Date of Award
6-2018
Document Type
Thesis - SCU Access Only
Publisher
Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2018.
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Michael Taylor
Abstract
Nepalese porters support themselves by carrying heavy loads for travelers, causing shoulder injuries due to the stress from the straps. We investigated auxetic metamaterials to create straps that dynamically respond to load, reducing the stress on the user. Finite element analysis showed a reduction in stress on the shoulder. Testing of straps demonstrated auxetic behavior when loaded in tension and over a curved surface, but did not match all design requirements. Although no prototype achieved all requirements, the extensive work showed auxetic metamaterials are a viable solution to reduce Nepalese porters’ injuries. Further work with material selection may optimize the auxetic metamaterial strap.
Recommended Citation
Hsu, Bethany; Lau, Derek; Sahlberg, Jamie; Whitehead, Titus; Winter, Alexander; and Yang, Leslie, "Auxetic Metamaterial Design for Expanding Backpack Straps" (2018). Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses. 77.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/mech_senior/77
SCU Access Only
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