*** 9505494 Pilkey This award supports a two year cooperative research project on optimum dynamic studies for rotors and mechanisms between Walter Pilkey, University of Virginia, and Jin Dewen, Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. The project combines analytical and computational expertise from the US and state-of-the-art experimental facilities from China. It applies optimum system design techniques to a variety of mechanical engineering mechanisms. This project continues work initiated under an earlier two year award, through which methodology of limiting performance analysis for rotors and mechanisms was developed. Limiting performance technology has had extensive development in the US, but is in need of verification of the theories with practical applications. During this study, the University of Virginia will provide the design process and analysis, Tsinghua University will design and manufacture the test protocol, and carry out the tests. Research results will be used eventually in improved design of mechanical systems involving the protection of the human body in impact situations (helmet design, for example). ***
