Experimental study on vibration-induced clamping force reduction in fuel cell structures

When applied to transportation systems, fuel cell structures are exposed to external mechanical disturbance including shocks and harmonic excitations from operating components. To minimize performance degradation from machine operations, the fuel cell structure needs to be examined via vibration reliability tests. In this study, the reduction in the clamping force of the stack by random vibrations was investigated by experiments. The stack mass and gasket were clamped with bolts for vibration tests. The vibration induced shear movements between clamped stacks. To estimate the vibration input magnitudes, the Dirlik method was used. The reduction in the stack clamping force was estimated using the Basquin's power law. The clamping force decreased by the shear vibration input to the stack structure. The degree of clamping force reduction was larger for the heavier stack. When the stacks were separated by the gasket the reduction became smaller. Through the Dirlik method, the vibration reliability of the stack was evaluated. This information provides severity of the external vibration on the stack functionality.     

Implant surface features as key role on cell behavior

It has been recognized that physical and chemical properties of biomaterial surfaces mediate the quality of extracellular matrix (ECM) that may affect cell behaviors. In nature, ECM is a heterogeneous three-dimensional superstructure formed by three major components, glycosaminoglycan, glycoconjugate, and protein, that anchors cellular compartments in tissues and regulates the function and the behavior of cells. Changes in the biointerface alter the quality of ECM and morphology through cell surface receptors, which, in turn, enable it to trigger specific cell signaling and different cellular responses. In fact, a number of strategies have been used to improve the functionality of surfaces and direct cell behavior through precisely designed environments. Herein, we aimed to discuss, through a science-based viewpoint, the biomaterial surface features on cell behavior and analyze the impact of cell physical modification on dental implant development.     

Direct shear behavior of gravel-rubber mixtures: Discrete element modeling and microscopic investigations

In this paper, a newly developed 3-dimentional discrete element model (DEM) for gravel-rubber mixtures (GRMs), namely DEM4GRM, that is capable of accurately describing the macro-scale shear response (from small to large deformation) of GRMs in a direct shear box apparatus is presented. Rigid gravel grains are modelled as simple multi-shape clumps, while soft rubber particles are modeled by using deformable 35-ball body-centered-cubic clusters. Mixtures are prepared with different volumetric rubber content (VRC) at 0, 10, 25, 40 and 100%, statically compressed under 30, 60 and 100 kPa vertical stress and then sheared, by closely simulating a reference laboratory test procedure. The variation of micro-scale factors such as fabric, normal and tangential force anisotropy is carefully examined throughout the shearing process and described by means of novel micro-mechanical relationships valid for GRMs. Moreover, strong-force chains are scrutinized to identify the transition from rigid to soft granular skeleton and gain insights on the load transfer and deformation mechanisms of GRMs. It is shown that the development of the fabric and force anisotropy during shearing is closely related to the macro-scale shear strength of GRMs, and strongly depends on the VRC. Besides, strong-force chains appear to be primarily formed by gravel-gravel contacts (resulting in a rigid-like mechanical behavior) up to VRC = 30%, and by rubber-rubber contacts (causing a soft-like mechanical response) beyond VRC = 60%. Alternatively, at 30% < VRC < 60%, gravel-rubber contacts are predominant in the strong-force network and an intermediate mechanical behavior is observed. This is consistent with the behavioral trends observed in the macro- and micro-mechanical responses.     

A parametric investigation on seat/occupant contact forces and their relationship with initially perceived discomfort using a configurable seat

The present work investigates the contact forces between sitters and seat as well as their correlations with perceived discomfort. Twelve different economy class aeroplane seat configurations were simulated using a multi-adjustable experimental seat by varying seat pan and backrest angles, as well as seat pan compressed surface. Eighteen males and 18 females, selected by their body mass index and stature, tested these configurations for two sitting postures. Perceived discomfort was significantly affected by seat parameters and posture and correlated both with normal force distribution on the seat-pan surface and with normal forces at the lumbar and head supports. Lower discomfort ratings were obtained for more evenly distributed normal forces on the seat pan. Shear force at the seat pan surface was at its lowest when sitters were allowed to self-select their seat-pan angle, supporting that a shear force should be reduced but not zeroed to improve seating comfort.

Practitioner Summary: The effects of seat-pan and backrest angle, anthropometric dimensions and sitting posture on contact forces and perceived discomfort were investigated using a multi-adjustable experimental seat. In addition to preferred seat profile parameters, the present work provides quantitative guidelines on contact force requirement for improving seating comfort.     

Calibration of low-pressure MEMS gas sensor for detection of hydrogen gas

Detection of hydrogen by sensors are significant for improvement and safe usage of hydrogen gas as an energy source. In this paper, the application of the MEMS gas sensor for detection of hydrogen gas is numerically studied to develop the application of this device in different industrial applications. The flow feature and force generation mechanism inside a rectangular enclosure with heat and cold arms as the non-isothermal walls are inclusively discussed. In this study, the pressure of hydrogen is varied from 62 to 1500 pa correspond to Knudsen number from 0.1 to 4.5 to investigate all characteristics of the thermal-driven force inside the MEMS sensor. In order to simulate a rarefied gas inside the micro gas detector, Boltzmann equations are applied to obtain high precision results. To solve these equations, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach is used as a robust method for the non-equilibrium flow field. The effects of length, thickness and temperature of arms are comprehensively investigated in different ambient pressures. In addition, the effect of various hydrogen concentrations on the Knudsen force is studied. Our findings show that maximum Knudsen force occurs at P = 387 pressure and intensifies when the length of the arms is increased from 50 μm to 150 μm. In addition, the obtained results demonstrate that the generated force is highly sensitive to hydrogen gas species and this enables device for detection of hydrogen gas.     

Effect of Kollidon VA®64 particle size and morphology as directly compressible excipient on tablet compression properties

The study evaluates use of Kollidon VA^®64 and a combination of Kollidon VA^®64 with Kollidon VA^®64 Fine as excipient in direct compression process of tablets. The combination of the two grades of material is evaluated for capping, lamination and excessive friability. Inter particulate void space is higher for such excipient due to the hollow structure of the Kollidon VA^®64 particles. During tablet compression air remains trapped in the blend exhibiting poor compression with compromised physical properties of the tablets. Composition of Kollidon VA^®64 and Kollidon VA^®64 Fine is evaluated by design of experiment (DoE). A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of two grades of Kollidon VA^®64 exhibits morphological differences between coarse and fine grade. The tablet compression process is evaluated with a mix consisting of entirely Kollidon VA^®64 and two mixes containing Kollidon VA^®64 and Kollidon VA^®64 Fine in ratio of 77:23 and 65:35. A statistical modeling on the results from the DoE trials resulted in the optimum composition for direct tablet compression as combination of Kollidon VA^®64 and Kollidon VA^®64 Fine in ratio of 77:23. This combination compressed with the predicted parameters based on the statistical modeling and applying main compression force between 5 and 15?kN, pre-compression force between 2 and 3?kN, feeder speed fixed at 25?rpm and compression range of 45–49?rpm produced tablets with hardness ranging between 19 and 21?kp, with no friability, capping, or lamination issue.     

Formulation strategy towards minimizing viscosity mediated negative food effect on disintegration and dissolution of immediate release tablets

Food induced viscosity can delay disintegration and subsequent release of API from solid dosage form which may lead to severe reduction in the bioavailability of BCS type III compounds. Formulations of such tablets need to be optimized in view of this postprandial viscosity factor. In this study, three super disintegrants, croscarmellose sodium (CCS), cross-linked polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (CPD), and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) were assessed for their efficiency under simulated fed state. Tablets containing these disintegrants were compressed at 10 and 30?KN, while taking lactose as a soluble filler. In addition to other compendial tests, disintegration force of these formulations was measured by texture analysis. Comparison of parameters derived from force – time curves revealed a direct relation of maximum disintegration force (F_max) and disintegration force development rate (DFDR) with compressional force in fasted state, whereas an inverse relationship of F_max and DFDR with compressional force was observed in fed state. The gelling tendency of disintegrants influenced the rate of release of API in simulated fed and fasted states when compressional force was changed. These observations recommend the evaluation of formulations in simulated fed state, in the development stage, with an objective of minimizing the negative impact of food induced viscosity on disintegration. Use of disintegrants that act without gelling or can counteract the effect of gelling is recommended for tablet formulations with reduced disintegration time (DT) and mean dissolution time (MDT) in fed state, respectively.     

Ice aluminum debonding with induction heating#

The strong ice bonding to solid surfaces makes deicing such surfaces a challenging task. In this study, a heat flux will be induced into the interlayer of the ice and in this case aluminum. With a high heat flux it is possible to obtain a small liquid layer between the ice and the aluminum. In metallic materials the heat flux can be induced with an electromagnetic field via induction heating. The thickness of the heated metal layer depends on the frequency applied for the induction heating. High frequencies result in very thin layers of metal heated and hence represent an energy efficient method for de-icing the metal surface. The reduction of the energy consumption for deicing is the main goal. One application is the ice removal in ice slurry generators in this study. Compared to ice removal (scraped surface ice slurry generators) induction heating deicing offers energy and maintenance saving potential.     

Electromagnetic silicon MEMS resonator

We have fabricated a silicon MEMS resonator aiming at multimodal sensors, and evaluated vibration characteristics by electromagnetic drive and induced electromotive force detection. The resonance frequency of the driving voltage of 0.6 Vpp shows torsional vibration of approximately 87 kHz, and the resonance frequency is shifted toward the low‐frequency side as the driving voltage increases. Resonance characteristics due to temperature change and film stress were evaluated.