This book presents the most recent advances in the research and applications of reconfigurable mechanisms and robots. It collects 93 independently reviewed papers presented at the Third ASME/IFToMM International Conference on Reconfigurable Mechanisms and Robots (ReMAR 2015) held in Beijing, China, 20-22 July 2015. The conference papers are organized into seven parts to cover the reconfiguration theory, topology, kinematics and design of reconfigurable mechanisms including reconfigurable parallel mechanisms. The most recent results on reconfigurable robots are presented including their analysis, design, simulation and control. Bio-inspired mechanisms are also explored in the challenging fields of rehabilitation and minimally invasive surgery. This book further addresses deployable mechanisms and origami-inspired mechanisms and showcases a wide range of successful applications of reconfigurable mechanisms and robots. Advances in Reconfigurable Mechanisms and Robots II should be of interest for researchers, engineers and postgraduate students in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics.

These proceedings collect the latest research results in mechanism and machine science, intended to reinforce and improve the role of mechanical systems in a variety of applications in daily life and industry. Gathering more than 120 academic papers, it addresses topics including: Computational kinematics, Machine elements, Actuators, Gearing and transmissions, Linkages and cams, Mechanism design, Dynamics of machinery, Tribology, Vehicle mechanisms, dynamics and design, Reliability, Experimental methods in mechanisms, Robotics and mechatronics, Biomechanics, Micro/nano mechanisms and machines, Medical/welfare devices, Nature and machines, Design methodology, Reconfigurable mechanisms and reconfigurable manipulators, and Origami mechanisms. This is the fourth installment in the IFToMM Asian conference series on Mechanism and Machine Science (ASIAN MMS 2016). The ASIAN MMS conference initiative was launched to provide a forum mainly for the Asian community working in Mechanism and Machine Science, in order to facilitate collaboration and improve the visibility of activities in the field. The series started in 2010 and the previous ASIAN MMS events were successfully held in Taipei, China (2010), Tokyo, Japan (2012), and Tianjin, China (2014). ASIAN MMS 2016 was held in Guangzhou, China, from 15 to 17 December 2016, and was organized by the South China University under the patronage of the IFToMM and the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (CMES). The aim of the Conference was to bring together researchers, industry professionals and students from the broad range of disciplines connected to Mechanism Science in a collegial and stimulating environment. The ASIAN MMS 2016 Conference provided a platform allowing scientists to exchange notes on their scientific achievements and establish new national and international collaborations concerning the mechanism science field and its applications, mainly but not exclusively in Asian contexts.

Covering a wide range of structural concepts and presenting both relevant theories and their applications to actual structures, this book brings together for the first time lightweight structures concepts for many different applications and the relevant scientific literature, thus providing unique insights into a fascinating field of human endeavour. Evolved from a series of graduate courses taught by the authors at the University of Tokyo, the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, this textbook provides both theoretical and practical insights and presents a range of examples which also provide a history of key lightweight structures since the Apollo age. This essential guide will inspire the imagination of engineers and provide an analytical foundation for all readers.

Presented here are 130 refereed papers given at the 36th MATADOR Conference held at The University of Manchester in July 2010. The MATADOR series of conferences covers the topics of Manufacturing Automation and Systems Technology, Applications, Design, Organisation and Management, and Research. The proceedings of this Conference contain original papers contributed by researchers from many countries on different continents. The papers cover the principles, techniques and applications in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, energy, consumable goods and process industries. The papers in this volume reflect: • the importance of manufacturing to international wealth creation; • the emerging fields of micro- and nano-manufacture; • the increasing trend towards the fabrication of parts using lasers; • the growing demand for precision engineering and part inspection techniques; and • the changing trends in manufacturing within a global environment.

The Symposium brought together many of the world’s experts in fluid mechanics, microfabrication and control theory to discover the synergy that can lead to real advances and perhaps find ways in which collaborative projects may proceed. The high profile meeting was attended by keynote speakers who are leaders in their fields. A key driver was the improvement in flow efficiency to reduce drag, and thereby emissions arising from transport. About 65 papers were presented.

Progress in space safety lies in the acceptance of safety design and engineering as an integral part of the design and implementation process for new space systems. Safety must be seen as the principle design driver of utmost importance from the outset of the design process, which is only achieved through a culture change that moves all stakeholders toward front-end loaded safety concepts. This approach entails a common understanding and mastering of basic principles of safety design for space systems at all levels of the program organisation. Fully supported by the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS), written by the leading figures in the industry, with frontline experience from projects ranging from the Apollo missions, Skylab, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, this book provides a comprehensive reference for aerospace engineers in industry. It addresses each of the key elements that impact on space systems safety, including: the space environment (natural and induced); human physiology in space; human rating factors; emergency capabilities; launch propellants and oxidizer systems; life support systems; battery and fuel cell safety; nuclear power generators (NPG) safety; habitat activities; fire protection; safety-critical software development; collision avoidance systems design; operations and on-orbit maintenance. - The only comprehensive space systems safety reference, its must-have status within space agencies and suppliers, technical and aerospace libraries is practically guaranteed - Written by the leading figures in the industry from NASA, ESA, JAXA, (et cetera), with frontline experience from projects ranging from the Apollo missions, Skylab, the Space Shuttle, small and large satellite systems, and the International Space Station - Superb quality information for engineers, programme managers, suppliers and aerospace technologists; fully supported by the IAASS (International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety)

Residual Stress, Thermomechanics & Infrared Imaging, Hybrid Techniques and Inverse Problems, Volume 9 of the Proceedings of the 2016 SEM Annual Conference & Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, the ninth volume of ten from the Conference, brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on a wide range of areas, including: Damage Analysis from Thermal Measurements Quantitative Visualization Stress Analysis from Thermal Measurements New Approaches to Residual Stress Measurement Residual Stress & Optical Methods Non-homogeneous Parameters Identification General Inverse Methods Residual Stress Measurement by X-Ray Diffraction