ORCID Profile
0000-0003-4438-5582
Current Organisation
Deakin University
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: MDPI
Date: 05-03-2018
Publisher: Purdue University
Date: 2022
Publisher: ASME International
Date: 17-01-2014
DOI: 10.1115/1.4026029
Abstract: Competitive wheelchair sport performance is dependent on three factors: the athlete, the wheelchair, and the interaction between the athlete and the wheelchair (Goosey-Tolfrey, 2010, “Supporting the Paralympic Athlete: Focus on Wheeled Sports,” Disabil Rehabil., 32(26), pp. 2237–2243). In order to effectively refine the user interphase design of the wheelchair, it is essential to narrow down the key dimensions within the design space, which are likely to have an effect on the performance of an in idual athlete. This paper provides a case study analysis of the test data obtained from five elite wheelchair rugby athletes, using a purpose-built adjustable wheelchair on a wheelchair ergometer. Four design factors (wheel diameter, camber angle, seat height, and camber bar depth) were tested at incremental dimensional levels to the athlete's current chair configuration and tests were performed according to an L9 Taguchi orthogonal array. The case study analyzes acceleration, velocity, and time in the push phase of the propulsion cycle as well as recovery time for each of the participating athletes performing a linear sprint task. The Taguchi method is applied to determining the positive/negative contribution of each of the four design factors to the outlined performance variables as well as their combined effect in a specific wheelchair configuration model. A performance ranking system and magnitude-based inferences on the true value of the effect statistic are used to define a high performance design space for in idual athlete wheelchairs. Finally, the athlete's preferred ergonomics are considered to assess the narrowed high performance wheelchair options. As such, when adopting the approach presented in this paper, it becomes possible to customize an athlete's wheelchair design to meet the athlete's anthropometric needs as well as their performance requirements.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: MDPI
Date: 22-02-2018
Publisher: Knowledge E
Date: 09-02-2017
Abstract: FEA software is traditionally expensive to purchase, takes a high level of technical skill and understanding and requires users to dedicate years to develop specialist skills. With the increasing popularity of more user-friendly, elementary software packages such as Fusion360, more cost effective and efficient processes can be developed and harnessed, especially by SME’s and designers that don’t have the ability to purchase expensive software packages. One particular FEA element that has recently begun transitioning from highly specialised to more readily available is ‘generative design’ and ‘shape optimisation.' Shape optimisation has only been able to be utilised by large corporations with large research and development budgets. This case study looks at exploring and optimising the methods involved in generative design for product development and it’s aimed at facilitating practises for small to medium enterprises (SME’s). The work described in this paper presents a study using a snowboard binding highback component which was reverse engineered using 3D scanning. A blank model, free of any discerning features was created from the scan and then used as the platform for the generative design phase. This process was completed using easily accessible software (Fusion 360) as well as high-end professional software (Ansys 16). A comparison between the two workflows analyses the resultant model outcomes and outlines efficiencies regarding processing time, technical skill, and latent difficulties of the entry-level process for generative design of the snowboarding high back. This paper aims to demonstrate and describe an optimisation model for generative design and shape optimisation during entry-level product development. /
Publisher: MDPI
Date: 22-02-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-06-2023
Abstract: Surfboard manufacturing has begun to utilise Expanded Polystyrene as a core material however, surf literature relatively ignores this material. This manuscript investigates the mechanical behaviour of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) sandwich composites. An epoxy resin matrix was used to manufacture ten sandwich-structured composite panels with varying fabric reinforcements (carbon fibre, glass fibre, PET) and two foam densities. The flexural, shear, fracture, and tensile properties were subsequently compared. Under common flexural loading, all composites failed via compression of the core, which is known in surfing terms as creasing. However, crack propagation tests indicated a sudden brittle failure in the E-glass and carbon fibre facings and progressive plastic deformation for the recycled polyethylene terephthalate facings. Testing showed that higher foam density increased the flex and fracture mechanical properties of composites. Overall, the plain weave carbon fibre presented the highest strength composite facing, while the single layer of E-glass was the lowest strength composite. Interestingly, the double-bias weave carbon fibre with a lower-density foam core presented similar stiffness behaviour to standard E-glass surfboard materials. The double-biased carbon also improved the flexural strength (+17%), material toughness (+107%), and fracture toughness (+156%) of the composite compared to E-glass. These findings indicate surfboard manufacturers can utilise this carbon weave pattern to produce surfboards with equal flex behaviour, lower weight and improved resistance to damage in regular loading.
No related grants have been discovered for Clara Usma.