotics design projects and the physics of the polymers involved. Chapters are organized for easy reading and include references. The topics include: - Aspects of materials processing and engineering for the development of soft robotic devices - A review on biological gripping principles and their application to robotics - Information about self-sensing electroadhesive polymer grippers with magnetically controllable surface geometry - Theoretical and experimental investigations of magnetic hybrid materials - Modeling and dynamic analysis of a novel rotary soft robotic arm by transfer matrix method - Design and control of a portable continuum robot for pipe inspection assisted by a rigid manipulator This book is a suitable reference for scholars and engineers who are seeking knowledge about materials and design principles in soft robotics with its practical applications.

This reference is an accessible update on combustion synthesis and the chemical technology for synthesizing composite materials. Nine chapters offer an overview of the subject with recent references, giving the reader an informed perspective. The book starts with an introduction to thermodynamic models used in combustion synthesis. Subsequent chapters explain the application of combustion synthesis to manufacture different materials such as nanostructured non-ferrous alloys, ceramic powders, functionally graded materials, boron carbide-based superhard materials, shape memory alloys, biomaterials, high-entropy alloys and rare earth phosphates. The range of topics makes this book a useful guide for students, scientists and industrial professionals in the field of chemical engineering, metallurgy and materials science.

Voltammetry for Sensing Applications familiarizes readers with recent advancements in the field of electrochemical analysis. The book features 16 chapters which cover many applications of voltammetric analysis such as drug testing and analysis, sensors for point-of-care devices, sensors for diverse analysis, advanced energy storage devices, clinical sample analysis, sensors for the detection of heavy metals, nanomaterials, disease detection, immune sensors, food sample analysis, and anti-inflammatory and anticancer drug detection. Many of the current methods of voltammetry offer increased stability, repeatability, high performance, cost-effectiveness, time-saving, sensitivity, and the chapters also cover appropriate applications for the sensing tools and methodologies which are imperative in electrochemical, environment, biological, medicinal, and food safety analysis. This informative reference serves as a timely and comprehensive update on voltammetry and sensing materials for chemistry scholars and industrial chemists alike.

This reference presents a collection of studies which highlight new developments in improving manufacturing processes and performance. The book includes 11 chapters which cover unique topics of interest to production engineers. These topics include the production of advanced composite materials and alloys to the use of sensors to evaluate production processes, product testing and evaluation (in production and storage environments), and the development and testing of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Chapters have been contributed by several scholars, who give a unique perspective on specific aspects of manufacturing and industrial production. The book also covers recent technologies such as additive manufacturing. Each chapter presents the study in an experimental manner highlighting the theory, methods, and results, where applicable. References for further reading are also provided. This book is intended to provide researchers and engineers with new data and cases for industrial manufacturing processes which may be applied in different industrial sectors.

Graphene-Based Nanomaterial Catalysis compiles knowledge about catalytic graphene-based nanomaterials in a single easy-to-read volume. The text serves to familiarize scholars and professionals with the methods of fabrication of both functionalized and non-functionalized graphene nanomaterials suitable for use in a variety of applications such as electrochemical sensors, oxygen and hydrogen production, fuel cells and organic transformations. Key Features - systematic chapters which present the topic in an accessible way that is targeted towards learners - Accessible information about the fabrication of graphene-based catalysts - updated knowledge about catalytic applications of graphene-based nanomaterials in electro- and organic catalysis. - delivers information about recent trends in industry and research. - covers sophisticated green technologies such as carbon dioxide conversion and solar powered water splitting - references for further reading Interested students in material science at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels in the disciplines of chemical engineering and materials science will highly benefit from the information in this reference. The reference also gives researchers in both industry and academia an opportunity to update their knowledge of graphene-based nanomaterials useful for catalysis.

This book is a compilation of innovative work on image processing applications for renewable energy systems. The chapters in the book describe the use of neural networks in multi-direction dynamic, topographical data frameworks which are designed to account for the distinctive contemporary issues faced when managing environmentally friendly power generation systems. The topics covered include uncertainty analysis methods, computing technologies, automated control systems, performance analysis, riverfront analysis through image processing and solar power estimation methods, to name a few. The information is also complemented with a review of problems in the electric power sector in India. This book is beneficial for professionals and researchers who work on hybrid techniques of GIS, remote sensing, image processing and the implementation of these techniques for utilizing renewable energy resources. Engineers who work on advanced algorithms for renewable energy applications will also get an updated perspective about relevant innovations in this industrial sector.

Focusing on reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, automotive manufacturers are developing electric vehicles (EV) to replace fuel and diesel vehicles starting in 2030 onwards. The EVs, with their green power supplies maximize environmental benefits with zero emissions thereby lowering air pollution levels. There is now an increased demand for stable electric storage systems (ESS) that are part of the design of new electric vehicles. This timely reference gives an overview of modern electrical power systems applied in the current generation of electric vehicles which require an ESS, and how these can be utilized for simultaneous power and data communication. The book starts with an introduction to the topic, before giving a summary of the green power trend for the electric vehicle market. The book then delves into the theoretical and analytical framework required to understand adaptive compensation of the magnetic inductive system (ACMIS), based on zero voltage switch (ZVS). The chapters demonstrate how these systems are used for transmitting electric power from a single-end inverter combined with a compensated network of parallel to parallel (P-P) type and an auto-tuning impedance of LC tank. The book also covers the experimental method for a multifunctional contactless power flow of the G2V mode and bidirectional outer communication and inner communication with giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect for car parking guidance. The experiment shows how to analyze data transferring performance including the current trimming method and how to evaluate data transmission quality according to the relevant parameters. Overall the book serves to familiarize automotive engineers and industry professionals involved in the electric vehicle market with the issues that surround wireless power charging and data transfer systems for electric vehicles, and introduces them to more coherent designs.

This handbook is a guide to numerical and experimental processes that are used to analyze and improve the efficiency of vertical axis rotors. Chapters present information that is required to optimize the geometrical parameters of rotors or understand how to augment upstream water velocity. <p> The authors of this volume present a numerical model to characterize the water flow around the vertical axis rotors using commercial CFD code in Ansys Fluent®. The software has been used to select adequate parameters and perform computational simulations of spiral Darrieus turbines. The contents of the volume explain the experimental procedure carried out to evaluate the performance of the spiral Darrieus turbine, how to characterize the water flow in the vicinity of the tested turbine, and the method to assess the spiral angle influence on the turbine performance parameters. Results for different spiral angles (ranging from 10° to 40°) are presented. <p> This volume is a useful handbook for engineers involved in power plant design and renewable energy sectors who are studying the computational fluid dynamics of vertical axis turbines (such as Darrieus turbines) that are used in hydropower projects. <p> Key features: <p> - 4 chapters that cover the numerical and experimental analysis of vertical axis rotors and hydrokinetic turbines <p> - Simple structured layout for easy reading (methodology, models and results) <p> - Bibliographic study to introduce the reader to the subject <p> - A wide range of parameters included in experiments <p> - A comprehensive appendix of tables for mechanical parameters, statistical models, rotor parameters and geometric details.

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the construction of an object using CAD models. The technology for additive manufacturing s gaining traction in recent times due to its accessibility for both personal and industrial use, as well as its usefulness in quick prototyping (either of a whole object or its components) and meeting the needs of small commercial workloads. Advances in Additive Manufacturing Processes informs readers about the breadth of 3D printing processes. Chapters cover the basic knowledge of additive techniques and their industrial applications with relevant examples. The improvements in each method and their recent technical achievements with practical experimental data are highlighted. The book presents eight types of 3D printing processes, covering a diverse range of technologies which represent the industry. The contents also cover selected topics of relevance to additive manufacturing which include the formation of defects and factors that affect the mechanical properties of the additively manufactured components. Chapters also provide recent guidelines for adapting additive manufacturing processes to increase productivity and reduce manufacturing cost. Advances in Additive Manufacturing Processes is a handy reference for scholars and professionals involved in manufacturing industries and process engineering as well as hobbyists who are interested in the current state-of-the-art in 3D printing.

Lean Management Solutions for Contemporary Manufacturing Operations: Applications in the automotive industry covers recent techniques aimed at improving manufacturing activities in automotive factories in the time of the fourth industrial revolution. The book informs the reader about some improvements in hard skills (such as technical concepts, new tools, processes, and applied designs), as well as soft skills (strategic planning and the psychology of motivating human resources in manufacturing setups). The book also presents insight for managers who are working with a niche of employees with disabilities with respect to the automotive industry. Topics in the book include: Application of Graph Theory in Workplace Design Applied Design Disability and the 4th Industrial Revolution People Development, Motivation & Results Low Cost Logistics Solutions Agile Methodologies in Manufacturing Projects This book is a concise, informative reference which updates the reader on recent strategies to maximize productivity in the auto manufacturing sector.