Measurement Of Mechanical Impedance Research Articles

Design of a Flexible mechatronic system for mechanical impedance measurement of the wrist as one step towards robotic rehabilitation

Abstract Home rehabilitation is a great complement to inpatient rehabilitation, because it allows for more regular training, especially in rural areas, where the access to physiotherapists is limited. However, unsupervised training carries the risk of deviation from the prescribed protocol. An obvious solution is to introduce a technical means for rehabilitation and continuous monitoring of performance. This paper presents a robotic system for rehabilitation of three degrees of freedom of the wrist independently, implemented with only one actuator, optimizing the design and size of the system. The device provides measurements of joint torque-position dependence, allowing objective assessment of mechanical impedance and range of motion to evaluate the progress of rehabilitation. Derived from research on haptic devices, a measurement method was implemented to measure hand impedance in the high frequency range between 100 and 200 Hz using a combination of exciters and accelerometers in the handles. This allows continuous monitoring of gripping forces without the need for complex contact-based force sensors. In collaboration between the authors’ technical and medical universities, a set of two-level passive and active safety measures was implemented to ensure the safety of the system’s users. Therefore, the presented system shows the potential to evaluate the mechanical impedance of the wrist at both low and high frequencies and to monitor the progress during rehabilitation. In the next step, a baseline of wrist impedance will be measured in a target group of healthy volunteers in order to prepare for studies in motion-restricted subjects.

Effects of Impact Hammer Parameters on Mechanical Impedance Measurement

Base impedance has a direct effect on mechanical equipment’s properties, and thus its accurate measurement constitutes an important foundation for the evaluation of these properties. Through theoretical deduction and base impedance measurement, we investigated the influences of impact hammer parameters on mechanical impedance measurement using an impact excitation method. By comparing the effects of hammer head softness and hammer size on base’s mechanical impedance measurements, we know that soft and hard hammer heads were suitable for the impedance measurement in low and high frequency regions, respectively, and that hammer size had a little influence on impedance measurements.

A comparison of endotracheal tube compensation techniques for the measurement of respiratory mechanical impedance at low frequencies.

Measurement of respiratory impedance ([Formula: see text]) in intubated patients requires accurate compensation for pressure losses across the endotracheal tube (ETT). In this study, we compared time-domain (TD), frequency-domain (FD) and combined time-/frequency-domain (FT) methods for ETT compensation. We measured total impedance ([Formula: see text]) of a test lung in series with three different ETT sizes, as well as in three intubated porcine subjects. Pressure measurement at the distal end of the ETT was used to determine the true [Formula: see text]. For TD compensation, pressure distal to the ETT was obtained based on its resistive and inertial properties, and the corresponding [Formula: see text] was estimated. For FD compensation, impedance of the isolated ETT was obtained from oscillatory flow and pressure waveforms, and then subtracted from [Formula: see text]. For TF compensation, the nonlinear resistive properties of the ETT were subtracted from the proximal pressure measurement, from which the linear resistive and inertial ETT properties were removed in the frequency-domain to obtain [Formula: see text]. The relative root mean square error between the actual and estimated [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) showed that TD compensation yielded the least accurate estimates of [Formula: see text] for the in vitro experiments, with small deviations observed at higher frequencies. The FD and TF compensations yielded estimates of [Formula: see text] with similar accuracies. For the porcine subjects, no significant differences were observed in [Formula: see text] across compensation methods. FD and TF compensation of the ETT may allow for accurate oscillometric estimates of [Formula: see text] in intubated subjects, while avoiding the difficulties associated with direct tracheal pressure measurement.

Measurement of loudspeaker mechanical impedance by changing the sound load at the throat of loudspeaker

A loudspeaker is a device that converts electrical energy into acoustic energy by coupling between electrical impedance, mechanical impedance, and radiation impedance. The loudspeaker electro-mechanical-acoustic coupling model provides the experimental feasibility to measure the characteristic parameters. In this paper, an economical and practical measurement method of loudspeaker mechanical impedance is proposed. First, the mathematical relationship between loudspeaker electrical impedance and mechanical impedance is obtained based on the loudspeaker electro-mechanical-acoustic coupling model. Second, two electrical impedances with different known radiation impedance are measured by using a developed measurement system. Finally, the real and imaginary parts of the mechanical impedance are obtained according to the mathematical relationship. This method neither assumes that the loudspeaker mechanical impedance is constant in a frequency band nor does it build FEM models based on structural parameters. A loudspeaker is measured by using a developed measurement system. The result shows that the mechanical impedance and the force factor are functions of frequency. Moreover, a radiation impedance measurement is performed to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.

Monitoring mechanical impedance of the thorax with compression and decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation device

To reduce the complications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and increase its effectiveness, the quality of CPR must be measured and feedback provided to the CPR practitioner. Although CPR ancillary devices that attach sensors to measure the compression frequency and depth have been used, these devices did not previously capture the parameters necessary to determine whether the compression position was appropriate, or whether the thorax was deformed by fracture or other causes. In this study, we proposed a system for measuring the mechanical impedance of a patient’s thorax using a load cell and an accelerometer, incorporated into a CPR ancillary device; the mechanical impedance measurements enabled monitoring of the characteristics and deformations of the thorax during in vitro experiments using dummies, and in an animal experiment using two pigs. When CPR was performed, sensors attached to the CPR assist device measured the compression force and movement, and then the single frequency elements of force and velocity at chest compression frequency were calculated. The mechanical impedance can be determined by calculating the ratio of the obtained force to the velocity. Dummies with different elastic moduli show differences in mechanical impedance. In the animal experiment using pigs, the mechanical impedance of the pig’s thorax steadily decreased in response to successive chest compressions. The mechanical impedance system proposed in this study may be useful in the development of new methods to rapidly measure the mechanical properties of the human body or other complex structures.

Assessing regional lung mechanics by combining electrical impedance tomography and forced oscillation technique.

There is a lack of noninvasive pulmonary function tests which can assess regional information of the lungs. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a radiation-free, non-invasive real-time imaging that provides regional information of ventilation volume regarding the measurement of electrical impedance distribution. Forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a pulmonary function test which is based on the measurement of respiratory mechanical impedance over a frequency range. In this article, we introduce a new measurement approach by combining FOT and EIT, named the oscillatory electrical impedance tomography (oEIT). Our oEIT measurement system consists of a valve-based FOT device, an EIT device, pressure and flow sensors, and a computer fusing the data streams. Measurements were performed on five healthy volunteers at the frequencies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, and 20 Hz. The measurements suggest that the combination of FOT and EIT is a promising approach. High frequency responses are visible in the derivative of the global impedance index ΔZeit(t,fos). $\Delta {Z_{{\text{eit}}}}(t,{f_{{\text{os}}}}).$ The oEIT signals consist of three main components: forced oscillation, spontaneous breathing, and heart activity. The amplitude of the oscillation component decreases with increasing frequency. The band-pass filtered oEIT signal might be a new tool in regional lung function diagnostics, since local responses to high frequency perturbation could be distinguished between different lung regions.

A mechanical impedance-based measurement system for quantifying Parkinsonian rigidity

At present the parkinsonian rigidity assessment depends on subjective judgment of neurologists according to their experience. This study presents a parkinsonian rigidity quantification system based on the electromechanical driving device and mechanical impedance measurement method. The quantification system applies the electromechanical driving device to perform the rigidity clinical assessment tasks (flexion-extension movements) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, which captures their motion and biomechanical information synchronously. Qualified rigidity features were obtained through statistical analysis method such as least-squares parameter estimation. By comparing the judgments from both the parkinsonian rigidity quantification system and neurologists, correlation analysis was performed to find the optimal quantitative feature. Clinical experiments showed that the mechanical impedance has the best correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.872, P < 0.001) with the clinical unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) rigidity score. Results confirmed that this measurement system is capable of quantifying parkinsonian rigidity with advantages of simple operation and effective assessment. In addition, the mechanical impedance can be adopted to help doctors to diagnose and monitor parkinsonian rigidity objectively and accurately.

An Experimental Characterization of the Impedance and Spectral Content of Multistable Structural Responses During Dynamic Bifurcations

The ability to predict multistable structural dynamics challenges the development of future high-performance air vehicles that will be subjected to extreme multiphysics loads. To aid in the establishment of methodologies that characterize the response states of harmonically excited multistable structures, a catalog of empirical and practical evidence is necessary. Recent research has suggested that evolving aspects of mechanical impedance metrics may be correlated with measurable quantities, although their relation to bifurcations of the dynamic response remains incompletely understood. Motivated to begin establishing such knowledge base, this research seeks to construct a library of experimental evidence from which to draw generalized insights on the impedance- and spectral-changing trends of multistable structures undergoing severe nonlinear response due to harmonic loading. A connection between vanishing real and imaginary components of impedance and dynamic bifurcations is uncovered. In the process, a technique to forecast dynamic bifurcations is articulated, which utilizes mechanical impedance measurements in real-time to monitor the susceptibility of postbuckled structural components to undergo dynamic bifurcations. An examination of higher-order harmonics of the dynamic responses further illuminates the nearness to bifurcations and may help classify the precise response regime. Thus, by correlating the real-time impedance and spectral response with analytical predictions, a future tool may be established for condition monitoring and diagnosis.

Long‐Term Soil Structure Observatory for Monitoring Post‐Compaction Evolution of Soil Structure

Core Ideas We provide long‐term data on soil structure evolution following compaction. Treatments with and without plants and with and without tillage are included. Monitoring includes soil physical and biological properties and crop measures. Compaction decreased fluid transport capability and increased mechanical impedance. The projected intensification of agriculture to meet food targets of a rapidly growing world population are likely to accentuate already acute problems of soil compaction and deteriorating soil structure in many regions of the world. The key role of soil structure for soil functions, the sensitivity of soil structure to agronomic management practices, and the lack of reliable observations and metrics for soil structure recovery rates after compaction motivated the establishment of a long‐term Soil Structure Observatory (SSO) at the Agroscope research institute in Zürich, Switzerland. The primary objective of the SSO is to provide long‐term observation data on soil structure evolution after disturbance by compaction, enabling quantification of compaction recovery rates and times. The SSO was designed to provide information on recovery of compacted soil under different post‐compaction soil management regimes, including natural recovery of bare and vegetated soil as well as recovery with and without soil tillage. This study focused on the design of the SSO and the characterization of the pre‐ and post‐compaction state of the field. We deployed a monitoring network for continuous observation of soil state variables related to hydrologic and biophysical functions (soil water content, matric potential, temperature, soil air O2 and CO2 concentrations, O2 diffusion rates, and redox states) as well as periodic sampling and in situ measurements of infiltration, mechanical impedance, soil porosity, gas and water transport properties, crop yields, earthworm populations, and plot‐scale geophysical measurements. Besides enabling quantification of recovery rates of compacted soil, we expect that data provided by the SSO will help improve our general understanding of soil structure dynamics.

Mechanical impedance measurements of CFRP cross-ply laminates using central vibration tests

Mechanical impedance measurements of CFRP cross-ply laminates using central vibration tests

Hardpan in skeletal soils: Statistical approach to determine its depth in a cherry orchard plot

AbstractSkeletal soils are not suitable for agriculture, and often are allocated to marginal uses such as cherry orchards for timber production. These require some agricultural practices (irrigation, soil tillage or weed control) which can contribute to the development of a hardpan. Compacted layers can adversely affect timber production, so subsoiling works are required. This study examined the effect of six years of tillage on hardpan formation in a skeletal soil by means of mechanical impedance measurements with a dynamic penetrometer cone (dynamic cone test), a method that is quick and easy to use, but can suffer from interference by stones. Mechanical impedances along the soil profile were measured in four plots differing in tillage (with or without) and drip irrigation (with or without) treatments. Exploratory data analysis together with statistical inference techniques related to linear general models were applied. The presence of a transitional layer on top of the hardpan is suggested in the non-tilled plot and soil depth that can be explored easily by roots has increased by 20 cm.

Acoustic characteristics of a guitar

A variety of tests were done on an acoustic guitar to help characterize and quantify the radiated sound. Modal analysis was performed to determine resonant low frequency modes of the guitar and the motion of the air in the sound hole. Mechanical impedance and mobility measurements were taken at the bridge. String decay and radiated decay times were measured at several fret positions to study the interaction between modal resonances and decay times. Many of these individual tests have been performed on acoustic instruments before. This paper will combine the analysis of all tests and measurements to show that the modal frequencies play a large role in affecting the sound quality of an acoustic guitar.

Assessment of respiratory mechanics with forced oscillations in healthy newborns.

Lung function data in healthy newborn infants are scarce largely due to lack of suitable techniques, although data for developmental and prenatal exposure studies are much needed. We have modified the forced oscillation technique (FOT) for the measurement of respiratory mechanical impedance (Zrs) in unsedated sleeping infants in the first 3 days of life. Zrs was measured during 30-s epochs of quiet sleep in term neonates born via spontaneous vaginal delivery with a non-invasive FOT between 8 and 48 Hz. Total respiratory resistance (R), compliance (C) and inertance (I) were obtained by fitting Zrs spectra. Cluster analysis was used to determine a set of minimal Zrs spectra representing optimal respiratory mechanics for each infant. Successful measurements were obtained in each of the first 3 days in 30/38 (78.9%) neonates. Group mean (± SD) values of R, C, I, and resonant frequency pooled for the 3 days were 45.9 ± 16.6 hPa s L(-1), 0.97 ± 0.21 ml hPa(-1), 0.082 ± 0.031 hPa s(2) L(-1) and 19.2 ± 3.2 Hz, respectively. Within-session variability represented by coefficient of variation was 5.34 ± 3.18% for R and 13.80 ± 8.57% for C. Greater between-session variability was observed for the individual infants; however, the only statistically significant change over time was a 13% increase in R from day 1 to day 2. Parameter interdependence was significant (r(2) = 0.63) between R and I reflecting the large contribution of the upper airways to the total Zrs. Noninvasive measurement of Zrs can be made in neonates during natural sleep with a high success rate, even in the first hours of life.

Mechanical impedance measurement and damage detection using noncontact laser ultrasound.

This Letter proposes a mechanical impedance (MI) measurement technique using noncontact laser ultrasound. The ultrasound is generated by shooting a pulse laser beam onto a target structure, and its response is measured using a laser vibrometer. Once ultrasound propagation converges to structural vibration, MI is formed over the entire structure. Because noncontact lasers are utilized, this technique is applicable in harsh environments, free of electromagnetic interference, and able to perform wide-range scanning. The formation of MI and its feasibility for damage detection are verified through thermo-mechanical finite element analysis and lab-scale experiments.

Monitoring of pipelines in nuclear power plants by measuring laser-based mechanical impedance

Using laser-based mechanical impedance (LMI) measurement, this study proposes a damage detection technique that enables structural health monitoring of pipelines under the high temperature and radioactive environments of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The applications of conventional electromechanical impedance (EMI) based techniques to NPPs have been limited, mainly due to the contact nature of piezoelectric transducers, which cannot survive under the high temperature and high radiation environments of NPPs. The proposed LMI measurement technique aims to tackle the limitations of the EMI techniques by utilizing noncontact laser beams for both ultrasound generation and sensing. An Nd:Yag pulse laser is used for ultrasound generation, and a laser Doppler vibrometer is employed for the measurement of the corresponding ultrasound responses. For the monitoring of pipes covered by insulation layers, this study utilizes optical fibers to guide the laser beams to specific target locations. Then, an outlier analysis is adopted for autonomous damage diagnosis. Validation of the proposed LMI technique is carried out on a carbon steel pipe elbow under varying temperatures. A corrosion defect chemically engraved in the specimen is successfully detected.

Sensing fluid viscosity and density through mechanical impedance measurement using a whisker transducer

This paper presents a new technique for fluid viscosity and density sensing through measuring the mechanical impedance of the fluid load applied on a sphere. A piezoelectric whisker transducer (WT) is proposed which acts simultaneously as both the actuator to excite the sphere tip to oscillate in the fluid and the sensor to measure the force, velocity and mechanical impedance. The relationship between mechanical impedance of the fluid load and electrical impedance of the WT is derived based on a transduction matrix model which characterizes the electro-mechanical transduction process of the WT in both directions. The mechanical impedance is further related to the fluid viscosity and density using a theoretical model. The establishment of this fluid-mechanical–electrical relationship allows the WT to extract the fluid viscosity and density conveniently and accurately just from its electrical impedance. Experimental studies are carried out to calibrate the WT and test its performance using glycerol–water mixtures. It is concluded that the WT is capable of providing results comparable to those of standard viscometers within a wide measurement range due to its low working frequency and large vibration amplitude. Its unique self-actuation-and-sensing feature makes it a suitable solution for online fluid sensing.

Synthesis and proton conductivity studies of 5-aminotetrazole-doped sulfonated polymer electrolyte membranes

This work reports the preparation and characterization of a new anhydrous proton conducting membrane based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), sulfosuccinic acid (SSA), and 5-aminotetrazole (ATet) at various stoichiometric ratios. The proton conductivities of membranes were investigated as a function of ATet composition, SSA composition, and temperature. New anhydrous proton conducting membranes were characterized by infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), methanol permeability, and impedance measurements for proton conductivity. TGA showed that the samples were thermally stable up to 150°C. DSC results illustrated the homogeneity of the materials. Mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus of the PVA–SSA–ATet blend polymer membranes decreased with increasing ATet content. The membranes with higher tetrazole content, or higher acid doping level presented the higher proton conductivity. PVA–SSA–ATet4 can exhibit an anhydrous proton conductivity of 1.7 × 10−3 S/cm at 130°C and the proton conductivity increased with increasing temperature and acid doping level. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers

Measurement of Mechanical Impedance of Floor

Measurement of Mechanical Impedance of Floor

Col11a2 Deletion Reveals the Molecular Basis for Tectorial Membrane Mechanical Anisotropy

The tectorial membrane (TM) has a significantly larger stiffness in the radial direction than other directions, a prominent mechanical anisotropy that is believed to be critical for the proper functioning of the cochlea. To determine the molecular basis of this anisotropy, we measured material properties of TMs from mice with a targeted deletion of Col11a2, which encodes for collagen XI. In light micrographs, the density of TM radial collagen fibers was lower in Col11a2 –/– mice than wild-types. Tone-evoked distortion product otoacoustic emission and auditory brainstem response measurements in Col11a2 –/– mice were reduced by 30–50 dB independent of frequency as compared with wild-types, showing that the sensitivity loss is cochlear in origin. Stress-strain measurements made using osmotic pressure revealed no significant dependence of TM bulk compressibility on the presence of collagen XI. Charge measurements made by placing the TM as an electrical conduit between two baths revealed no change in the density of charge affixed to the TM matrix in Col11a2 –/– mice. Measurements of mechanical shear impedance revealed a 5.5 ± 0.8 dB decrease in radial shear impedance and a 3.3 ± 0.3 dB decrease in longitudinal shear impedance resulting from the Col11a2 deletion. The ratio of radial to longitudinal shear impedance fell from 1.8 ± 0.7 for TMs from wild-type mice to 1.0 ± 0.1 for those from Col11a2 –/– mice. These results show that the organization of collagen into radial fibrils is responsible for the mechanical anisotropy of the TM. This anisotropy can be attributed to increased mechanical coupling provided by the collagen fibrils. Mechanisms by which changes in TM material properties may contribute to the threshold elevation in Col11a2 –/– mice are discussed.

Modeling and characterization of a bimorph impedance transducer

In this paper, a bimorph impedance transducer (BIT), which is utilized as a simultaneous actuator and sensor for mechanical impedance measurement, is modeled and analytically characterized. A four-pole model is constructed to correlate the desired translational mechanical impedance with the measured electrical impedance. From the four-pole model, two set functions are defined to describe the system dynamics of the transducer. Closed-form expressions for these functions are then derived based on piezoelectric constitutive equations and beam theory. Besides producing accurate predications, as verified by a series of experiments, the analytical studies provide strong physical insight into the interaction between the transducer and the external load applied to it. Through two examples, it is found that the analytical solutions are also useful in improving the actuation efficiency and sensing capability of a BIT.