Conceptual Design of a Novel Particle-Based Soft Grasping Gripper

Soft grippers show adaptability and flexibility in grasping irregularly shaped and fragile objects. However, the low loading capacity and less deformation limit the soft gripper for developing large-scale applications. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new concept of a soft actuator with engineered smart particles. The proposed soft...

A metamaterial-based interface for the structural resonance shielding of impact-driven offshore monopiles

Underwater noise resulting from the monopile driving process can cause severe damage to marine wildlife, such as hearing injury, behavioral disturbance, or even death. Although current noise-attenuation techniques used in this process have shown a significant noise reduction at high frequency ranges, mitigating low-frequency noise is still...

Parametric Analysis of a Double Shaft, Batch-Type Paddle Mixer Using the Discrete Element Method (DEM)

To improve the understanding of the mixing performance of double shaft, batch-type paddle mixers, the discrete element method (DEM) in combination with a Plackett–Burman design of experiments simulation plan is used to identify factor significance on the system’s mixing performance. Effects of several factors, including three material properties...

Design framework for DEM-supported prototyping of grabs including full-scale validation

The design of machinery for handling granular materials relies mainly on empirical methods and in-house engineering knowledge. This traditional approach provides incremental improvements that are often limited. Advancements in simulation and optimization can offer a promising alternative approach. Most of the research involved in improving or...

Systematic design optimization of grabs considering bulk cargo variability

Ship unloader grabs are usually designed using the manufacturer's in-house knowledge based on a traditional physical prototyping approach. The grab performance depends greatly on the properties of the bulk material being handled. By considering the bulk cargo variability in the design process, the grab performance can be improved...