Investigation into the cause of pneumatic actuator failure on the HypoSurface

An investigation into the failure of pneumatic actuators on the HypoSurface was conducted to provide information on the current HypoSurface prototype. Using a systematic approach throughout testing, piston components were found to have been subjected to fatigue-failure, causing pressure leaks from the piston. Through further analysis, the increase in wear on the piston gaskets was caused by exceeding the recommended loads during operation of the HypoSurface with its skin. Furthermore, vibrations from piston actuation may be the cause of loose electrical connections in the control panel, resulting in voltage problems in the solenoids.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Chun, Darren M. K. (Darren Masayasu Kekoa)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mark Goulthorpe.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40412

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/40412