Journal Analysis

My articles have been from the Journal of Mechanical Design.  The articles are structured like most scientific journals with an abstract, introduction, background, procedure, results and conclusion.  However, there have been some variations in the articles that I have read.  Additional headings were sometimes listed to further analyze a particular area that was studied or to explain in more detail an aspect of importance.  Two articles even had a brief acknowledgement section.

References to other authors or researchers came in the form of a number (i.e. [1] or Ref. [1]) that could be matched in the reference section at the end of the article.  The articles never belittled another’s research or methods, but added to the technology or the methods that have already been disclosed.  The introduction usually made a statement regarding the problem at hand and how this particular research was going to assist in correcting the problem.

To relate to the Linton et al article, the examples that I have given show the conventions of structure and conventions of reference.  The articles have a clear flow to how the information is reported.  Also, the articles are very impersonal and lack emotion.

In relation to the Swale’s model, the articles, generally, established territory through reviewing previous research.  To establish a niche, gaps were usually indicated with an occasional question being posed.  To occupy the niche, a purpose statement was made as to the intentions of the research.

I enjoyed the articles.  At times the topics got very in-depth in the calculations and technical terminologies, but it is also exciting to me that as I am getting closer to graduation, it is all making perfect sense.

Robotic Insects

I know that we all have been annoyed by flies at many times in our lives.  However, research is being done to mimic these little pests.  I was given an article this past summer out of the National Geographic magazine that told about many different animals that are being used as models to mimic special characteristics that they have.  The article that I have read for this post is focused on the model for the fly.


The article talks about developing a drivetrain that regulates torques that would give imbalance to the "fly" while in flight.  The draintrain that is being explored for the "fly" is being modeled after a drivetrain that is typically found in automobiles.  The main purpose is to supply the same amount of torque to both wings.



I found this article to be quite interesting.  The idea of modeling a fly is fascinating to me.  As you can see in Figure 1, the size is comparable to that of a real fly.   That is amazing to me.  I would be interested to hear of any similar article that you have read in regards to this subject.



Figure 1