Mechanical Analysis and Application of Woodpecker Pecking Mechanism by Bionics
Date Issued
2014
Date
2014
Author(s)
Chang, Ting-Kuan
Abstract
“Problem solving” is the key to the world of engineering, any activities related to engineering and research studies are forms of problem solving. For one area of engineering, engineers focus on seeking solutions in the biological world around us, take this report on the woodpecker as an example. According to previous studies, we had discovered an amazing aspect on the cushioning effect induced by the woodpecker’s head. When a woodpecker pecks wood, its beak comes in contact with the branch at an approximate speed of 6-7m/s, its head experiences a deceleration of as high as 1000g, however, this does not cause any damage to the brain. This discovery had truly marveled the engineering world.
This research was an extension of the report done by my senior, Tsai Sheng Da: Mechanical Analysis of Alleviating Impact by Bionics of Woodpecker. Referencing to his model of the woodpecker’s head, which had only accomplished numerical analysis of the woodpecker’s motion, we made use of multiple software to visually construct a model of the woodpecker’s head. In addition, we had built upon the previous model to achieve more accurate statistics which stated that the cerebrospinal fluid present in the woodpecker’s brain could adjust the damping coefficient to 26.041Ns/m, reducing the original deceleration by a total of 36.7%.
Previous studies focused on force analysis of the woodpecker’s head, our research made use of the model combining both the woodpecker’s head and its body during the process of pecking. Through observing the head equipped with damping structure, when was lower than 20 Ns/m, under specific constants, deceleration experienced by the brain could be reduced by approximately 56.7%. Within this range, the worst damping effect could be as good as 36%.
For application aspect, we had applied the achieved technic in demolition hammers used in construction sites. This could minimize the long term harmful effects experienced by the operators. Thus, we had obtained vibrational acceleration statistics of both the machine and the operators’ arms during the construction process and modeled tools which could damp the motions. Furthermore, after analyzing the economic benefits, we concluded that application of the model is indeed crucial. After simulations, we realized the similarities of the reaction force models between demolition hammers and the woodpecker’s head, which had no relation to the rebounding force on the chisel in front of the hammer when it came into contact with the ground. In conclusion, we hope that the damping model of the woodpecker could achieve effective result of reducing the occupational injuries.
Subjects
啄木鳥
腦脊髓液
敲擊機構
Demolition Hammer
混凝土粉碎機
Type
thesis
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