Evaluation of form data using computational geometric techniques—Part I: Circularity error

The present work deals with evaluation of form error from the measured profiles obtained using a form tester, namely roundness/cylindricity measuring instrument. In Part I, details of circularity evaluation are presented. Due to eccentricity in component setting and radius-suppression inherent in the measurement, circularity error has to be evaluated with reference to a limacon. A computational geometry-based algorithm is proposed for establishing minimum circumscribed, maximum inscribed and minimum zone limacons. A new type of control hull for directly constructing equi-angular diagrams and a new procedure for updating are introduced. Validation has been done with bench-mark data set and corresponding results available in the literature. Being geometry-based algorithm, it is simple to follow and each iteration can be visualized and interpreted geometrically. On comparison with simplex search method, the proposed algorithm is found to be computationally efficient in terms of accuracy and time taken. The proposed methods can be easily implemented in computer-aided roundness measuring instruments. Extension of this work for evaluation of cylindricity error has been dealt in Part II.     

Nitrites Derived From Foneiculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seeds Promotes Vascular Functions

Abstract: Recent evidence has demonstrated that nitrites play an important role in the cardiovascular system. Fennel (Foneiculum vulgare) seeds are often used as mouth fresheners after a meal in both the Indian sub‐continent and around the world. The present study aims to quantify the nitrite and nitrates in fennel seeds as well as elucidating the effect of fennel derived‐nitrites on vascular functions. Results from our study show that fennel seeds contain significantly higher amount of nitrites when compared to other commonly used post‐meal seeds. Furthermore our study confirmed the functional effects of fennel derived‐nitrites using in vitro and ex vivo models that describe the promotion of angiogenesis, cell migration, and vasorelaxation. We also showed that chewing fennel seeds enhanced nitrite content of saliva. Thus our study indicates the potential role of fennel derived‐nitrites on the vascular system. Practical Application: This study is focused on determining the effect of fennel‐derived nitrites on angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing ones), cell migration, and vasorelaxation (dilation of blood vessels) thereby preserving cardiovascular health.     

Fluorimetric Nerve Gas Sensing Based on Pyrene Imines Incorporated into Films and Sub‐Micrometer Fibers

The chemical sensing of nerve gas agents has become an increasingly important goal due to the 1995 terrorist attack in a Tokyo subway as well as national security concerns in regard to world affairs. Chemical detection needs to be sensitive and selective while being facile, portable, and timely. In this paper, a sensing approach using a pyrene imine molecule is presented that is fluorimetric in response. The detection of a chloro‐Sarin surrogate is measured at 5 ppmv in less than 1 second and is highly selective towards halogenated organophosphates. The pyrene imine molecule is incorporated into polystyrene films as well as micrometer and sub‐micrometer fibers. Using both a direct drawing approach and electrospinning, micrometer and nanofibers can be easily manufactured. Applications for functional sensing micrometer and nanofibers are envisioned for optical devices and photonics in addition to solution and airflow sensing devices.     

Comparison of different methods for computing the two-dimensional envelope for surface finish measurements

In the envelope system of surface finish measurement, an envelope traced by a circle of definite radius gives the reference line for a two-dimensional surface profile. Geometrical construction of this envelope, on actual surface profiles, is fairly easy. For evaluating the benefits of the E-system it is advantageous to use digitized surface profiles, to compute the envelope from the profile ordinates. There are several ways of computing the envelope from digitized surface profiles and this paper explains the various methods and gives the times taken for computation.     

Influence of workpiece position on roundness error and surface finish in centreless grinding

Centreless grinding is carried out with workpiece centre above the line joining the centres ofgrinding and control wheels. When a workpiece has a slight bend or a projection on the surface, it is safer to grind below the centres. This paper analyses the process of grinding above and below the centres. The results show that the roundness error increases only by a few microns when ground below the centres and the change in the surface finish is insignificant.     

A new approach for filtering of surface profiles using morphological operations

Among different filtering approaches used to remove waviness and obtain roughness, envelope and motif techniques are considered to be suitable for functional characterization. Morphological filtering being closely related to envelope technique can be used for filtering of surfaces. This paper discusses a new approach combining morphological operations namely closing and opening with circle as structuring element in a unique way to generate the reference profile representing waviness. The reference profile generated by this method is smooth without any slope discontinuities and robust against deep valleys present in the profile. Analysis of the proposed method for robustness and form-approximation capabilities is presented in this paper. Comparison is also made with envelope and morphological closing filters as well as Gaussian regression filter to bring out the effectiveness of this approach.     

An efficient full-bridge resonant converter for light emitting diode (LED) application with simple current control

New power control is introduced in the full-bridge dc-dc converter to drive an LED lamp in this paper. LEDs are semiconductor devices that behave like a constant voltage load with low equivalent series resistance (ESR). Hence, they require precise control for current regulation. In the proposed driver, the LED lamp is driven by two voltage sources connected in series through a series resonant circuit. It processes the majority of lamp power through the full-bridge diode rectifier and supplies small power through a center-tapped rectifier. The LED lamp current is controlled at the selected operating current by using center-tapped rectifier output voltage. In addition, pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming is implemented. The proposed topology features zero-voltage switching (ZVS), regulation of lamp current, dimming operation, and high efficiency. The working principle, performance, and prototype validation are given for the proposed LED driver.     

Fitting of robust reference surface based on least absolute deviations

Engineering surfaces comprise shape deviations namely form, waviness and roughness. For characterization of roughness, form and waviness are separated from the measured surface by establishing a reference surface that represents these deviations. This paper presents a new approach of simultaneously separating form and waviness deviations by fitting a reference surface that remains robust against the outliers such as deep grooves. A second degree polynomial and a set of sinusoidal functions are taken as basis functions to represent form and waviness respectively. A criterion of minimization of sum of absolute deviations (L₁-norm) is considered as against the commonly used least squares (L₂-norm) criterion and the reference surface obtained is found to be robust against outliers such as deep valleys in the measured surface. The superiority of the proposed fitting scheme is brought out by testing on different surfaces and comparing with the least squares method of fitting and the robust Gaussian regression filtering.     

Function-oriented form evaluation of engineering surfaces

Workpieces make contact on their functional boundaries, not on the best fit surfaces. Better quality products can be made by controlling parameters of the production process and evaluating the workpiece based on functional requirements. A new algorithm is proposed in this paper, based on a sound mathematical background, to obtain the functional boundaries that are best represented by enveloping features.