Vibration

16 pages, 3048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rat-Tail Models for Studying Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: A Comparison between Living and Cadaver Rat Tails

by Christopher M. Warren, Xueyan S. Xu, Mark Jackson, Walter G. McKinney, John Z. Wu, Daniel E. Welcome, Stacey Waugh, Phillip Chapman, Erik W. Sinsel, Samantha Service, Kristine Krajnak and Ren G. Dong

Vibration 2024, 7(3), 722-737; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7030038 - 10 Jul 2024

Abstract

Over-exposure of the hand-arm system to intense vibration and force over time may cause degeneration of the vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems in the fingers. A novel animal model using rat tails has been developed to understand the health effects on human fingers [...] Read more.

Over-exposure of the hand-arm system to intense vibration and force over time may cause degeneration of the vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems in the fingers. A novel animal model using rat tails has been developed to understand the health effects on human fingers exposed to vibration and force when operating powered hand tools or workpieces. The biodynamic responses, such as vibration stress, strain, and power absorption density, of the rat tails can be used to help evaluate the health effects related to vibration and force and to establish a dose-effect relationship. While the biodynamic responses of cadaver rat tails have been investigated, the objective of the current study was to determine whether the biodynamic responses of living rat tails are different from those of cadaver rat tails, and whether the biodynamic responses of both living and cadaver tails change with exposure duration. To make direct comparisons, the responses of both cadaver and living rat tails were examined on four different testing stations. The transfer function of each tail under a given contact force (2 N) was measured at each frequency in the one-third octave bands from 20 to 1000 Hz, and used to calculate the mechanical system parameters of the tails. The transfer functions were also measured at different exposure durations to determine the time dependency of the response. Differences were observed in the vibration biodynamic responses between living and cadaver tails, but the general trends were similar. The biodynamic responses of both cadaver and living rat tails varied with exposure duration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Vibration)

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17 pages, 7807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation of Folding Tail Aeroelasticity Based on the CFD/CSD Coupling Method

by Di Zhou, Weitao Lu, Jiangpeng Wu, Tongqing Guo, Binbin Lv, Hongtao Guo and Hongya Xia

Vibration 2024, 7(3), 705-721; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7030037 - 5 Jul 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a CFD/CSD coupling method for aeroelastic simulation of folding tail morphing aircraft. The unsteady aerodynamic analysis is based on an in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver for the Euler equations, and emphasis is made on developing an efficient dynamic mesh [...] Read more.

This paper presents a CFD/CSD coupling method for aeroelastic simulation of folding tail morphing aircraft. The unsteady aerodynamic analysis is based on an in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver for the Euler equations, and emphasis is made on developing an efficient dynamic mesh method for the tail’s hybrid fold motion/elastic vibration deformation. The structural dynamic analysis is based on the computational structural dynamics (CSD) technique for solving the structural equation of motion in modal space. The aeroelastic coupling was achieved through successive iterations of CFD and CSD computations in the time domain. An adaptive multi-functional morphing aircraft allowing tail fold motion was selected to be studied. By using the developed method, aeroelastic simulation and mechanism analysis for fixed configurations at different folding angles and for variable configurations during the folding process were performed. The influence of folding rate on tail aeroelasticity and its influence mechanism were also analyzed. Full article

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18 pages, 23906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modal, Structural, and Comfort Analyses for Improving Customized Bicycles for Recreational Ridings of People with Disabilities

by Andrey Maciel Araújo da Silva, Sérgio de Souza Custódio Filho, Leonardo Dantas Rodrigues, Fábio Antônio do Nascimento Setúbal, Sérgio Aruana Elarrat Canto, Girlan Lucas da Costa Oliveira, Ana Lídia Nascimento Moraes dos Santos, Wellington Lima Botelho and Alexandre Luiz Amarante Mesquita

Vibration 2024, 7(3), 687-704; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7030036 - 4 Jul 2024

Abstract

Leisure activities are known to be especially important for the health of people with disabilities. In Belém, PA, an Amazonian city in Brazil, a nonprofitable organization has promoted leisure ridings in bicycles for those people in Utinga State Park, a large green area [...] Read more.

Leisure activities are known to be especially important for the health of people with disabilities. In Belém, PA, an Amazonian city in Brazil, a nonprofitable organization has promoted leisure ridings in bicycles for those people in Utinga State Park, a large green area for physical and leisure activities. The handcrafted bikes have a sidecar attached for users with disabilities which are ridden by trained volunteers. Since such bikes have been empirically manufactured, they require some minor improvements in safety, comfort, and handling, and verification of structural strength. Therefore, ergonomic, modal, and forced vibration analyses assessed the user’s comfort and safety and a structural analysis with the use of strain gauges evaluated the bicycle’s structural strength. Initially, a numerical modal analysis was performed using the finite element method, and the modal model obtained was validated by an experimental modal analysis employing shaker excitation. ISO-2631-based evaluations of forced vibration and human body comfort were conducted regarding whole-body vibration in vehicles and mechanical equipment. Vibration measurements at the position of the rider and sidecar occupant were obtained during rides on the bicycle and, according to the results, in general, when subjected to loads, the bicycle showed low stress levels far from the yield stress of the material, promoting an excellent safety factor in relation to its structural integrity. The modal, comfort, and forced vibration analyses revealed a mode of vibration in the sidecar that caused discomfort to the back of the users. Ergonomics analysis pointed out changes in the handlebars, the bicycle seat, the coupling between the sidecar and the bike, and the dimensions of the sidecar will provide greater comfort and safety. This paper presents and discusses the proposed modifications to both bicycle and sidecar. Full article

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25 pages, 19174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Evaluation of a Multi-Stable Hybrid Energy Harvester

by Haining Li, Kefu Liu and Jian Deng

Vibration 2024, 7(3), 662-686; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7030035 - 1 Jul 2024

Abstract

This article develops a multi-stable hybrid energy harvester (MSHEH) which consists of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and an electromagnetic energy harvester (EMEH). By tuning two parameters, the MSHEH can achieve a mono-stable, bi-stable, and tri-stable state, respectively. A numerical procedure is developed [...] Read more.

This article develops a multi-stable hybrid energy harvester (MSHEH) which consists of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and an electromagnetic energy harvester (EMEH). By tuning two parameters, the MSHEH can achieve a mono-stable, bi-stable, and tri-stable state, respectively. A numerical procedure is developed to compute the EMEH’s transduction factor. The obtained result is validated experimentally. Using the equivalent magnetic 2-point dipole theory, the restoring force model of the magnetic spring is established. The obtained model is verified experimentally. The energy harvesting performances of the MSHEH under the four different configurations (linear, mono-stable, bi-stable and tri-stable) subjected to frequency sweep excitations are evaluated by simulation and validated by experiment. The comparative analysis focuses on power output, accumulated harvested energy, and effective energy-harvesting bandwidth. The optimum load resistances are investigated by Pareto front optimizations. The following key findings are obtained. When subjected to high-level frequency sweep excitation, the tri-stable configuration exhibits the widest frequency bandwidth and the highest total accumulated harvested energy. When subjected to low-level frequency sweep excitation, the bi-stable configuration is more efficient in energy harvesting. The best performance trade-off between the PEH and EMEH can be achieved by selecting the optimum load resistances properly. Full article

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18 pages, 3141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Reduced-Order Modeling Approach for a Double-Damper Concept: A Comparison with a Single Damper for Comfort Analysis

by Behzad Hamedi, Sudarshan Shrikanthan and Saied Taheri

Vibration 2024, 7(3), 644-661; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7030034 - 1 Jul 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the modeling and simulation of an innovative double-damper suspension system, evaluating its effectiveness through different test scenarios. The double damper integrates two individual dampers into a unified assembly. The modeling process involves representing the damper as two distinct dampers and [...] Read more.

This paper explores the modeling and simulation of an innovative double-damper suspension system, evaluating its effectiveness through different test scenarios. The double damper integrates two individual dampers into a unified assembly. The modeling process involves representing the damper as two distinct dampers and a body block, accounting for the additional degree of freedom introduced by combining the two dampers. Simulink/MATLAB is employed for modeling the pressure, discharge, and force equations of the damper. A simplified quarter-car model is designed to conduct simulations for different road profiles, evaluating the efficacy of this double-damper model. The reduced-order modeling approach, suitable for complex systems like dampers, is utilized. Dedicated mathematical models are utilized to examine both single- and double-damper configurations, with the resulting non-linear equations solved using Newton’s iterative method. The equations derived for the single damper provide the basis for modeling the double-damper system. In this model, two separate dampers, each possessing similar properties, are simulated and considered to be rigidly linked at their connection point. Consequently, it is assumed that a portion of the force and velocity experienced by the lower damper is transmitted to the upper damper, and vice versa. Simulation results demonstrate that the innovative double-damper design outperforms a single passive damper in attenuating the oscillations of both the sprung and unsprung masses. Moreover, this innovative concept offers increased adaptability to balance between ride comfort and road holding, a feature previously limited to passive suspension systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Vibration of Mechanical Systems)

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17 pages, 2439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability and Bandgap Characteristics of Periodic Marine Risers

by Miead Nikfarjam and Amr Baz

Vibration 2024, 7(3), 627-643; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7030033 - 26 Jun 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the concept of periodic marine risers, which is investigated in a comprehensive theoretical manner to establish tools for the design and prediction of the performance characteristics of this class of risers. The presented concept of periodic risers introduces an optimally [...] Read more.

This paper presents the concept of periodic marine risers, which is investigated in a comprehensive theoretical manner to establish tools for the design and prediction of the performance characteristics of this class of risers. The presented concept of periodic risers introduces an optimally placed and designed array of periodic inserts that reinforce the conventional riser to, on the one hand, enhance its elastic instability threshold to internal flows and, on the other hand, introduce stop/pass band characteristics that can trap the vortex shedding excitations in order to mitigate their effects. Such a concept has not been investigated in the literature. The effectiveness of the concept is investigated and demonstrated theoretically by modeling the dynamics of these risers using finite element analysis and developing their instability threshold to internal flows, as well as their bandgap characteristics by extracting the eigenvalues of the associated transfer matrices. Comparisons are established between the performance characteristics of these periodic risers and conventional risers to demonstrate the merits and limitations of the proposed concept. Full article

22 pages, 5370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Semi-Active Control Approach for Flexible Structures: Vibration Control through Boundary Conditioning Using Magnetorheological Elastomers

by Jomar Morales and Ramin Sedaghati

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 605-626; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020032 - 18 Jun 2024

Abstract

This research study explores an alternative method of vibration control of flexible beam type structures via boundary conditioning using magnetorheological elastomer at the support location. The Rayleigh–Ritz method has been used to formulate dynamic equations of motions of the beam with MRE support [...] Read more.

This research study explores an alternative method of vibration control of flexible beam type structures via boundary conditioning using magnetorheological elastomer at the support location. The Rayleigh–Ritz method has been used to formulate dynamic equations of motions of the beam with MRE support and to extract its natural frequencies and mode shapes. The MRE-based adaptive continuous beam is then converted into an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom system for the purpose of control implementation, assuming that the system’s response is dominated by its fundamental mode. Two different types of control strategies are formulated including proportional–integral–derivative control and on–off control. The performance of controllers is evaluated for three different loading conditions including shock, harmonic, and random vibration excitations. Full article

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10 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Whole-Body Vibration Does Not Alter Passive Muscle Stiffness in Physically Active Males

by Marco Spadafora, Federico Quinzi, Carmen Giulia Lia, Francesca Greco, Katia Folino, Loretta Francesca Cosco and Gian Pietro Emerenziani

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 595-604; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020031 - 13 Jun 2024

Abstract

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a widely used training method to increase muscle strength and power. However, its working mechanisms are still poorly understood, and studies investigating the effects of WBV on muscle stiffness are scant. Therefore, the aim of this study is to [...] Read more.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a widely used training method to increase muscle strength and power. However, its working mechanisms are still poorly understood, and studies investigating the effects of WBV on muscle stiffness are scant. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of WBV on stiffness and countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty-four recreationally active males, on separate days and in random order, performed a static squat under two different conditions: with WBV (WBV) or without vibration (CC). Muscle stiffness was assessed through the Wartenberg pendulum test, and CMJ was recorded. RM-ANOVA was employed to test differences between conditions in the above-mentioned variables. In the CC condition, stiffness was significantly lower after the exposure to the static squat (p = 0.006), whereas no difference was observed after the exposure to WBV. WBV and CC did not affect CMJ. No significant correlation was observed between changes in CMJ and changes in stiffness. Our results show that WBV may mitigate the reduction in muscle stiffness observed after static squats. However, current results do not support the notion that WBV exposure may account for an increase in CMJ performance. Full article

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13 pages, 7741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis versus Empirical Modal Analysis of a Basketball Rim and Backboard

by Daniel Winarski, Kip P. Nygren and Tyson Winarski

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 582-594; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020030 - 7 Jun 2024

Abstract

The first goal of this research was to document the process of using the MODAL analysis system of the ANSYS 2024R1 student edition to create a finite element model of the modes and frequencies of vibration of one basketball rim and backboard design. [...] Read more.

The first goal of this research was to document the process of using the MODAL analysis system of the ANSYS 2024R1 student edition to create a finite element model of the modes and frequencies of vibration of one basketball rim and backboard design. This finite element model included the use of steel for the rim and its mount, a tempered glass backboard, and an aluminum frame behind the backboard. After a mesh was created, fixed support boundary conditions were applied to the four corners of the aluminum frame, followed by the theoretical modal analysis. The second goal was to validate this model by comparing the finite element calculated mode shapes and frequencies to the empirical modal analysis previously measured at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Five mode shapes and frequencies agreed rather well between the theoretical finite element analysis and previously published empirical modal analysis, specifically where the rim was vibrating in the vertical direction, which was the direction that the accelerometer was aligned for the empirical modal analysis. These five modes were addressed from a finite element model validation standpoint by a 99.5% confidence in a 98.09% cross-correlation with empirical modal analysis data, and from a verification standpoint by employing a refined-mesh. However, three theoretical mode shapes missed by the empirical modal analysis were found where the vibration of the rim was confined to the horizontal plane, which was orthogonal to the orientation of our accelerometer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vibrations in Sports)

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Graphical abstract

22 pages, 10012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remaining Useful Life Prediction Method Enhanced by Data Augmentation and Similarity Fusion

by Huaqing Wang, Ye Li, Ye Jin, Shengkai Zhao, Changkun Han and Liuyang Song

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 560-581; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020029 - 5 Jun 2024

Abstract

Precise prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of rolling bearings is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of machinery and minimizing maintenance costs. The time-domain features can reflect the degenerative state of the bearings and reduce the impact of random noise present [...] Read more.

Precise prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of rolling bearings is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of machinery and minimizing maintenance costs. The time-domain features can reflect the degenerative state of the bearings and reduce the impact of random noise present in the original signal, which is often used for life prediction. However, obtaining ideal training data for RUL prediction is challenging. Thus, this paper presents a bearing RUL prediction method based on unsupervised learning sample augmentation, establishes a VAE-GAN model, and expands the time-domain features that are calculated based on the original vibration signals. By combining the advantages of VAE and GAN in data generation, the generated data can better represent the degradation state of the bearings. The original data and generated data are mixed to realize data augmentation. At the same time, the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm is introduced to measure the similarity of the dataset, establishing the mapping relationship between the training set and target sequence, thereby enhancing the prediction accuracy of supervised learning. Experiments employing the XJTU-SY rolling element bearing accelerated life test dataset, IMS dataset, and pantograph data indicate that the proposed method yields high accuracy in bearing RUL prediction. Full article

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39 pages, 22218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Deep Transfer Learning Model for the Fault Diagnosis of Double Roller Bearing Using Scattergram Filter Bank 1

by Mohsin Albdery and István Szabó

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 521-559; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020028 - 5 Jun 2024

Abstract

In this study, a deep transfer learning model was developed using ResNet-101 architecture to diagnose double roller bearing defects. Vibration data were collected for three different load scenarios, including conditions without load, and for five different rotational speeds, ranging from 500 to 2500 [...] Read more.

In this study, a deep transfer learning model was developed using ResNet-101 architecture to diagnose double roller bearing defects. Vibration data were collected for three different load scenarios, including conditions without load, and for five different rotational speeds, ranging from 500 to 2500 RPM. Significantly, the speed condition of 2500 RPM has not previously been investigated, therefore offering a potential avenue for future investigations. This study offers a thorough examination of bearing conditions using multidirectional vibration data collected from accelerometers positioned in both vertical and horizontal orientations. In addition to transfer learning using ResNet-101, four additional models (VGG-16, VGG19, ResNet-18, and ResNet-50) were trained. Transfer learning using ResNet-101 consistently achieved the highest accuracy in all scenarios, with accuracy rates ranging from 90.78% to 99%. Scattergram Filter Bank 1 was used as the image input for training as a preprocessing method to enhance feature extraction. Research has effectively applied transfer learning to improve fault diagnosis accuracy, especially in limited data scenarios. This shows the capability of the method to differentiate between normal and faulty bearing conditions using signal-to-image transformation, emphasizing the potential of transfer learning to augment diagnostic performance in scenarios with limited training data. Full article

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18 pages, 8511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation on Buffet Response and Mitigation of Variant-Tailed Aircraft in Maneuver State

by Dawei Liu, Peng Zhang, Binbin Lv, Hongtao Guo, Li Yu, Yanru Chen and Bo Lu

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 503-520; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020027 - 27 May 2024

Abstract

This study proposes a computational fluid dynamics and computational structure dynamics (CFD/CSD) coupled method for calculating the buffet response of a variant tail wing. The large-scale separated flow in the buffet is simulated by the detached vortex approach, vibration deformation of the tail [...] Read more.

This study proposes a computational fluid dynamics and computational structure dynamics (CFD/CSD) coupled method for calculating the buffet response of a variant tail wing. The large-scale separated flow in the buffet is simulated by the detached vortex approach, vibration deformation of the tail wing is solved by the dynamic mesh generation technique, and structural modeling is based on the mode method. The aerodynamic elastic coupling is calculated through the cyclic iteration of aerodynamics and the structural solution in the time domain. We verify the correctness of the proposed method through a typical delta wing calculation case, further simulate the buffet response of a variant tail wing in maneuver state, and finally realize buffet mitigation using an active excitation method. Overall, this study can provide an important reference for the design of variant-tailed aircraft. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances on Structural Engineering, 2nd Volume)

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24 pages, 5723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stick–Slip Suppression in Drill String Systems Using a Novel Adaptive Sliding Mode Control Approach

by Fourat Zribi, Lilia Sidhom and Mohamed Gharib

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 479-502; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020026 - 23 May 2024

Abstract

A novel control technique is presented in this paper, which is based on a first-order adaptive sliding mode that ensures convergence in a finite time without any prior information on the upper limits of the parametric uncertainties and/or external disturbances. Based on an [...] Read more.

A novel control technique is presented in this paper, which is based on a first-order adaptive sliding mode that ensures convergence in a finite time without any prior information on the upper limits of the parametric uncertainties and/or external disturbances. Based on an exponent reaching law, this controller uses two dynamically adaptive control gains. Once the sliding mode is reached, the dynamic gains decrease in order to loosen the system’s constraints, which guarantees minimal control effort. The proof of convergence was demonstrated according to Lyapunov’s criterion. The proposed algorithm was applied to a drill string system to evaluate its performance because such systems present variable operating conditions caused by, for example, the type of rock. The effectiveness of the proposed controller was evaluated by conducting a comparative study that involved comparing it against a commonly used sliding mode controller, as well as other recent adaptive sliding mode control techniques. The different mathematical performance measures included energy consumption. The proposed algorithm had the best performance measures with the lowest energy consumption and it was able to significantly improve the functioning of the drill string system. The results indicated that the proposed controller had 20% less chattering than the classic SM controller. Finally, the proposed controller was the most robust to uncertainties in system parameters and external disturbances, thus demonstrating the auto-adjustable features of the controller. Full article

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15 pages, 1853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Study of Nonlinear Flexural Vibration of a Beam with Geometric, Material and Combined Nonlinearities

by Yoganandh Madhuranthakam and Sunil Kishore Chakrapani

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 464-478; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020025 - 13 May 2024

Abstract

This article explores the nonlinear vibration of beams with different types of nonlinearities. The beam vibration was modeled using Hamilton’s principle, and the equation of motion was solved using method of multiple time scales. Three models were developed assuming (a) geometric nonlinearity, (b) [...] Read more.

This article explores the nonlinear vibration of beams with different types of nonlinearities. The beam vibration was modeled using Hamilton’s principle, and the equation of motion was solved using method of multiple time scales. Three models were developed assuming (a) geometric nonlinearity, (b) material nonlinearity and (c) combined geometric and material nonlinearity. The material nonlinearity also included both third and fourth nonlinear elasticity terms. The frequency response equation of these models were further evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. The models capture the hardening effect, i.e., increase in resonant frequency as a function of forcing amplitude for geometric nonlinearity, and the softening effect, i.e., decrease in resonant frequency for material nonlinearity. The model is applied on the first three bending modes of the cantilever beam. The effect of the fourth-order material nonlinearity was smaller compared to the third-order term in the first mode, whereas it is significantly larger in second and third mode. The combined nonlinearity models shows a discontinuous frequency shift, which was resolved by utilizing a set of transition assumptions. This results in a smooth transition between the material and geometric zones in amplitude. These parametric models allow us to fine tune the nonlinear response of the system by changing the physical properties such as geometry, linear and nonlinear elastic properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Vibration)

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11 pages, 5155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Workload Change When Using an Impact Wrench in Different Postures?—A Counter-Balanced Trial

by Nastaran Raffler, Thomas Wilzopolski, Christian Freitag and Elke Ochsmann

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 453-463; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020024 - 9 May 2024

Abstract

Awkward hand-arm posture and overhead work increase the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms. These adverse health effects can also be caused by additional workloads such as hand-arm vibration exposure while carrying or holding a power tool. This pilot trial investigated posture and muscle activity [...] Read more.

Awkward hand-arm posture and overhead work increase the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms. These adverse health effects can also be caused by additional workloads such as hand-arm vibration exposure while carrying or holding a power tool. This pilot trial investigated posture and muscle activity of 11 subjects while using an impact wrench for three working directions: upwards, forwards and downwards. Although the vibration exposure did not show notable differences in the magnitude (4.8 m/s² upwards, 4.4 m/s² forwards and 4.7 m/s² downwards), postural behavior and the muscle activity showed significantly higher workloads for working upwards compared to forwards direction. The muscle activity results for working downwards also showed elevated levels of muscle activity due to the awkward wrist posture. The results demonstrate that not only the working direction but also more importantly the arm, wrist and head posture need to be considered while investigating hand-arm vibration exposure. Full article

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21 pages, 5056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of In-Wheel Suspension on Whole-Body Vibration and Comfort in Manual Wheelchair Users

by Ahlad Neti, Allison Brunswick, Logan Marsalko, Chloe Shearer and Alicia Koontz

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 432-452; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020023 - 30 Apr 2024

Abstract

Frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of vibration and shock can cause neck and back pain and discomfort for many wheelchair users. Current methods to attenuate the vibration have shown to be ineffective and, in some cases, detrimental to health. Novel in-wheel [...] Read more.

Frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of vibration and shock can cause neck and back pain and discomfort for many wheelchair users. Current methods to attenuate the vibration have shown to be ineffective and, in some cases, detrimental to health. Novel in-wheel suspension systems claim to offer a solution by replacing traditional spokes of the rear wheels with dampening elements or springs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of in-wheel suspension on reducing vibration and shock and improving comfort in manual wheelchair users. Twenty-four manual wheelchair users were propelled over nine different surfaces using a standard spoked wheel, a Spinergy CLX, and Loopwheels while accelerometry data was collected at the footrest, seat, and backrest. Loopwheels lowered vibrations by 10% at the backrest compared to the standard and CLX wheels (p-value < 0.001) and by 7% at the footrest compared to the CLX (p-value < 0.05). They also reduced shocks by 7% at the backrest compared to the standard wheel and CLX (p-value < 0.001). No significant differences were found in comfort between the wheels. Results indicate that Loopwheels is effective at reducing vibration and shock, but more long-term testing is required to determine effects on health. Full article

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13 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Ride Motion Discomfort Measurement Formulas

by Louis T Klauder Jr

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 419-431; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020022 - 30 Apr 2024

Abstract

This article is about a framework for determining the degree of realism of any given passenger ride motion discomfort measurement formula. After providing some context and reviewing evidence of deficiency in currently popular ride motion discomfort measurement formulas, the article outlines the research [...] Read more.

This article is about a framework for determining the degree of realism of any given passenger ride motion discomfort measurement formula. After providing some context and reviewing evidence of deficiency in currently popular ride motion discomfort measurement formulas, the article outlines the research program that needs to be carried out in order to establish such a framework. The research begins with gathering recordings of uncomfortable ride motion episodes encountered in a chosen type of passenger transport service. It then has test subjects compare the episodes via a ride motion simulator and adjust their amplitudes pair wise until they cause equal discomfort. It explains how to take the pair wise amplitude adjustments and determine amplitude adjustments that bring all of the motion episode recordings to a common level of discomfort so that they form a normalized set. Then, the lower the scatter of the scores assigned by any given discomfort measurement formula to the members of that set, the more realistic that formula will be for the chosen service. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole-Body Vibration and Hand-Arm Vibration Related to ISO-TC108-SC4 Published Standards)

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12 pages, 11017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effects of Additional Vibration on the Perceived Quality of an Electric Cello

by Hanna Järveläinen, Stefano Papetti and Eric Larrieux

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 407-418; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020021 - 30 Apr 2024

Abstract

Haptic feedback holds the potential to enhance the engagement and expressivity of future digital and electric musical instruments. This study investigates the impact of artificial vibration on the perceived quality of a silent electric cello. We developed a haptic cello prototype capable of [...] Read more.

Haptic feedback holds the potential to enhance the engagement and expressivity of future digital and electric musical instruments. This study investigates the impact of artificial vibration on the perceived quality of a silent electric cello. We developed a haptic cello prototype capable of rendering vibration signals of varying degree of congruence with the produced sound. Experienced cellists participated in an experiment comparing setups with and without vibrotactile feedback, rating them on preference, perceived power, liveliness, and feel. Results show nuanced effects, with added vibrations moderately enhancing feel and liveliness, and significantly increasing perceived power when using vibrations obtained from the pickup at the cello’s bridge. High uncertainty in our statistical model parameters underscores substantial individual differences in the participants responses, as commonly found in qualitative assessments, and highlights the importance of consistent feedback in the vibrotactile and auditory channels. Our findings contribute valuable insights to the intersection of haptics and music technology, paving the way for creating richer and more engaging experiences with future musical instruments. Full article

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19 pages, 5391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a High-Static Low-Dynamic Cushion for a Seat Containing Large Amounts of Friction

by Janik Habegger, Megan E. Govers, Marwan Hassan and Michele L. Oliver

Vibration 2024, 7(2), 388-406; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020020 - 25 Apr 2024

Abstract

Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) has been shown to result in lower-back pain, sciatica, and other forms of discomfort for operators of heavy equipment. While WBV is defined to be between 0.5 and 80 Hz, humans are most sensitive to vertical vibrations between [...] Read more.

Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) has been shown to result in lower-back pain, sciatica, and other forms of discomfort for operators of heavy equipment. While WBV is defined to be between 0.5 and 80 Hz, humans are most sensitive to vertical vibrations between 5 and 10 Hz. To reduce WBV exposure, a novel seat cushion is proposed that optimally tunes a High-Static Low-Dynamic (HSLD) stiffness isolator. Experimental and numerical results indicate that the cushion can drastically increase the size of the attenuation region compared to a stock foam cushion. When placed on top of a universal tractor seat, the cushion is capable of mitigating vibrations at frequencies higher than 1.1 Hz. For comparison, the universal tractor seat with a stock foam cushion isolates vibrations between 3.4 and 4.1 Hz, as well as frequencies larger than 4.8 Hz. Friction within the universal seat is accurately modeled using the Force Balance Friction Model (FBFM), and an analysis is conducted to show why friction hinders overall seat performance. Finally, the cushion is shown to be robust against changes in mass, assuming accurate tuning of the preload is possible. Full article

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