Airbus Airframe – New Technologies and Management Aspects

Airframe innovations in all relevant technological fields are important for the development of high performance airframes best to satisfy the market needs. The Airbus “intelligent” airframe is optimized in terms of new materials and advanced design, and implements smart structures technologies step by step. Hence, the competition between technologies (metal vs. composite) is leading to a hybrid airframe solution in the latest Airbus aircraft. This ensures that the best mature innovative technology is used for each specific application. Airbus is in the leading position for application of advanced technologies and has accumulated broad experience in all airframe technologies with all types of structural materials. In order to meet the current and future challenges and to incorporate worldwide best state‐of the‐art technological solutions, cooperation with external suppliers and strategic partners is essential. Increasingly decentralized engineering and manufacturing co‐operations – at an international level – lead to challenging aircraft program and technology management. Therefore, Airbus is intensifying its cooperation with research facilities, equipment, material and structure suppliers based on new Airbus ‐ Supplier cooperation philosophies.     

Recovery of dredged material for beneficial use: the future role of physical separation processes.

Sediments dredged from navigational waterways have historically been disposed in confined disposal facilities (CDFs) or in open water. When sediments are contaminated, open water disposal is typically not an alternative, and sediments are placed in CDFs. Many CDFs are nearing capacity, and siting and constructing new facilities is both difficult and expensive. In many cases, CDFs contain both clean and contaminated dredged material. Removal of materials suitable for beneficial use (BU) is one alternative under consideration to extend the life of existing CDFs, as is separation of recoverable materials at the time of disposal. Several technologies for recovery of clean materials or treatment of contaminated materials for beneficial use are presently under evaluation. Physical separation technologies have been demonstrated to have potential in reducing the volume of sediment that must be managed with confined disposal, but there are several technical issues that remain to be addressed. Determination of beneficial use specifications, physical and chemical characterization of dredged material, overall site characterization, selection of suitable unit operations, management of liquid and solid residuals, and cost/benefit analysis, are all important aspects to successful implementation of separation processes. Several of these elements are presently being evaluated in research conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers, at the ERDC Waterways Experiment Station (WES).     

Principles of Genetic Engineering Technology

Genetic Engineering Technology has made possible the manipulation of genetic information and has been described as the new revolution in science. It is responsible for the development of new industrial applications and areas of basic research. In the pharmaceutical field, alone, it has applications to the production of natural and synthetic drugs (proteins/enzymes) at levels that cannot be achieved by conventional methods. It can be applied diagnostically to detect disease or the potentiality of disease. Not only is it being used to improve industrial processes for the production of current market drugs, but will also generate novel drugs for the future. There is also the potential that this technology will correct defective genes in humans with genetic diseases. In addition, this technology has numerous applications for agricultural, chemical and other industries. Genetic engineering is not a single technique but represents a collection of interrelated techniques, including recombinant DNA technologies. The principles of genetic engineering will be highlighted in this review.     

Electrocaloric materials for future solid-state refrigeration technologies

The electrocaloric (EC) effect is an adiabatic and reversible temperature change that occurs in a polar material upon application of an electric field. The current intensive research in EC materials has been driven by the quest for new energy efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies. The bottle neck for development of EC cooling technologies is in the yet still too small EC temperature changes that can be induced in the materials. To overcome this research has focused on several areas with an emphasis on the development of theoretical understanding, high performance EC materials and smart material engineering. Smart material engineering has produced cooling lines, multilayer EC cooling media, carbon thermal switches and has showed great potential in designing efficient technical solutions to drive the solid-state EC cooling cycle. All this can reduce the critical EC temperature change required for the construction of an efficient EC cooling device. Current theoretical understanding of the EC processes and the influence of material parameters is thorough but experimental development of high-performance EC materials with a high cooling capacity is still in progress. Recently, some very interesting new research directions have been undertaken such as EC relaxors, multilayered EC elements, and oxide and polymer films. This paper insightfully reviews the progress in these research fields and critically discusses the major advances in order to present a compact picture of the state-of-the-art, extract new knowledge and propose promising future research directions.     

A target-based normalization technique for materials selection

Ranking and selection of the optimal material is an important stage in the engineering design process. However, most of the methods proposed for ranking in materials selection have tended to focus on cost and benefit criteria, with target values receiving much less attention in spite of their importance in many practical decision-making problems such as selecting materials to best match the properties of human tissue in biomedical engineering applications. In response to this perceived gap, the development of a new normalization technique is considered in this paper that provides an extension of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method and objective weighting in materials selection. There are four example cases included to validate the accuracy of outcomes from the proposed model. It is believed that the proposed decision-making model is suitable for linking to material databases and has the potential to enhance the efficiency of computer-aided materials selection systems.     

X-ray Tomography and Tomoscopy on Metals: A Review

X-ray tomography is a versatile tool in materials research and engineering since it allows for a non-destructive and three-dimensional mapping of the constituents of a heterogeneous material as long as they differ in their interactions with X-rays. Recent developments of the technique have brought down the time needed for the acquisition of a single tomogram by many orders of magnitude compared to what was needed 25 years ago. Nowadays, up to 1000 full tomograms can be recorded in a second, which enables real-time studies of changes in samples caused by reactions or by applied processing operations. The term tomoscopy has been coined for such sequences of 3D images. We review the application of X-ray tomography and tomoscopy on metals and describe each step required and the associated challenges. A selection of representative investigations is presented with a focus on time-resolved phenomena in metals and alloys ranging from mechanical deformation, solidification to metals processing processes such as welding and additive manufacturing. Finally likely future developments are discussed.     

Principles of Genetic Engineering Technology

Abstract

Genetic Engineering Technology has made possible the manipulation of genetic information and has been described as the new revolution in science. It is responsible for the development of new industrial applications and areas of basic research. In the pharmaceutical field, alone, it has applications to the production of natural and synthetic drugs (proteins/enzymes) at levels that cannot be achieved by conventional methods. It can be applied diagnostically to detect disease or the potentiality of disease. Not only is it being used to improve industrial processes for the production of current market drugs, but will also generate novel drugs for the future. There is also the potential that this technology will correct defective genes in humans with genetic diseases. In addition, this technology has numerous applications for agricultural, chemical and other industries. Genetic engineering is not a single technique but represents a collection of interrelated techniques, including recombinant DNA technologies. The principles of genetic engineering will be highlighted in this review.     

Parity-Time Symmetry in Non-Hermitian Complex Optical Media

The exploration of quantum-inspired symmetries in optical and photonic systems has witnessed immense research interest both fundamentally and technologically in a wide range of subject areas in physics and engineering. One of the principal emerging fields in this context is non-Hermitian physics based on parity-time symmetry, originally proposed in the studies pertaining to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory and recently ramified into a diverse set of areas, particularly in optics and photonics. The intriguing physical effects enabled by non-Hermitian physics and PT symmetry have enhanced significant application prospects and engineering of novel materials. In addition, there has been increasing research interest in many emerging directions beyond optics and photonics. Here, the state-of-the art developments in the field of complex non-Hermitian physics based on PT symmetry in various physical settings are brought together, and key concepts, a background, and a detailed perspective on new emerging directions are described. It can be anticipated that this trendy field of interest will be indispensable in providing new perspectives in maneuvering the flow of light in the diverse physical platforms in optics, photonics, condensed matter, optoelectronics, and beyond, and will offer distinctive application prospects in novel functional materials.     

Digital Photoelasticity: Principles, Practice and Potential

The enormously enhanced power of photoelasticity resulting from adoption of digital technologies is highlighted and discussed. An overview of the principal techniques of digital fringe processing is provided within a single theoretical framework. The practical application of the new technologies using both conventional instruments and novel optical devices is discussed. Experiments involving more 1 × 10⁶ quantitative fringe order measurements are possible and practical on a routine basis using the current technology. Products based on this research are beginning to appear on the market so that many new application areas are opening up for photoelasticity, such as dynamic events, real‐time fatigue crack analysis, monitoring polarisation changes at a microscopic level in materials; detailed validation of numerical simulations, particularly of complex geometry and loading; and in‐service monitoring using reflection photoelasticity of damage in both homogeneous and heterogeneous materials, such as composites.     

液相物质中纳米级有形成分的分析与研究

随着纳米技术在生物医学、石油化工及新材料领域的广泛应用,拟采用冷冻蚀刻技术及电子显微镜观察的检测手段建立起液相物质中纳米级有形成分的研究分析方法,为生物医学、石油化工、新材料等领域提供可靠的技术支持。     

热物理性质测试技术研究现状和发展趋势

本文在对热物理性质研究在热能工程、材料科学、信息科学、航天工程、环境工程、生物科学、微电子技术和计量学等众多科技领域中的重要性进行探讨的基础上，评述了热物理性质测试技术的研究现状和发展趋势。鉴于薄膜材料在微电子器件、集成电路和微电子机械系统等领域中日益广泛的应用，本文还综述了亚微米－纳米尺度薄膜材料热导率和热扩散率的测试新技术。     

化工装置材料损伤和寿命预测技术的研究

文章综述了笔者及所在科研组近年来在化工静设备,如热交换器、塔器、反应器、工业炉、储槽、储罐（球罐）、压力容器和管道等的材料损伤和寿命预测技术领域的研究进展。由于各种设备结构不同,工况条件各异,导致材料损伤的机理也不相同。文章从它们的共性问题和方法论高度进行了研究。内容包括：①按照方法论要求,提出了处理工程参数不确定性问题的途径;②用定量金相分析方法揭示金属材料服役后微观组织变化、确定其损伤程度并预测寿命。理论成果的应用取得了工程实际的成效,并获重要社会效益和经济效益。     

ZnO tetrapod materials for functional applications

In the last 15?years, more than 50,000 papers with zinc oxide (ZnO) in the title are listed within ISI database. The outstanding popularity of ZnO has many reasons; the most important one appears to be its multi-functionality, resulting in applications in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, material science, energy, textile, rubber, additive manufacturing, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical or medicine, as well as the ease to grow all kinds of nano- and microstructures. A key structure is the tetrapod-shaped ZnO (T-ZnO), which we want to focus on in this mini-review to demonstrate the remarkable properties and multifunctionality of ZnO and motivate why even much more research and applications are likely to come in near future. As T-ZnO came into focus again mainly during the last 10?years, the big data problem in T-ZnO is not as severe as in ZnO; nevertheless, a complete overview is impossible. However, this brief T-ZnO overview attempts to cover the scopes toward advanced technologies; nanoelectronics/optoelectronics sensing devices; multifunctional composites/coatings; novel biomedical engineering materials; versatile energy harvesting candidates; and unique structures for applications in chemistry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, engineering technologies, and many others. The 3D nanotechnology is a current mainstream in materials science/nanotechnology research, and T-ZnO contributes to this field by its simple synthesis of porous networks as sacrificial templates for any desired new cellular materials.     

Comparative study of jetting machining technologies over laser machining technology for cutting composite materials

There has been a great interest for improving the machining of composite materials in the aerospace and other industries. This paper focuses on the comparative study of jetting techniques and laser machining technics. This paper concentrates on the machining of composite materials like epoxy pre-impregnated graphite woven fabric and fibre reinforced plastic materials that are used in aerospace industries. While considering machining these materials with the traditional machining there are many disadvantages projected. One of these advantages is that all the traditional machining processes involve the dissipation of heat into the workpiece. This serious shortcoming has been dealt by the jetting technologies, which, contrary to the traditional machining, operate under cold conditions. The two methods in the jetting technologies used for processing materials are water jet machining and abrasive water jet machining. The first of these, water jet machining, has been around for the past 20 years and has paved the way for abrasive water jet technology. Water jet machining and abrasive water jet machining have been used for processing composite materials because of the advantages offered by this technologies as compared to traditional techniques of processing. The high surface and structural integrity required of any technique used for processing composite materials has created an opportunity for abrasive water jet machining. Cutting of composites using laser is also an option, and experiments were also conducted to reveal the extent of using laser technique.     

Environmental responsibility in sustainable business development

China National Bluestar(Group)Co.,Ltd.is a Chinese-foreign joint venture enterprise jointly funded by China National Chemical Corporation(ChemChina)and The Blackstone Group.The business scope of Bluestar includes research,development,manufacturing and marketing of chemical new materials,animal nutrient additives,water treatment technologies and fine chemicals,as well as the provision of a diverse range of technology and engineering services. The Company has experienced rapid development in size and internationalization in recent years and continues to invest in its business portfolio with significant emphasis on environmental responsibility as part of its commitment to Sustainable Development. Consistent with the view of the global chemical industry,as represented by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA),Sustainable Development will only come about if three goals-economic,environmental and society-related-can be reconciled.The products and services offered by Bluestar ultimately touches many aspects of peoples lives on a daily basis ranging from basic needs such as food,clothing and housing to more discretionary areas such as consumer electronics and leisure activities.In addition Bluestar interacts as a solution provider to other industries for cleaning,equipment and engineering services.Through prioritizing environmental responsibility in all aspects of its technology and product development and implementing disciplined practices in operations,the Company is setting ambitious goals for improving its efficiency,reducing risks to health and the environment and making better products which,in turn,help individual and industry customers.Examples of ongoing investment in targeted portfolio expansion,a commitment to broad-based innovation and proactive efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the business at all levels will be shown to demonstrate key measures for ensuring that the economic.environmental and societal goals associated with Sustainable Development will be met.     

The imperative need to develop guidelines to manage human versus machine intelligence

Machine intelligence is increasingly entering roles that were until recently dominated by human intelligence. As humans now depend upon machines to perform various tasks and operations, there appears to be a risk that humans are losing the necessary skills associated with producing competitively advantageous decisions. Therefore, this research explores the emerging area of human versus machine decision-making. An illustrative engineering case involving a joint machine and human decision-making system is presented to demonstrate how the outcome was not satisfactorily managed for all the parties involved. This is accompanied by a novel framework and research agenda to highlight areas of concern for engineering managers. We offer that the speed at which new human-machine interactions are being encountered by engineering managers suggests that an urgent need exists to develop a robust body of knowledge to provide sound guidance to situations where human and machine decisions conflict. Human-machine systems are becoming pervasive yet this research has revealed that current technological approaches are not adequate. The engineering insights and multi-criteria decision-making tool from this research significantly advance our understanding of this important area.     

Effect of stress regime‐dependent creep behaviour on measurement of creep strain rate based on small specimen techniques

Small specimen creep testing technique has become a hot topic of research as bulk materials are not available in many occasions. The stress distributions in the small specimens such as small punch and 3‐point bending specimens are essentially nonuniform. As it is known, the creep deformation/damage accumulation mechanisms exhibited at a high stress regime are not the same as the ones at a lower stress regime for many engineering alloys. The potential measurement errors because of stress regime‐dependent creep behaviour, however, has not been considered in the determination of the creep parameters based on small specimen testing in the previous studies. In this paper, 2 kinds of materials that show different Norton's parameters at the corresponding stress regimes are examined. A simple case of 2‐bar structure is firstly adopted to illustrate the measurement error of creep strain rate because of stress regime‐dependent creep behaviour. Furthermore, clamped beam bending testing and small punch testing are investigated to demonstrate the significance of measurement error using the same materials. It is shown that an error of more than 8 times may occur near the transition point of creep deformation mechanism depending on specimen types and materials. Attention should thus be paid to the selection of stress level in the small specimen testing to avoid significant measurement errors.     

基于价值工程的施工管理技术创新

价值工程作为一门新兴管理技术，自20世纪40年代后期产生以来，已被大量运用于生产管理活动之中，特别是在工程建设领域得到广泛的运用，积累了丰富的经验。文章正是以价值工程理论为基础，着重探讨了其在施工管理过程中的应用，以求进一步推动我国施工管理技术的创新和发展。     

Lateral Resolved XPS,a new Key to Failure Analysis

XPS (Acronym for X-Ray Induced Photoelectron Spectrometry) has become extremely important for industrial manufacturing and quality control. More recently this technique is used in completely new areas such as organic or biological analysis, e.g. polymer research [1], tissue analysis, dental materials and human implantats. This advancement was enabled on one side by the steady development of the instrumentation [2] and on the other side by some “milestones”. The possibility of Imaging XPS (Lateral Resolved XPS) has been known for several years and there were many technically different approaches to tackle the problem. A real breakthrough happened with the introduction of magnetic lenses [3] and “Magnetically Balanced Charge Compensation” [4].     

材料力学性能的微型杯突试验评述

评述了新型的材料力学性能的微型杯突试验法，它采用微型薄片试样，依据试验的载荷-变形参量，建立微型杯突试验的力学性能指标与常规力学性能试验的力学性能指标之间相关联的定量关系，从而形成了适用范围广泛的新型的材料力学性能试验法。在国外，它用于受辐照材料脆化的评定，材料强度、塑性、韧-脆转折温度、断裂韧度、持久强度、蠕变等的测试，现役材料剩余寿命的评估和失效分析等。用它研究的材料有核电材料、各种金属和合金、复合材料、高分子材料、陶瓷材料、生物材料等。所应用的领域有核工业、电力、化工、机械、医疗等。它独特的试验方法和取样优势使其获得了愈来愈多的重视。基于该试验方法的优势和广泛的应用领域，建议建立微型杯突试验标准，以利于实验数据和信息的共享和工程应用。