Design, model, prototype, test, analyse and evaluate a mechanical human arm (shoulder to wrist)

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2007 in the subject Materials Science, grade: 1,0, University of the West of England, Bristol, course: Individual Project, language: English, abstract: This study sets out to investigate, model and analyse a mechanical human arm. The study consists of four main steps: the literature research, modelling the mechanical human arm, building the model and finally analysing it.The mechanical human arm is the same size as the real human arm of a 20-year-old male. The range of motion is also the same.The investigations cover the functionality of real human arms, the history of prostheses, and applications of mechanical human arms in robotics. Requirements that are based on these information are defined and lead to the first model. This model is tested, rapid-prototyped and evaluated. Weaknesses are shown and an improved model is developed. Analyses of stresses and strains support the design decisions.The model is designed in such a way that it is possible to add in further investigations components such as motors, pneumatic or hydraulic elements in order to allow the model to be part of a humanoid robot.