
Dr. Sam Macharia
Researcher, Educator, and Engineer
A researcher, educator, and engineer interested in engineering, computing, science, and the philosophy of science.
About Dr. Sam Macharia
Focus
π¬ Research Contributions
Design and Calibration of a 3D-Printed Cup-Vane Wireless Sensor Node
Development of cost-effective wireless environmental sensing systems for IoT applications
Published: September 20, 2025
Practical Integration of IoT, Intercropping, and Gravity-Fed Drip Systems for Water-Efficient Smallholder Farming
Comprehensive study of IoT applications in precision agriculture for sustainable water management
Published: September 20, 2025
Active spiralling of microtubules driven by kinesin motors
Novel spiral motion patterns in kinesin-driven microtubules and their implications for cellular organization
Published: September 15, 2025
Effects of defective motors on biosensor performance
Comprehensive study of how motor protein defects impact the performance of molecular motor-powered biosensors
Published: September 15, 2025
Linking path and filament persistence lengths of microtubules gliding over kinesin
Quantitative analysis of the relationship between different persistence measures in microtubule-motor systems
Published: September 15, 2025
π Education Contributions
Lesson 2.2: Bending Stresses in Simple Beams
Analyzing bending stresses in cantilever robotic gripper jaws under grasping loads
Published: September 26, 2025
Lesson 2.3: Beam Deflections and Stiffness Analysis
Predicting elastic deformations in CNC spindles under cutting loads for precision control applications
Published: September 21, 2025
Lesson 2.4: Combined Bending and Torsion Loading
Analyzing multi-axis loading in robotic wrist joints experiencing simultaneous bending and twisting forces
Published: September 19, 2025
Lesson 2.5: Composite and Built-up Beam Systems
Analyzing bending stresses in hybrid CNC machine beds with aluminum-steel composite construction
Published: September 18, 2025
Lesson 1.3: Compound Bars in Multi-Material Systems
Analyzing linear actuator rods with steel-aluminum segments to understand load sharing and deformation compatibility
Published: September 18, 2025
Lesson 1.4: Thermal Stresses and Strains
Analyzing thermal stress development in heated piston-cylinder interfaces and extruder head systems
Published: September 18, 2025
Lesson 1.5: Torsion of Circular Shafts
Analyzing torsional stresses and angular deformation in Geneva mechanism crankshafts and rotating mechatronic systems
Published: September 17, 2025
Lesson 2.6: Principal Stresses and Failure Criteria Analysis
Applying Mohr's circle analysis for critical stress evaluation in mechatronic joint design and failure prediction
Published: September 17, 2025
Lesson 2.1: Shear Force and Bending Moment in Beams
Analyzing shear force and bending moment distributions in robotic arm segments under loading
Published: September 17, 2025
Lesson 1.1: Introduction to Mechanics of Materials in Mechatronics
Understanding stress, strain, and material properties through the analysis of a crank-slider connecting rod system
Published: September 16, 2025
Lesson 1.2: Simple Stress and Strain in Actuator Systems
Analyzing axial stress and strain in CNC actuator shafts, including material selection for precision positioning
Published: September 16, 2025
Chapter 2 Assignments: Structural Analysis in Mechatronic Systems
Comprehensive assignments covering shear force, bending moment, stress analysis, deflections, combined loading, composite beams, and failure analysis in mechatronic applications
Published: September 16, 2025
Lesson 1.6: Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels
Analyzing hoop and longitudinal stresses in pneumatic actuator casings and pressurized mechatronic systems
Published: September 16, 2025
Lesson 2: Planar Transformations and Mathematical Foundations
Building 3D spatial mechanics foundations through 2D planar robot analysis using complex numbers and homogeneous coordinates
Published: September 26, 2025
Lesson 5: Advanced Spatial Mechanisms Analysis
Complex spatial linkage analysis through humanoid robot hand design covering spherical joints, universal joints, and multi-finger coordination
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 6: Computer Simulation and System Integration
Real-time spatial mechanics simulation through multi-robot coordination systems covering numerical methods and distributed control integration
Published: September 14, 2025
Lesson 3: 3D Rotation Matrices and Spatial Transformations
Mastering spatial orientation control through 6-DOF robot arm programming using rotation matrices and transformation composition
Published: September 13, 2025
Lesson 1: Kinematic Joints and Degrees of Freedom in 3D Systems
Analyzing joint types and constraint relationships in modular robotic systems through systematic DoF analysis
Published: September 12, 2025
Lesson 4: Elementary Matrix Methods and Link Modeling
Systematic kinematic modeling of parallel mechanisms through Stewart Platform analysis using DH parameters and elementary matrices
Published: September 12, 2025
Linear Algebra in Applied Mathematics
Understanding matrix operations and their applications in solving real-world problems
Published: September 15, 2025
The Art of Simplification: Spherical Cows and Model Building
Understanding the power and limitations of abstraction in engineering and applied science through the lens of the iconic "spherical cow" model.
Published: September 15, 2025
Inverse Kinematics: Math vs AI Approaches
Compare traditional trigonometric solutions with neural network approaches for robotic arm control and motion planning
Published: September 15, 2025
Simple Pendulum Modeling
Build a mathematical model of a simple pendulum and create an interactive simulation to understand oscillatory motion
Published: September 15, 2025
Spring-Mass System Simulation
Model and simulate spring-mass systems to understand vibrations, resonance, and damping in mechanical systems
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 4: Acceleration Analysis and Dynamic Forces
Understanding acceleration polygons and inertial forces through Geneva mechanism indexing system design for packaging and assembly automation
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 5: Cam-Follower Systems and Motion Programming
Understanding cam design principles and follower motion laws through CNC machine tool cam-driven feed system optimization
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 6: Force Analysis and Mechanism Synthesis
Understanding static force analysis and mechanism synthesis through multi-DOF robotic manipulator system design and actuator optimization
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 1: Kinematic Joints and Constraint Analysis
Understanding joint types, degrees of freedom, and constraint relationships through modular robotic arm design using GrΓΌbler's equation
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 2: Position Analysis of Planar Linkages
Understanding vector loop equations and geometric constraints through four-bar linkage suspension system optimization
Published: September 15, 2025
Lesson 3: Velocity Analysis and Instantaneous Centers
Understanding velocity polygons and instantaneous centers through crank-slider engine and compressor mechanism analysis
Published: September 15, 2025
π οΈ Product Development
Getting Started with SiliconWit.IO
A simple introduction to connecting industrial devices with SiliconWitIO
Published: September 15, 2025
π Blog Posts
The Philosophy Behind Artificial Intelligence
Exploring the philosophical implications and ethical considerations of AI development and implementation
Published: August 25, 2025