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In order to efficiently convert lignocellulose, it is often necessary to conduct a pretreatment. The biomass considered in this study typically comprises of agricultural and horticultural residues, as well as beechwood. A very environmentally friendly method, namely, fungal pretreatment using white-rot fungi, leads to an enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis. In contrast to other processes presented, the energy input is extremely low. However, the fungal growth on the lignocellulosic substrates takes several weeks at least in order to be effective. Thus, the reduction of chemicals and energy for thermal processing is a target of our current research. Liquid hot water (LHW) and solvent-based pretreatment (OrganoSolv) require more complex equipment, as they depend on high temperatures (160 – 180 °C) and enhanced pressure (up to 20 bar). However, they prove to be promising processes in regard to the fractioning of lignocellulose. For optimal lignin recovery the parameters differ from those established in cellulose extraction. A novel screening system scaled down to a reaction volume of 100 mL has been developed and successfully tested for this purpose.
We present an electromechanically coupled computational model for the investigation of a thin cardiac tissue construct consisting of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial, ventricular and sinoatrial cardiomyocytes. The mechanical and electrophysiological parts of the finite element model, as well as their coupling are explained in detail. The model is implemented in the open source finite element code Code_Aster and is employed for the simulation of a thin circular membrane deflected by a monolayer of autonomously beating, circular, thin cardiac tissue. Two cardio-active drugs, S-Bay K8644 and veratridine, are applied in experiments and simulations and are investigated with respect to their chronotropic effects on the tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of coupled micro- and macroscopic electromechanical models of cardiac tissue to be adapted to experimental results at the cellular level. Further model improvements are discussed taking into account experimentally measurable quantities that can easily be extracted from the obtained experimental results. The goal is to estimate the potential to adapt the presented model to sample specific cell cultures.
Electromicrobial engineering is an emerging, highly interdisciplinary research area linking bioprocesses with electrochemistry. In this work, microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of biobutanol is carried out during acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentations with Clostridium acetobutylicum. A constant electric potential of −600mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) with simultaneous addition of the soluble redox mediator neutral red is used in order to study the electron transfer between the working electrode and the bacterial cells. The results show an earlier initiation of solvent production for all fermentations with applied potential compared to the conventional ABE fermentation. The f inal butanol concentration can be more than doubled by the application of a negative potential combined with addition of neutral red. Moreover a higher biofilm formation on the working electrode compared to control cultivations has been observed. In contrast to previous studies, our results also indicate that direct electron transfer (DET) might be possible with C. acetobutylicum. The presented results make microbial butanol production economically attractive and therefore support the development of sustainable production processes in the chemical industry aspired by the “Centre for resource-efficient chemistry and raw material change” as well as the the project “NanoKat” working on nanostructured catalysts in Kaiserslautern.
NVS123 is a poorly water-soluble protease 56 inhibitor in clinical development. Data from in vitro hepatocyte studies suggested that NVS123 is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4. As a consequence of limited solubility, NVS123 therapeutic plasma exposures could not be achieved even with high doses and optimized formulations. One approach to overcome NVS123 developability issues was to increase plasma exposure by coadministrating it with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 such as ritonavir. A clinical boost effect was predicted by using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. However, initial boost predictions lacked sufficient confidence because a key parameter, fraction of drug metabolized by CYP3A4 (ƒₘCYP3A4), could not be estimated with accuracy on account of disconnects between in vitro and in vivo preclinical data. To accurately estimate ƒₘCYP3A4 in human, an in vivo boost effect study was conducted using CYP3A4-humanized mouse model which showed a 33- to 56-fold exposure boost effect. Using a top-down approach, human ƒₘCYP3A4 for NVS123 was estimated to be very high and included in the human PBPK modeling to support subsequent clinical study design. The combined use of the in vivo boost study in CYP3A4-humanized mouse model mice along with PBPK modeling accurately predicted the clinical outcome and identified a significant NVS123 exposure boost (∼42-fold increase) with ritonavir.
Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is expressed in various tissues, such as the gut, liver, kidney and blood brain barrier (BBB), where it mediates the unidirectional transport of substrates to the apical/luminal side of polarized cells. Thereby BCRP acts as an efflux pump, mediating the elimination or restricting the entry of endogenous compounds or xenobiotics into tissues and it plays important roles in drug disposition, efficacy and safety. Bcrp knockout mice (Bcrp−/−) have been used widely to study the role of this transporter in limiting intestinal absorption and brain penetration of substrate compounds. Here we describe the first generation and characterization of a mouse line humanized for BCRP (hBCRP), in which the mouse coding sequence from the start to stop codon was replaced with the corresponding human genomic region, such that the human transporter is expressed under control of the murine Bcrp promoter. We demonstrate robust human and loss of mouse BCRP/Bcrp mRNA and protein expression in the hBCRP mice and the absence of major compensatory changes in the expression of other genes involved in drug metabolism and disposition. Pharmacokinetic and brain distribution studies with several BCRP probe substrates confirmed the functional activity of the human transporter in these mice. Furthermore, we provide practical examples for the use of hBCRP mice to study drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The hBCRP mouse is a promising model to study the in vivo role of human BCRP in limiting absorption and BBB penetration of substrate compounds and to investigate clinically relevant DDIs involving BCRP.
Die Ausbildung von Biofilmen in technischen Anlagen, wie z. B. Kühlkreisläufen, Wasseraufbereitungssystemen und Bioreaktoren, führen zu Materialschäden (Biofouling) und stark erhöhtem Energieaufwand. Im Rahmen der aktuellen Forschungsarbeiten erfolgen aktive sowie passive Bio-Modifikationen auf funktionalisierten magnetischen Mikropartikelober-flächen. Um die verschiedenen funktionalisierten magnetischen Mikropartikel zu analysieren und ihre antimikrobielle Wirkung zu testen, wird der Einsatz einer 3D-gedruckten, magnetischen Plattform für ein Fluoreszenz-basiertes Screening-System untersucht. Für den Oberflächenschutz wurden verschiedene, antimikrobiell funktionalisierte Partikelkombinationen mit dem Mikroorganismus Escherichia coli GFPmut2 in Bezug auf aktiven Oberflächenschutz verglichen. Um die antimikrobielle Oberflächeneffekte von synergistischen Kombinationen unterschiedlich funktionalisierter Partikel zu bestimmen, werden Oberflächen einem Magnetfeld ausgesetzt, das die Mikropartikel als definierte Schicht auf ihnen zurück hält. Diese modifizierten Oberflächen können sowohl durch Fluoreszenzspektroskopie als auch -mikroskopie analysiert werden.
In den letzten Jahren haben nachhaltige, biotechnologische Prozesse zunehmend an Bedeutung gewonnen. Die Aceton-Butanol-Ethanol-Fermentation (ABE-Fermentation) mit dem anaeroben Bakterium Clostridium acetobutylicum zur Gewinnung von Biobutanol könnte in diesem Zusammenhang eine Möglichkeit der nachhaltigen Kraftstoffproduktion darstellen. In dieser Arbeit wird der Einfluss zusätzlich verfügbarer Elektronen durch den Einsatz des Phenazin-Farbstoffs Neutralrot als Redoxmediator sowie das Anlegen eines elektrischen Potenzials während der ABE-Fermentation untersucht. Es wird gezeigt, dass das Neutralrot keinen Einfluss auf die Leerlaufspannung von ca. 500 mV vs. Ag/AgCl während der Fermentation hat. Der Mediator bewirkt allerdings eine frühere Butanolbildung sowie höhere Butanolkonzentrationen. Wird zudem die Mediatorkonzentration von 125 mM auf 250 mM angehoben, wird dabei auch die maximale Butanolkonzentration um 36 % ± 1,8 % innerhalb von28 Stunden gesteigert.
Kalkulation
(2016)
Das Kapitel behandelt die Kosten- und Preisermittlung, die Kostenvorgabe und Kostenkontrolle.
Der Angebotspreis wird aufgeschlüsselt in die Einzelkosten der Teilleistungen, die Baustellengemeinkosten, die Allgemeinen Geschäftskosten und einen Zuschlag für Wagnis und Gewinn. Auf der Basis der Angebotskalkulation werden die Vorgaben für die Kostenkontrolle entwickelt.
Background/Aims: Common systems for the quantification of cellular contraction rely on animal-based models, complex experimental setups or indirect approaches. The herein presented CellDrum technology for testing mechanical tension of cellular monolayers and thin tissue constructs has the potential to scale-up mechanical testing towards medium-throughput analyses. Using hiPS-Cardiac Myocytes (hiPS-CMs) it represents a new perspective of drug testing and brings us closer to personalized drug medication. Methods: In the present study, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown on ultra-thin circular silicone membranes and deflect under the weight of the culture medium. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-CMs induced variations of the membrane deflection. The recorded contraction-relaxation-cycles were analyzed with respect to their amplitudes, durations, time integrals and frequencies. Besides unstimulated force and tensile stress, we investigated the effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca²⁺ channels (S-Bay K8644/verapamil) and Na⁺ channels (veratridine/lidocaine). Results: The measured data and simulations for pharmacologically unstimulated contraction resembled findings in native human heart tissue, while the pharmacological dose-response curves were highly accurate and consistent with reference data. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of the CellDrum with hiPS-CMs offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological, toxicological studies and offers new preclinical basic research potential.
In diesem Beitrag geht es um die Integration von Stoffströmen einer Lignocellulose-Bioraffinerie in Verfahren zur Batterieherstellung. Pflanzliche Reststoffe aus der Biokraftstoffherstellung wie Lignin sollen zur Herstellung neuer Batteriematerialien verwendet werden. Hierbei wird das Lignin als Matrix für die vorgraphitischen C-haltigen Einlagerungsverbindungen in den Elektroden genutzt. Die Si-C-Komposite werden durch das Einbetten von Si in eine Ligninmatrix mit anschließender Carbonisierung hergestellt. Das Lignin hierfür wird durch die sequentielle hydrothermale Vorbehandlung von Buchenholz bei variablen Bedingungen gewonnen und mit Si-Nanopartikel sowie als Referenz ohne Si-Nanopartikel gefällt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die sequenzielle Vorbehandlung höhere Ausbeuten im Vergleich zum LHW- oder Organosolv-Aufschluss liefert. Um eine Anode herzustellen, wurde das resultierende Si–C-Kompositmaterial carbonisiert, auf einen Stromsammler aufgetragen und elektro-chemisch charakterisiert. Der Einfluss der Vorbehandlungsschritte auf den Herstellungsprozess und die ökonomische Bewertung des untersuchten Bioraffinerie-Prozesses wurde mithilfe eines Stoffstrommodells analysiert.
Evaluation of lignocellulosic material for butanol production using enzymatic hydrolysate medium
(2016)
Butanol is a promising gasoline additive and platform chemical that can be readily produced via acetone-butanolethanol (ABE) fermentation from pretreated lignocellulosic materials. This article examines lignocellulosic material from beech wood for ABE fermentation, using Clostridium acetobutylicum. First, the utilization of both C₅₋ (xylose) and C₆₋ (glucose) sugars as sole carbon source was investigated in static cultivation, using serum bottles and synthetic medium. The utilization of pentose sugar resulted in a solvent yield of 0.231 g·g_sugar⁻¹, compared to 0.262 g·g_sugar⁻¹ using hexose. Then, the Organosolv pretreated crude cellulose fibers (CF) were enzymatically decomposed, and the resulting hydrolysate medium was analyzed for inhibiting compounds (furans, organic acids, phenolics) and treated with ionexchangers for detoxification. Batch fermentation in a bioreactor using CF hydrolysate medium resulted in a total solvent yield of 0.20 gABE·g_sugar⁻¹.
20 Years of RoboCup
(2016)
Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material plays an important role in the classical biorefinery approach. Apart from the pretreatment of the raw material, hydrolysis is the basis for the conversion of the cellulose and hemicellulose fraction into fermentable sugars. After hydrolysis, usually a solid-liquid separation takes place, in order to separate the residual plant material from the sugar-rich fraction, which can be subsequently used in a fermentation step. In order to factor out the separation step, the usage of in alginate immobilized crude cellulose fiber beads (CFBs) were evaluated. Pretreated cellulose fibers are incorporated in an alginate matrix together with the relevant enzymes. In doing so, sugars diffuse trough the alginate matrix, allowing a simplified delivery into the surrounding fluid. This again reduces product inhibition of the glucose on the enzyme catalysts. By means of standardized bead production the hydrolysis in lab scale was possible. First results show that liberation of glucose and xylose is possible, allowing a maximum total sugar yield of 75 %.
Die stoffliche Nutzung von Lignin aus Bioraffinerien ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil für den Wertschöpfungsprozess von nachwachsenden, pflanzlichen Rohstoffen. Lignin zählt zu den wenigen erneuerbaren Quellen für phenolische Bestandteile, wird aber derzeit meist nur thermisch verwertet. Ziel dieses Forschungsvorhabens ist die Funktionalisierung von Lignin zur Verbesserung der Adhäsionseigenschaften. Als funktionelle Gruppe wird die aromatische Aminosäure L-DOPA verwendet, die charakteristisch für die Adhäsionskraft von Muscheln ist. Lignin ist ein geeignetes Stützgerüst, da es ein Polymer ist, das durch enzymkatalysierte Polymerisation gebildet wird. Essenziell für die Entwicklung ist ein besseres Verständnis über die Bildung von Lignin-Polymeren und deren verschiedene Eigenschaften. Um die Einflussfaktoren auf Kettenlänge und Polymerisationseffizienz zu untersuchen, werden zurzeit sowohl Ligninmodellkomponenten (LMK) als auch gelöstes Organosolv-Lignin verwendet. Laufende Untersuchungen werden zeigen, ob sich die enzymatische Polymerisationsreaktion auf ein gelöstes Ligninpolymer aus einem Organosolv-Aufschluss übertragen lässt.
Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA) in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage: A proof of concept study
(2016)
Background
Timely detection of impending delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is essential to improve outcome, but poses a diagnostic challenge. Retinal vessels as an embryological part of the intracranial vasculature are easily accessible for analysis and may hold the key to a new and non-invasive monitoring technique. This investigation aims to determine the feasibility of standardized retinal vessel analysis (RVA) in the context of SAH.
Methods
In a prospective pilot study, we performed RVA in six patients awake and cooperative with SAH in the acute phase (day 2–14) and eight patients at the time of follow-up (mean 4.6±1.7months after SAH), and included 33 age-matched healthy controls. Data was acquired using a manoeuvrable Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG, Jena) for examination of retinal vessel dimension and neurovascular coupling.
Results
Image quality was satisfactory in the majority of cases (93.3%). In the acute phase after SAH, retinal arteries were significantly dilated when compared to the control group (124.2±4.3MU vs 110.9±11.4MU, p<0.01), a difference that persisted to a lesser extent in the later stage of the disease (122.7±17.2MU, p<0.05). Testing for neurovascular coupling showed a trend towards impaired primary vasodilation and secondary vasoconstriction (p = 0.08, p = 0.09 resp.) initially and partial recovery at the time of follow-up, indicating a relative improvement in a time-dependent fashion.
Conclusion
RVA is technically feasible in patients with SAH and can detect fluctuations in vessel diameter and autoregulation even in less severely affected patients. Preliminary data suggests potential for RVA as a new and non-invasive tool for advanced SAH monitoring, but clinical relevance and prognostic value will have to be determined in a larger cohort.
Mit der Entwicklung wässriger Tropfen, die mit einer schützenden Hülle magnetisierbarer, hydrophober Partikel umgeben sind, ergeben sich neue Möglichkeiten im Bereich der Mikrofluidik. So können die Tropfen als flüssige Mikroreaktoren eingesetzt werden. Der wässrige Kern dieser Mikroreaktoren besteht aus einer Substratlösung für enzymatische Umsetzungen. Durch Bewegen der Mikroreaktoren können diese über immobilisierten Enzymen positioniert werden, um so einen enzymatischen Umsatz innerhalb der Mikroreaktoren zu realisieren. Hierfür wurde eine neue Mikroreaktorplattform-Technologie etabliert. Die Mikroreaktoren können aufgrund ihrer magnetisierbaren Hüllenpartikel über elektromagnetische Spulen bewegt werden. Die Bewegung erfolgt dabei mit einer automatisierten Aktuatorplattform, bestehend aus einer 3x3 Doppelspulenmatrix mit Magnetkernen. Als modellhaftes Reaktionssystem wird eine Enzymkaskade eingesetzt, die sich aus einer b-Glucosidase, Glucose-Oxidase und Meerrettichperoxidase zusammensetzt. Primär untersuchte Substrate sind Fluorescein-di-b-D-glucopyranoside, und 1-(3,7-Dihydroxy-10H-phenoxazin-10-yl)-ethanon, bei deren Umsatz fluoreszierende Produkte entstehen.
In this study, we show that synthetic sapphire (Al₂O₃), an established implant material, can also serve as a platform material for biosensors comparable to nanocrystalline diamond. Sapphire chips, beads, and powder were first modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), followed by succinic anhydride (SA), and finally single-stranded probe DNA was EDC coupled to the functionalized layer. The presence of the APTES-SA layer on sapphire powders was confirmed by thermogravimetric analyis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Using planar sapphire chips as substrates and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as surface-sensitive tool, the sequence of individual layers was analyzed with respect to their chemical state, enabling the quantification of areal densities of the involved molecular units. Fluorescence microscopy was used to demonstrate the hybridization of fluorescently tagged target DNA to the probe DNA, including denaturation- and re-hybridization experiments. Due to its high thermal conductivity, synthetic sapphire is especially suitable as a chip material for the heat-transfer method, which was employed to distinguish complementary- and non-complementary DNA duplexes containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms. These results indicate that it is possible to detect mutations electronically with a chemically resilient and electrically insulating chip material.
Concept - this is a key term in architectural discourse. However, all too often it is used imprecisely or merely for marketing purposes. What is a concept actually? This publication moves between design theory and design practice and follows the history of the definition of concept in architecture, leading to the formulation of a specifically instrumental and operative definition. It bases concept in architecture on its strategic potential in design decision-making processes. In the changing profession of the designing architect, decisions are increasingly made in multidisciplinary groups. Concept can serve as a dialogic instrument in the process, making it possible to process heterogeneous information from a range of spheres of knowledge. The effective presentation of selected information becomes a relevant interface in the design process, which has a significant influence on the quality of the design.
Ein Drittel der Mitarbeiter der Saint-Gobain Glass Deutschland
GmbH hat drei Jahre lang regelmäßig seinen Rücken trainiert.
Mit Erfolg, wie eine abschließende Evaluation in Zusammenarbeit
mit der FH Aachen zeigt. Die Fehltage der Trainingsteilnehmer
sind enorm zurückgegangen, während die untrainierten Kollegen
weiterhin unter Rückenbeschwerden leiden.
Cento Tavole
(2016)
The research group focuses on the characteristics in the land-and cityscapes of the Drielanden-zone, which contribute to generate common identities, as well as on those features that trigger differences and specificities of the adjacent countries that enrich the perception of the zone. In this research, the instruments of cartography and land survey system serve to detect and localize the fragmented appearance of relevant historic elements. These analytic procedures help to develop strategies for infrastructures and processes that gradually initiate local forms of cross-border tourism. The architectural research displays how top-down and bottom-up interventions can be combined in order to guarantee a sustainable use and development of the considered area.
Malware auf Smartphones ist ein Problem, dem auch Strafverfolgungsbehörden immer häufiger gegenüberstehen.
Insbesondere Telefone, bei denen potentiell schadhafte Apps zu einem finanziellen Schaden
geführt haben, finden sich auf den Schreibtischen der Polizei wieder. Dabei müssen die Ermittler möglichst
schnell und gezielt erkennen können, ob eine App tatsächlich schadhaft manipuliert wurde, was
manipuliert wurde und mit wem die App kommuniziert. Klassische Malware-Erkennungsverfahren helfen
zwar bei der generellen Erkennung schadhafter Software, sind aber für die polizeiliche Praxis nicht
geeignet. Dieses Paper stellt ein Programm vor, welches gerade die forensischen Fragestellungen berücksichtigt
und so für den Einsatz in der Strafverfolgung in Frage kommt.
Purpose
To assess the feasibility of prostate ¹H MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) using low-power spectral-spatial (SPSP) pulses at 7T, exploiting accurate spectral selection and spatial selectivity simultaneously.
Methods
A double spin-echo sequence was equipped with SPSP refocusing pulses with a spectral selectivity of 1 ppm. Three-dimensional prostate ¹H-MRSI at 7T was performed with the SPSP-MRSI sequence using an 8-channel transmit array coil and an endorectal receive coil in three patients with prostate cancer and in one healthy subject. No additional water or lipid suppression pulses were used.
Results
Prostate ¹H-MRSI could be obtained well within specific absorption rate (SAR) limits in a clinically feasible time (10 min). Next to the common citrate signals, the prostate spectra exhibited high spermine signals concealing creatine and sometimes also choline. Residual lipid signals were observed at the edges of the prostate because of limitations in spectral and spatial selectivity.
Conclusion
It is possible to perform prostate ¹H-MRSI at 7T with a SPSP-MRSI sequence while using separate transmit and receive coils. This low-SAR MRSI concept provides the opportunity to increase spatial resolution of MRSI within reasonable scan times.
Background and Objective
Effective leg extension training at a leg press requires high forces, which need to be controlled to avoid training-induced damage. In order to avoid high external knee adduction moments, which are one reason for unphysiological loadings on knee joint structures, both training movements and the whole reaction force vector need to be observed. In this study, the applicability of lateral and medial changes in foot orientation and position as possible manipulated variables to control external knee adduction moments is investigated. As secondary parameters both the medio-lateral position of the center of pressure and the frontal-plane orientation of the reaction force vector are analyzed.
Methods
Knee adduction moments are estimated using a dynamic model of the musculoskeletal system together with the measured reaction force vector and the motion of the subject by solving the inverse kinematic and dynamic problem. Six different foot conditions with varying positions and orientations of the foot in a static leg press are evaluated and compared to a neutral foot position.
Results
Both lateral and medial wedges under the foot and medial and lateral shifts of the foot can influence external knee adduction moments in the presented study with six healthy subjects. Different effects are observed with the varying conditions: the pose of the leg is changed and the direction and center of pressure of the reaction force vector is influenced. Each effect results in a different direction or center of pressure of the reaction force vector.
Conclusions
The results allow the conclusion that foot position and orientation can be used as manipulated variables in a control loop to actively control knee adduction moments in leg extension training.
To better understand what kinds of sports and exercise could be beneficial for the intervertebral disc (IVD), we performed a review to synthesise the literature on IVD adaptation with loading and exercise. The state of the literature did not permit a systematic review; therefore, we performed a narrative review. The majority of the available data come from cell or whole-disc loading models and animal exercise models. However, some studies have examined the impact of specific sports on IVD degeneration in humans and acute exercise on disc size. Based on the data available in the literature, loading types that are likely beneficial to the IVD are dynamic, axial, at slow to moderate movement speeds, and of a magnitude experienced in walking and jogging. Static loading, torsional loading, flexion with compression, rapid loading, high-impact loading and explosive tasks are likely detrimental for the IVD. Reduced physical activity and disuse appear to be detrimental for the IVD. We also consider the impact of genetics and the likelihood of a ‘critical period’ for the effect of exercise in IVD development. The current review summarises the literature to increase awareness amongst exercise, rehabilitation and ergonomic professionals regarding IVD health and provides recommendations on future directions in research.
Robotergestütztes System für ein verbessertes neuromuskuläres Aufbautraining der Beinstrecker
(2016)
Neuromuskuläres Aufbautraining der Beinstrecker ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil in der Rehabilitation und Prävention von Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen. Effektives Training erfordert hohe Muskelkräfte, die gleichzeitig hohe Belastungen von bereits geschädigten Strukturen bedeuten. Um trainingsinduzierte Schädigungen zu vermeiden, müssen diese Kräfte kontrolliert werden. Mit heutigen Trainingsgeräten können diese Ziele allerdings nicht erreicht werden. Für ein sicheres und effektives Training sollen durch den Einsatz der Robotik, Sensorik, eines Regelkreises sowie Muskel-Skelett-Modellen Belastungen am Zielgewebe direkt berechnet und kontrolliert werden. Auf Basis zweier Vorstudien zu möglichen Stellgrößen wird der Aufbau eines robotischen Systems vorgestellt, das sowohl für Forschungszwecke als auch zur Entwicklung neuartiger Trainingsgeräte verwendet werden kann.
Manufacturing process simulation enables the evaluation and improvement of autoclave mold concepts early in the design phase. To achieve a high part quality at low cycle times, the thermal behavior of the autoclave mold can be investigated by means of simulations. Most challenging for such a simulation is the generation of necessary boundary conditions. Heat-up and temperature distribution in an autoclave mold are governed by flow phenomena, tooling material and shape, position within the autoclave, and the chosen autoclave cycle. This paper identifies and summarizes the most important factors influencing mold heat-up and how they can be introduced into a thermal simulation. Thermal measurements are used to quantify the impact of the various parameters. Finally, the gained knowledge is applied to develop a semi-empirical approach for boundary condition estimation that enables a simple and fast thermal simulation of the autoclave curing process with reasonably high accuracy for tooling optimization.