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The Soils of Libya (World Soils Book Series)
by Hamdi A. ZurqaniThis book presents the soil pedodiversity in Libya. Soils are the source of all life; there can be no life without them. Further, each soil has its own history and its present conditions, which have been shaped by many different factors (e.g. climate, biota, parent material, and relief or topography). The book, divided into eight chapters, provides extensive information on Libyan soils. Chapter one provides an introduction and a broad perspective of the subject, while Chapter two covers the history of soil mapping and research in Libya. Chapter three focuses on local factors of soil formation and describes the geology and climate of the region to explain the diversity of its soils. Chapter four discusses soil classification systems and those most commonly used in the country. The fifth chapter illustrates the constraints and limiting factors that negatively affect agricultural activities across the country. The land cover/land use and the vegetation of the country are described in Chapter six. In turn, Chapter seven presents the status quo of soil biology, the corresponding related research activities, and the other biological properties of Libyan soils. The final chapter (Chapter eight) focus on land degradation and desertification in Libya, emphasizing the main causes, impacts of the phenomena, and efforts to combat it. This book demonstrates the problems that the country is currently facing as a result of climate change, soil erosion, salinization, and pollution, and outlines potential remedies to improve local food security. Bringing together the perspectives and expertise of many distinguished scientists from various universities and institutions in and outside of Libya, the book represents a unique and highly valuable resource.
High-Speed Rail in Poland: Advances and Perspectives
by Andrzej ZurkowskiThe Railway Research Institute (Instytut Kolejnictwa) in Warsaw was established in 1951 and was, until 2000, part of the Polish State Railways (PKP). At present, it serves as an independent entity, it is subordinated to the minister responsible for transport. Since its inception, the Institute has been the centre of competence for technology, technique and organization of operation and services in rail transport, particularly in respect to innovation. One of its fundamental tasks also includes activities connected with safety which are carried out in close cooperation with the National Safety Authority, i.e. the Office of Rail Transport. At the same time the Institute participated in the process of upgrading and modernization of the rail network in Poland. Experience in high speed rail, gained as a result of international cooperation and basing on the effort to increase speed on railway lines in Poland (so far 200 km/h), is included in the monograph “Koleje Dużych Prędkości w Polsce” (High Speed Rail in Poland) published in 2015 for the benefit of the Polish reader. This monograph aims at reaching an international audience of experts so as to present Polish determinants of HSR implementation. In order to elaborate this monograph, apart from specialists from the Railway Research Institute, experts from other research and academic centres were invited. Not only presenting a wide range of problems connected with future construction of High Speed Lines in Polish conditions, but also a number of operational ones. The authors have created a reference work of universal character, solving problems in order to build and operate high speed rail systems in countries on a similar level of development as Poland. Features: providing requirements for design and upgrade of engineering works on High Speed Rail development information on restructuring and building railway lines for countries starting to develop a High Speed Rail system dealing with organizational, engineering, socioeconomic and economic demands for transport services and the formation of human resources for constructing and operting a High Speed Rails system. Presenting these problems on the international arena will facilitate future cooperation and application of world experience to create HSR in Poland and integrate the Polish HSR network into the international one.
Traffic and Granular Flow 2019 (Springer Proceedings in Physics #252)
by Iker Zuriguel Angel Garcimartín Raúl Cruz HidalgoThis book gathers contributions on a variety of flowing collective systems. While primarily focusing on pedestrian dynamics, they also reflect the latest developments in areas such as vehicular traffic and granular flows and address related emerging topics such as self-propelled particles, data transport, swarm behavior, intercellular transport, and collective dynamics of biological systems. Combining fundamental research and practical applications in the various fields discussed, the book offers a valuable asset for researchers and practitioners alike.
Characterisation of Soft Magnetic Materials Under Rotational Magnetisation
by Stanislaw ZurekThe book presents practical aspects related to the measurement of rotational power loss in soft magnetic materials. The book furthermore focuses on practical aspects of performing such measurements, the associated difficulties as well as solutions to the most common problems. Numerous practical aspects, hands-on experience, and most commonly encountered pitfalls are heavily discussed in the book. The text begins with introduction to magnetism, then follows with definitions of measurement methods of rotational power loss from physical viewpoint. Two chapters describe and detail the various sensors which can be employed for such measurements as well as all the aspects of designing, making, and using a magnetising apparatus. A synthesis of the likely optimal design of a magnetising apparatus is also given, preceded with the full reasoning based on all the research carried out to date. <P><P>Characterisation of Soft Magnetic Materials Under Rotational Magnetisation serves as an excellent starting point for any student having to perform magnetic measurements under rotational magnetisation, but also under 1D, 2D or 3D excitation. Because the methods, sensors, and apparatus are extensively discussed it will also be a great reference for more senior researchers and experts in the field. There is a whole chapter devoted to analysis of measurement uncertainty. This subject is rarely published for magnetic measurements, which makes it more difficult for all researchers to understand the concepts and methodology used in uncertainty estimation. This chapter not only introduces the whole subject, but also provides multiple step-by-step examples which can be easily followed, from very simple cases to much more complex ones. All equations are presented with full SI units which greatly helps in practical application of the presented methodology. Each chapter is written in such a way that it can be studied on its own, so that the reader can focus only on the specific aspects, as required.
Connecting Trees with People: Synergistic Strategies for Growing the Urban Forest (Future City #16)
by Naomi ZürcherWritten from the perspective of an urban forester and certified arborist, the reader will have a basic understanding of what makes a tree a tree in context to the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of Urban and Community Forestry, and learn how to implement model, time-tested global green practices and initiatives derived from citizen science.
PostGIS Cookbook, Second Edition: Store, Organize, Manipulate, And Analyze Spatial Data, 2nd Edition
by Mayra ZurbaránPostGIS is a spatial database that integrates the advanced storage and analysis of vector and raster data, and is remarkably flexible and powerful. PostGIS provides support for geographic objects to the PostgreSQL object-relational database and is currently the most popular open source spatial databases. If you want to explore the complete range of PostGIS techniques and expose related extensions, then this book is for you. This book is a comprehensive guide to PostGIS tools and concepts which are required to manage, manipulate, and analyze spatial data in PostGIS. It covers key spatial data manipulation tasks, explaining not only how each task is performed, but also why. It provides practical guidance allowing you to safely take advantage of the advanced technology in PostGIS in order to simplify your spatial database administration tasks. Furthermore, you will learn to take advantage of basic and advanced vector, raster, and routing approaches along with the concepts of data maintenance, optimization, and performance, and will help you to integrate these into a large ecosystem of desktop and web tools. By the end, you will be armed with all the tools and instructions you need to both manage the spatial database system and make better decisions as your project's requirements evolve.
Crisis and Conflict in Agriculture
by Rami Zurayk Eckart Woertz Rachel BahnThis book discusses the causes and effects of crisis and conflict within an agricultural and rural context. It explores issues such as competition over resources, and looks at how crisis and conflict impact upon developing country agriculture for both the physical and human agricultural landscape. It reviews crises stemming from politically-driven violence, natural disasters and climate change. Exploring the relationship between agriculture and conflicts and crises before, during and after crisis periods, this book: - Evaluates controversial issues such as land-grabs and the growing of illegal crops; - Covers methodological approaches including GIS-based studies, ethnographic studies and the blending of methods; - Includes numerous case studies on developing countries within Asia, Latin America, Middle East-North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Providing detailed knowledge about the interactions of agriculture, conflict and crisis, this book aims to inform future policymaking for reconstruction and to foster resilience in the agricultural sector. An important resource for researchers of agricultural economics, development studies, sustainable agriculture and food security, it is also an illuminating read for students of these disciplines and agricultural extension workers.
Crisis and Conflict in Agriculture
by Rami Zurayk Eckart Woertz Rachel BahnThis book discusses the causes and effects of crisis and conflict within an agricultural and rural context. It explores issues such as competition over resources, and looks at how crisis and conflict impact upon developing country agriculture for both the physical and human agricultural landscape. It reviews crises stemming from politically-driven violence, natural disasters and climate change. Exploring the relationship between agriculture and conflicts and crises before, during and after crisis periods, this book: - Evaluates controversial issues such as land-grabs and the growing of illegal crops; - Covers methodological approaches including GIS-based studies, ethnographic studies and the blending of methods; - Includes numerous case studies on developing countries within Asia, Latin America, Middle East-North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Providing detailed knowledge about the interactions of agriculture, conflict and crisis, this book aims to inform future policymaking for reconstruction and to foster resilience in the agricultural sector. An important resource for researchers of agricultural economics, development studies, sustainable agriculture and food security, it is also an illuminating read for students of these disciplines and agricultural extension workers.
Embedded Systems Handbook: Networked Embedded Systems
by Richard ZurawskiConsidered a standard industry resource, the Embedded Systems Handbook provided researchers and technicians with the authoritative information needed to launch a wealth of diverse applications, including those in automotive electronics, industrial automated systems, and building automation and control. Now a new resource is required to report on current developments and provide a technical reference for those looking to move the field forward yet again. Divided into two volumes to accommodate this growth, the Embedded Systems Handbook, Second Edition presents a comprehensive view on this area of computer engineering with a currently appropriate emphasis on developments in networking and applications. Those experts directly involved in the creation and evolution of the ideas and technologies presented offer tutorials, research surveys, and technology overviews that explore cutting-edge developments and deployments and identify potential trends. This second self-contained volume of the handbook, Network Embedded Systems, focuses on select application areas. It covers automotive field, industrial automation, building automation, and wireless sensor networks. This volume highlights implementations in fast-evolving areas which have not received proper coverage in other publications. Reflecting the unique functional requirements of different application areas, the contributors discuss inter-node communication aspects in the context of specific applications of networked embedded systems. Those looking for guidance on preliminary design of embedded systems should consult the first volume: Embedded Systems Design and Verification.
Embedded Systems Handbook: Embedded Systems Design and Verification
by Richard ZurawskiConsidered a standard industry resource, the Embedded Systems Handbook provided researchers and technicians with the authoritative information needed to launch a wealth of diverse applications, including those in automotive electronics, industrial automated systems, and building automation and control. Now a new resource is required to report on current developments and provide a technical reference for those looking to move the field forward yet again. Divided into two volumes to accommodate this growth, the Embedded Systems Handbook, Second Edition presents a comprehensive view on this area of computer engineering with a currently appropriate emphasis on developments in networking and applications. Those experts directly involved in the creation and evolution of the ideas and technologies presented offer tutorials, research surveys, and technology overviews that explore cutting-edge developments and deployments and identify potential trends. This first self-contained volume of the handbook, Embedded Systems Design and Verification, is divided into three sections. It begins with a brief introduction to embedded systems design and verification. It then provides a comprehensive overview of embedded processors and various aspects of system-on-chip and FPGA, as well as solutions to design challenges. The final section explores power-aware embedded computing, design issues specific to secure embedded systems, and web services for embedded devices. Those interested in taking their work with embedded systems to the network level should complete their study with the second volume: Network Embedded Systems.
Industrial Communication Technology Handbook (Industrial Information Technology #8)
by Richard ZurawskiFeaturing contributions from major technology vendors, industry consortia, and government and private research establishments, the Industrial Communication Technology Handbook, Second Edition provides comprehensive and authoritative coverage of wire- and wireless-based specialized communication networks used in plant and factory automation, automotive applications, avionics, building automation, energy and power systems, train applications, and more. New to the Second Edition: 46 brand-new chapters and 21 substantially revised chapters Inclusion of the latest, most significant developments in specialized communication technologies and systems Addition of new application domains for specialized networks The Industrial Communication Technology Handbook, Second Edition supplies readers with a thorough understanding of the application-specific requirements for communication services and their supporting technologies. It is useful to a broad spectrum of professionals involved in the conception, design, development, standardization, and use of specialized communication networks as well as academic institutions engaged in engineering education and vocational training.
The Industrial Information Technology Handbook (Industrial Electronics)
by Richard ZurawskiThe Industrial Information Technology Handbook focuses on existing and emerging industrial applications of IT, and on evolving trends that are driven by the needs of companies and by industry-led consortia and organizations. Emphasizing fast growing areas that have major impacts on industrial automation and enterprise integration, the Handbook covers topics such as industrial communication technology, sensors, and embedded systems.The book is organized into two parts. Part 1 presents material covering new and quickly evolving aspects of IT. Part 2 introduces cutting-edge areas of industrial IT. The Handbook presents material in the form of tutorials, surveys, and technology overviews, combining fundamentals and advanced issues, with articles grouped into sections for a cohesive and comprehensive presentation. The text contains 112 contributed reports by industry experts from government, companies at the forefront of development, and some of the most renowned academic and research institutions worldwide. Several of the reports on recent developments, actual deployments, and trends cover subject matter presented to the public for the first time.
Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated Systems (Industrial Information Technology)
by Richard ZurawskiIf there exists a single term that summarizes the key to success in modern industrial automation, the obvious choice would be integration. Integration is critical to aligning all levels of an industrial enterprise and to optimizing each stratum in the hierarchy. While many books focus on the technological components of enterprise information systems, Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated Systems is the first book to present a comprehensive picture of the technologies, methodologies, and knowledge used to integrate seamlessly the various technologies underlying modern industrial automation and information systems.In chapters drawn from two of Zurawski's popular works, The Industrial Communication Technology Handbook and The Industrial Information Technology Handbook, this practical guide offers tutorials, surveys, and technology overviews contributed by experts from leading industrial and research institutions from around the world. The book is organized into sections for cohesive and comprehensive treatment. It examines e-technologies, software and IT technologies, communication network-based technologies, agent-based technologies, and security in detail as well as their role in the integration of industrial automated systems. For each of these areas, the contributors discuss emerging trends, novel solutions, and relevant standards.Charting the course toward more responsive and agile enterprise, Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated Systems gives you the tools to make better decisions and develop more integrated systems.
Fixed-Time Cooperative Control of Multi-Agent Systems
by Zongyu Zuo Qing-Long Han Boda NingThis monograph presents new theories and methods for fixed-time cooperative control of multi-agent systems. Fundamental concepts of fixed-time stability and stabilization are introduced with insightful understanding. This book presents solutions for several problems of fixed-time cooperative control using systematic design methods. The book compares fixed-time cooperative control with asymptotic cooperative control, demonstrating how the former can achieve better closed-loop performance and disturbance rejection properties. It also discusses the differences from finite-time control, and shows how fixed-time cooperative control can produce the faster rate of convergence and provide an explicit estimate of the settling time independent of initial conditions. This monograph presents multiple applications of fixed-time control schemes, including to distributed optimization of multi-agent systems, making it useful to students, researchers and engineers alike.
Modelling and Analysis of Fine Sediment Transport in Wave-Current Bottom Boundary Layer (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)
by Liqin ZuoThe evolution and utilization of estuarine and coastal regions are greatly restricted by sediment problems. This thesis aims to better understand fine sediment transport under combined action of waves and currents, especially in the wave-current bottom boundary layer (BBL). Field observations, experimental data analysis, theoretical analysis and numerical models are employed. Silt-dominated sediments are sensitive to flow dynamics and the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) increase rapidly under strong flow dynamics. This research unveils several fundamental aspects of silty sediment, i.e., the criterion of the incipient motion, the SSC profiles and their phase-averaged parameterization in wave-dominated conditions. An expression for sediment incipient motion is proposed for silt-sand sediment under combined wave and current conditions. A process based intra-wave 1DV model for flow-sediment dynamics near the bed is developed in combined wave-current conditions. The high concentration layer (HCL) was simulated and sensitivity analysis was carried out by the 1DV model on factors that impact the SSC in the HCL. Finally, based on the 1DV model, the formulations of the mean SSC profile of silt-sand sediments in wave conditions were proposed. The developed approaches are expected to be applied in engineering practice and further simulation.
The Hoek-Brown Failure criterion—From theory to application
by Jianping Zuo Jiayi ShenThis book provides a comprehensive coverage of the theory and principle of the Hoek-Brown (HB) failure criterion, methods or guidelines for estimating the HB input parameters, and the methodology of application of the HB criterion in rock engineering projects. It aims to help researchers, engineers and research students who work in the area of rock mechanics and mining engineering. Academics can quickly obtain an overview of the state of the art of the theory and principle of the Hoek-Brown criterion by reading the book before they advance their researches on the topics related to rock failure criteria. Geotechnical engineers can select appropriate Hoek-Brown input parameters for the design and analysis of rock engineering projects with the help of the principles introduced in this book. Research students may use the book as a textbook to learn the principle of rock mechanics related to rock mass properties.
Designing Exoskeletons
by Luis Adrian Zuñiga-Aviles Giorgio Mackenzie Cruz-MartinezDesigning Exoskeletons focuses on developing exoskeletons, following the lifecycle of an exoskeleton from design to manufacture. It demonstrates how modern technologies can be used at every stage of the process, such as design methodologies, CAD/CAE/CAM software, rapid prototyping, test benches, materials, heat and surface treatments, and manufacturing processes. Several case studies are presented to provide detailed considerations on developing specific topics. Exoskeletons are designed to provide work-power, rehabilitation, and assistive training to sports and military applications. Beginning with a review of the history of exoskeletons from ancient to modern times, the book builds on this by mapping out recent innovations and state-of-the-art technologies that utilize advanced exoskeleton design. Presenting a comprehensive guide to computer design tools used by bioengineers, the book demonstrates the capabilities of modern software at all stages of the process, looking at computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering. It also details the materials used to create exoskeletons, notably steels, engineering polymers, composites, and emerging materials. Manufacturing processes, both conventional and unconventional are discussed—for example, casting, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and heat and surface treatments. This book is essential reading for those in the field of exoskeletons, such as designers, workers in research and development, engineering and design students, and those interested in robotics applied to medical devices.
Radio Link Quality Estimation in Low-Power Wireless Networks
by Marco Antonio Zuniga Carlo Alberto Boano Claro Noda Luca Mottola Habib Youssef Hossein Fotouhi Daniele Puccinelli Anis Koubâa Kay Römer Mário Alves Nouha Baccour Thiemo VoigtThis book provides a comprehensive survey on related work for radio link quality estimation, which covers the characteristics of low-power links, the fundamental concepts of link quality estimation in wireless sensor networks, a taxonomy of existing link quality estimators and their performance analysis. It then shows how link quality estimation can be used for designing protocols and mechanisms such as routing and hand-off. The final part is dedicated to radio interference estimation, generation and mitigation.
Integrated Strategies in Architecture (Technologies of Architecture)
by Joan Zunde Hocine BougdahThis key text presents students with a holistic view of the building design process, bridging the gap between the theory and practice of constructing and assembling buildings. Integrated Strategies in Architecture encourages and enables students to gain a sound understanding of the purpose of buildings, the specialisms that contribute and the available technology. Zunde and Bougdah thoroughly introduce and expose the concepts and technologies that underlie the design process, setting current design in context as part of an evolutionary process, exemplified through historic and contemporary models, and emphasizing the importance of applying a broad variety of technologies in the creation of successful buildings. Topics covered include: space planning, colour theory, communication, management, aesthetics, structures and environmental control. This essential text will greatly assist students of architecture and its technology, construction management and building surveying as well as practitioners as they strive to build better buildings.
A History of Green Ridge State Forest
by Champ ZumbrunGreen Ridge State Forest is a haven of calm and natural beauty among the Appalachians of western Maryland. This land was once the frontier of the nation, and trailblazers such as Thomas Cresap and George Washington were among the first Europeans to discover its wonders: the swift Potomac, the flowering dogwood and pine in the mountain reaches and the nighttime calls of the bobcat and the barred owl. The vision and stewardship of people like forester Fred W. Besley preserved the forest for future generations of hikers, explorers and families. Join former forest manager Champ Zumbrun as he traverses hidden trails to tell the remarkable story of Green Ridge State Forest.
Einführung in die Entwurfsautomatisierung für Quantencomputer
by Alwin Zulehner Robert WilleDieses Buch bietet dem Leser einen einfachen Einstieg in das Quantencomputing sowie in den Entwurf entsprechender Geräte. Die Autoren behandeln verschiedene Entwurfsaufgaben, die für das Quantencomputing wichtig sind, und stellen entsprechende Lösungen vor. Eine Besonderheit des Buches ist, dass diese Aufgaben und Lösungen explizit aus der Perspektive der Entwurfsautomatisierung diskutiert werden, d.h. unter Verwendung von cleveren Algorithmen und Datenstrukturen, die von der Entwurfsautomatisierungs-Community für konventionelle Logik (d.h. für elektronische Geräte und Systeme) entwickelt worden sind und nun für diese neue Technologie angewendet werden. Auf diese Weise können relevante Entwurfsaufgaben wesentlich effizienter als bisher durchgeführt werden, was zu Verbesserungen um mehrere Größenordnungen führt (in Bezug auf die Laufzeit und andere Entwurfsziele). Beschreibt den aktuellen Stand der Technik für den Entwurf von Quantenschaltungen, für deren Simulation und für deren Abbildung auf reale Hardware; Bietet eine erste umfassende Einführung in die Entwurfsautomatisierung für Quantencomputer, die sich mit praxisrelevanten Aufgabenstellungen befasst; Es richtet sich sowohl an die Quantencomputer-Gemeinschaft als auch an die Gemeinschaft der Entwurfsautomatisierung und zeigt, welche beeindruckenden Verbesserungen möglich sind, wenn man das Wissen beider Gemeinschaften kombiniert.
Encapsulation Technologies for Active Food Ingredients and Food Processing
by N. J. Zuidam Viktor NedovicConsumers prefer food products that are tasty, healthy, and convenient. Encapsulation is an important way to meet these demands by delivering food ingredients at the right time and right place. For example, encapsulates may allow flavor retention, mask bad tasting or bad smelling components, stabilize food ingredients, and increase their bioavailability. Encapsulation may also be used to immobilize cells or enzymes in the production of food materials or products, such as fermentation or metabolite production. This book provides a detailed overview of the encapsulation technologies available for use in food products, food processing, and food production. The book aims to inform those who work in academia or R&D about both the delivery of food compounds via encapsulation and food processing using immobilized cells or enzymes. The structure of the book is according to the use of encapsulates for a specific application. Emphasis is placed on strategy, since encapsulation technologies may change. Most chapters include application possibilities of the encapsulation technologies in specific food products or processes. The first part of the book reviews general technologies, food-grade materials, and characterization methods for encapsulates. The second part discusses encapsulates of active ingredients (e.g., aroma, fish oil, minerals, vitamins, peptides, proteins, probiotics) for specific food applications. The last part describes immobilization technologies of cells and enzymes for use within food fermentation processes (e.g., beer, wine, dairy, meat), and food production (e.g., sugar conversion, production of organic acids or amino acids, hydrolysis of triglycerides). Edited by two leading experts in the field, Encapsulation Technologies for Food Active Ingredients and Food Processing will be a valuable reference source for those working in the academia or food industry. The editors work in both industry or academia, and they have brought together in this book contributions from both fields.
Nutzergerechte Entwicklung von Mensch-Maschine-Systemen
by Detlef ZühlkeDas Buch gibt Entwicklern einen Leitfaden zur nutzergerechten Gestaltung von Mensch-Maschine-Systemen an die Hand. Dabei werden die besonderen Gestaltungsprobleme von Useware-Systemen für internationale Märkte ebenso behandelt wie die Auswahl von Entwicklungstools, Normen und Richtlinien sowie grundlegende Gestaltungsregeln. Wichtige Neuerungen, etwa die modellbasierte Entwicklung von Benutzungsschnittstellen oder zukünftige Interaktionsformen, werden in der Neuauflage anhand von Gestaltungsbeispielen vorgestellt.
Between Sea and Sky: Aerial Aquatic Locomotion in Miniature Robots (Biosystems & Biorobotics #29)
by Raphael Zufferey Robert Siddall Sophie F. Armanini Mirko KovacThis book reports on the state of the art in the field of aerial-aquatic locomotion, focusing on the main challenges concerning the translation of this important ability from nature to synthetic systems, and describing innovative engineering solutions that have been applied in practice by the authors at the Aerial Robotics Lab of Imperial College London. After a general introduction to aerial-aquatic locomotion in nature, and a summary of the most important engineering achievements, the book introduces readers to important physical and mathematical aspects of the multimodal locomotion problem. Besides the basic physics involved in aerial-aquatic locomotion, the role of different phenomena happening in fluids, or those due to structural mechanics effects or to power provision, are presented in depth, across a large dimension range, from millimeters to hundreds of meters. In turn, a practice-oriented discussion on the obstacles and opportunities of miniaturization, for both robots and animals is carried out. This is followed by applied engineering considerations, which describe relevant hardware considerations involved in propulsion, control, communication and fabrication. Different case studies are analyzed in detail, reporting on the latest research carried out by the authors, and covering topics such as propulsive aquatic escape, the challenging mechanics of water impact, and a hybrid sailing and flying aircraft. Offering extensive and timely information on the design, construction and operation of small-scale robots, and on multimodal locomotion, this book provides researchers, students and professionals with a comprehensive and timely reference guide to the topic of aerial-aquatic locomotion, and the relevant bioinspired approaches. It is also expected to inspire future research and foster a stronger multidisciplinary discussion in the field.
Flying Insects and Robots
by Jean-Christophe Zufferey Mandyam V. Srinivasan Dario Floreano Charlie EllingtonFlying insects are intelligent micromachines capable of exquisite maneuvers in unpredictable environments. Understanding these systems advances our knowledge of flight control, sensor suites, and unsteady aerodynamics, which is of crucial interest to engineers developing intelligent flying robots or micro air vehicles (MAVs). The insights we gain when synthesizing bioinspired systems can in turn benefit the fields of neurophysiology, ethology and zoology by providing real-life tests of the proposed models. This book was written by biologists and engineers leading the research in this crossdisciplinary field. It examines all aspects of the mechanics, technology and intelligence of insects and insectoids. After introductory-level overviews of flight control in insects, dedicated chapters focus on the development of autonomous flying systems using biological principles to sense their surroundings and autonomously navigate. A significant part of the book is dedicated to the mechanics and control of flapping wings both in insects and artificial systems. Finally hybrid locomotion, energy harvesting and manufacturing of small flying robots are covered. A particular feature of the book is the depth on realization topics such as control engineering, electronics, mechanics, optics, robotics and manufacturing. This book will be of interest to academic and industrial researchers engaged with theory and engineering in the domains of aerial robotics, artificial intelligence, and entomology.