Thesis Topics – Zaoutsos Stefanos
Section: Soft Robotics: Materials and Devices
- Study, development, and numerical simulation of a mechatronic human upper limb (hand) exoskeleton system for assisting movement in individuals with motor disabilities.
In this thesis, the design and numerical simulation using numerical methods will be carried out in order to model the mechanical behavior of a prototype human upper limb (hand) exoskeleton system. The design will be performed using CAD software, taking into account the anatomical and anthropometric geometric features of the hand, focusing on capturing the three-dimensional geometric representation of the exoskeleton shell to be attached to the palm and finger sections. Subsequently, using finite element software, the mechanical behavior of the design prototype will be predicted to enable the development and fabrication of the exoskeleton system. - Study, development, and configuration of a mechatronic upper limb (hand) exoskeleton system for assisting movement in individuals with motor disabilities.
In this thesis, the design and construction of a prototype human upper limb (hand) exoskeleton system will be attempted. The design will be performed using CAD software, taking into account the anatomical and anthropometric geometric features of the hand, focusing on capturing the three-dimensional geometric representation of the exoskeleton shell to be attached to the palm and finger sections. Subsequently, an attempt will be made to configure the design model and construct it after selecting the appropriate materials and mechanisms. - Study, development, and numerical simulation of a mechatronic human lower limb (leg) exoskeleton system for assisting movement in individuals with motor disabilities.
In this thesis, the design and numerical simulation using numerical methods will be carried out in order to model the mechanical behavior of a prototype human upper limb (hand) exoskeleton system. The design will be performed using CAD software, taking into account the anatomical and anthropometric geometric features of the hand, focusing on capturing the three-dimensional geometric representation of the exoskeleton shell to be attached to the palm and finger sections. Subsequently, using finite element software, the mechanical behavior of the design prototype will be predicted to enable the development and fabrication of the exoskeleton system. - Study, development, and construction of a mechatronic human lower limb (leg) exoskeleton system for assisting movement in individuals with motor disabilities.
In this thesis, the design and construction of a prototype human lower limb (leg) exoskeleton system will be attempted. The design will be performed using CAD software, taking into account the anatomical and anthropometric geometric features of the lower limb, focusing on capturing the three-dimensional geometric representation of the exoskeleton shell to be attached to the lower leg and foot sections. Subsequently, an attempt will be made to configure the design model and construct it after selecting the appropriate materials and mechanisms. - Numerical simulation of the mechanical behavior of a tubular stem with air chambers for the controlled bending of an endoscopic system.
This thesis will involve the numerical simulation of the mechanical behavior of a tubular stem with air chambers for the controlled bending of an endoscopic system. The design will be carried out using design software, while the numerical simulation will require the use of finite element software. The comparison of the numerical results will be made against experimental results obtained based on the behavior of a prototype tubular stem with air chambers available in the laboratory. - Design, programming, and construction of a flexible robotic stem system controlled by an Arduino micro-controller.
The purpose of this thesis is the development and construction of a polymeric stem which will subsequently have the ability, under mechanical loading, to deform in a controlled manner and execute programmed displacements according to commands given by the Arduino micro-controller. The configuration of the stem’s geometry will ensure the required anisotropic mechanical behavior to produce the necessary condition for the stem’s deformation. The application of the system can be used in the development of a smart endoscope.
Section: Thermomechanical Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Advanced Materials and Structures
- Metamaterials and Uses: Study – Methodology – Applications in Materials Science.
This thesis deals with metamaterials and modern trends leading to their application. An extensive review of the literature on the development of metamaterials so far and their potential in engineering science applications will be conducted. Furthermore, the methodologies and general principles governing the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of various types of metamaterial structures and their potential benefits in structures and devices will be described. - Analytical/Numerical Investigation and experimental confirmation of the Elastic/Viscoelastic behavior of a tubular section made of a biphasic elastomeric material for controlled displacement and deformation under mechanical loading conditions.
In this thesis, an analytical and numerical investigation of the mechanical behavior of a tubular section composed of two different types of elastomeric materials will be carried out to determine its different mechanical response in the deformation field during loading at different loading rates. - Effect of infill geometry on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid) – Experimental Investigation.
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the effect of infill geometry on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid). Test specimens will be manufactured according to prescribed standards and subjected to dynamic mechanical stresses to study the effect of infill geometry on dynamic mechanical properties such as Storage Modulus E’, Loss Modulus E”, and tan δ. In this way, any degradation of the material’s dynamic properties will be studied, and an attempt will be made to predict their reduction. - Study of thermomechanical spraying parameters in 3D printing of structural components using green materials and biopolymers.
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the effect of thermomechanical spraying parameters on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of green materials and biopolymers. Test specimens will be manufactured according to prescribed standards and subjected to static and dynamic mechanical stresses to study the effect of spraying temperature on the properties. In this way, optimization of the material’s Dynamic Mechanical Properties will be achieved, while additionally, any degradation of the material’s dynamic properties and prediction of their reduction will be investigated. - Thermal stress in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites: The effect on thermomechanical properties.
In this thesis, an investigation of thermal stress in carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites will be conducted. These will be subjected to a defined thermal profile. Test specimens will be manufactured according to prescribed standards and subjected to repeated thermal stresses with a predetermined thermal profile and corresponding time period. Subsequently, static and dynamic mechanical tests will be performed on the specimens to study the effect of the applied thermal profile on the static and dynamic properties of the material. - Study of the mechanical behavior and construction of an elastomeric system reinforced with fibrous laminae to exploit anisotropic mechanical behavior for controlled displacement.
The purpose of this thesis is the development and construction of a polymeric stem which will have the ability, under mechanical and/or fluid-mechanical loading, to deform in a controlled manner due to the anisotropic mechanical behavior exhibited by the stem as a result of reinforcement with fibrous laminae that strengthen its structure. - Study and construction of an electronic circuit for controlling the operation of a series of micro-pumps using Arduino for controlled pressure and loading in a flexible robotic tubular system.
The purpose of this thesis is the development and construction of a polymeric stem which will have the ability, under mechanical and/or fluid-mechanical loading, to deform in a controlled manner within its air chambers, which will be configured in a longitudinal dimension and thus impart anisotropic behavior depending on the operation of each micro-pump, thereby delivering the corresponding stress state to it.