Multiphysics modeling and optimization of mechatronic multibody systems

Modeling mechatronic multibody systems requires the same type of methodology as for designing and prototyping mechatronic devices: a unified and integrated engineering approach. Various formulations are currently proposed to deal with multiphysics modeling, e.g., graph theories, equational approaches, co-simulation techniques. Recent works have pointed out their relative advantages and drawbacks, depending on the application to deal with: model size, model complexity, degree of coupling, frequency range, etc. This paper is the result of a close collaboration between three laboratories, and aims at showing that for “non-academic” mechatronic applications (i.e., issuing from real industrial issues), multibody dynamics formulations can be generalized to mechatronic systems, for the model generation as well as for the numerical analysis phases. Model portability being also an important aspect of the work, they must be easily interfaced with control design and optimization programs. A global “demonstrator”, based on an industrial case, is discussed: multiphysics modeling and mathematical optimization are carried out to illustrate the consistency and the efficiency of the proposed approaches.     

On the Consistency of the Normalized Eight-Point Algorithm

A recently proposed argument to explain the improved performance of the eight-point algorithm that results from using normalized data (Chojnacki, W., et al. in IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 25(9):1172–1177, 2003) relies upon adoption of a certain model for statistical data distribution. Under this model, the cost function that underlies the algorithm operating on the normalized data is statistically more advantageous than the cost function that underpins the algorithm using unnormalized data. Here we extend this explanation by introducing a more refined, structured model for data distribution. Under the extended model, the normalized eight-point algorithm turns out to be approximately consistent in a statistical sense. The proposed extension provides a link between the existing statistical rationalization of the normalized eight-point algorithm and the approach of Mühlich and Mester for enhancing total least squares estimation methods via equilibration. The paper forms part of a wider effort to rationalize and interrelate foundational methods in vision parameter estimation.     

Etching behavior of CVD zinc selenide in inorganic acid solutions

Chemical interaction between polished surfaces of polycrystalline zinc selenide and inorganic acid solutions of various concentrations has been studied.     

Electromagnetic wave reflection from Fe/Cr nanostructures

The reflection of electromagnetic waves in the millimeter wave band from Fe/Cr nanostructures has been studied. It is established that the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) in the nanostructure leads to an increase in the reflection and a decrease in the transmission of microwaves, while the magnetic resonance leads to a decrease in both the reflection and transmission coefficients.     

A high dynamic magnetooptic current transformer with advanced signal processing

In the power industry, current has to be measured for metering and protection purposes. Conventional sensor setups need two transformers to realize the high dynamic range. By the described mixed analog/digital signal processing algorithm, the inherent low photonic noise of the input signals was maintained up to the full sensor output. The system design is based on a rigorous investigation and optimization of the error sources in the signal processing chain. The results are proved by a demonstrator, achieving a dynamic range from 0.05 to 100 times the rated current and a ratio root mean square error of less than 0.5%.     

High-temperature oxidation of intermetallics formed by group IV transition metals with chromium

We have studied the oxidation resistance of chromium intermetallics: TiCr₂, HfCr₂, and ZrCr₂, in the temperature interval 873–1473 K with isothermal holding of the specimens for up to 20 h. We have shown that the intermetallics TiCr₂ and HfCr₂ are oxidized 2–3 times more slowly than pure titanium and hafnium, but more than 1–2 orders of magnitude faster than chromium at T≤1273 K and 4–6 times faster at 1473 K. In this temperature interval, the intermetallic ZrCr₂ is rapidly oxidized at an increasing rate as the heating temperature rises. The scaling resistance of intermetallics of Group IV d metals with chromium is determined by formation of scales in which the major role is played by the oxides TiO₂, HfO₂, and ZrO₂, with weak protective properties.     

Numerical solution for shape optimization of an impactor penetrating into a semi-infinite target

The shape of the impactor with the maximum depth of penetration (DOP) for a given impact velocity is found using a numerical procedure for solving a corresponding non-classical variational problem. It is shown that the optimum shape in a general case is close to a blunt cone. The variation of the optimal shape of the impactor and the dependence of the DOP vs. the initial (impact) velocity and friction coefficient is studied. The analysis is performed also for optimal conical impactors.