Innovative Proof for Elastic Flexure Formulas

The basic problem in teaching mechanics of materials is that some subjects discussed in the reference books are not easy to understand for most of the students. Using experience of many years teaching mechanics of materials, we have been continuously trying to find easier methods to help the students get a better understanding of fundamental concepts. This effort and investigation has led to innovative and simple approaches to prove the equations much easier than the existing ones and also to clarify complicated concept. In this paper, we are offering our innovative proof for elastic flexure formulas as well as an interesting model for the moment sign convention in the cross section of a beam. In this method, considering a portion of a beam under pure bending and obtaining the stress distribution in the cross section and applying the balance of the considered portion, we prove the Elastic Flexure Formulas much easier than the existing methods. Emphasizing on deeper understanding, some notes and a new model are offered during this proof.     

Basic Characteristics of a New Flexible Pneumatic Bending Joint

Several typical flexible pneumatic actuators （FPA） and different mechanical models describing their behaviors have been proposed, however, it is difficult to balance compliance and load capacity in conventional designs, and these models still have limitations in predicting behavior of FPAs. A new flexible pneumatic bending joint （FPBJ） with special anisotropic rigidity structure is proposed. The FPBJ is developed as an improvement with regard to existing types of FPA, and its principal characteristic is derived from the special anisotropic rigidity structure. With this structure, the load capacity in the direction perpendicular to bending plane is strengthened. The structure of the new FPBJ is explained and a mathematical model is derived based on Euler-Bernoulli beam model and Hook’s law. To obtain optimum design and usage, some key structure parameters and input-output characteristics are simulated. The simulation results reveal that the relationship between the structure parameters and FPBJ’s bending angle is nonlinear. At last, according to the simulation results, the FPBJ is manufactured with optional parameters and tested. The experimental results show that the joint’s statics characteristics are reflected by the mathematical model accurately when the FPBJ is deflated. The maximum relative error between simulation and experimental results is less than 6%. However, the model still has limitations. When the joint is inflated, the maximum relative error reaches 20%. This paper proposes a new flexible pneumatic bending joint which has sufficient load capacity and compliance, and the mathematical model provides theoretical guidance for the FPBJ’s structure design.     

Electromagnetic Torque Estimation of a Three-Phase Induction Motor for Setting the Feedrate of a Milling Machine

In this paper, it presents a project of a fuzzy controller and a neural estimator to control a coordinate table powered by three-phase induction motor, aiming to implement an intelligent milling system. The position/speed control is performed using vector techniques of three-phase induction machines. The estimation of the motor electromagnetic torque is used for setting the feedrate of the table. The speed control is developed using TS （Takagi-Sugeno） fuzzy logic model and electromagnetic torque estimation using neural network type LMS （least mean square） algorithm. The induction motor is powered by a frequency inverter driven by a DSP （digital signal processor）. Control strategies are implemented in DSP. Simulation results are presented for evaluating the performance of the system.     

Investigation of CFD calculation method of a centrifugal pump with unshrouded impeller

Currently, relatively large errors are found in numerical results in some low-specific-speed centrifugal pumps with unshrouded impeller because the effect of clearances and holes are not accurately modeled. Establishing an accurate analytical model to improve performance prediction accuracy is therefore necessary. In this paper, a three-dimensional numerical simulation is conducted to predict the performance of a low-specific-speed centrifugal pump, and the modeling, numerical scheme, and turbulent selection methods are discussed. The pump performance is tested in a model pump test bench, and flow rate, head, power and efficiency of the pump are obtained. The effect of taking into consideration the back-out vane passage, clearance, and balance holes is analyzed by comparing it with experimental results, and the performance prediction methods are validated by experiments. The analysis results show that the pump performance can be accurately predicted by the improved method. Ignoring the back-out vane passage in the calculation model of unshrouded impeller is found to generate better numerical results. Further, the calculation model with the clearances and balance holes can obviously enhance the numerical accuracy. The application of disconnect interface can reduce meshing difficulty but increase the calculation error at the off-design operating point at the same time. Compared with the standard k-ε, renormalization group k-ε, and Spalart-Allmars models, the Realizable k-ε model demonstrates the fastest convergent speed and the highest precision for the unshrouded impeller flow simulation. The proposed modeling and numerical simulation methods can improve the performance prediction accuracy of the low-specific-speed centrifugal pumps, and the modeling method is especially suitable for the centrifugal pump with unshrouded impeller.     

Preliminary Study on the Seizure Trend of a MOM-THP with Self-directed Balls

This work continues the approach of one of our topics relating to a MOM-THP （metal on metal-total hip prostheses） with self-directed movement balls. Experiments revealed a certain seizure in some strain conditions. Laboratory trials for balls/plane Hertzian contacts have been restarted in order to determine seizure behaviour depending on the roughness of the flat area. The trials have been carried out in BSF （body simulated fluid） lubrication conditions, much closer to the real operating conditions up against the initial tests with distilled water. Seizure burdens to different loadings and contact surfaces roughness influence over the seizure burden have been determined. Even though the minimum value of the wear must be the same with the minimum value of the surfaces roughness, given the experimental conditions, it came out from the trials results on wear that the lowest level of wear is acquired at a certain value of roughness, not at the lowest level of roughness.     

Seismic Response of a Structure under Various Subsoi Models

Three types of the soil-structure interaction are used for structure analysis loaded by seismic effects. An example of the real RC building is used to demonstrate differences in the dynamic response results in the calculation of internal forces and displacements. Variant three options of the soil models were used as a building supporting structure. In the case of soil model A, the soil was modelled by using of equivalent stiffness values, stemming from the theory of a rigid circular disc on an elastic homogeneous half-space. Non-uniformly modelled vertical stiffness of the soil according to the Boussinesq model was used for model B. Both models A and B are characterised by the ＂averaged＂ soil model on the bases of spring constants. Model C was used for the soil better corresponding to its actual composition by the Winkler-Pasternak theory. Model C, where the actual layered soil is considered, is modelled more accurately than for the ＂averaged＂ soil of models A and B. The dynamic response of models operating with ＂averaged＂ values of rigid and soft soil layers is markedly shifted to the conservative smaller values of internal forces. The building response tbr model C in dynamic displacements is significantly higher than for the both models A and B.     

Development of a Stabilized Pan/Tilt Platform and the State of the Art

In the context of this paper, a small scale, medium precision, stabilized pan/tilt platform is developed as a prototype, which is used to compare various stabilization algorithms experimentally. The overall performance of the system depends on rigid body dynamics, structural dynamics, servo control loops, stabilization control algorithm, sensor fusion algorithm and sensory feedback such as from the IMU （inertial measurement unit）. In the case that the response bandwidth of the overall system is high enough, the same hardware can also achieve active vibration isolation. All of these design aspects are investigated in the paper via numerical models and with their experimental verification.     

Numerical Study of the Mixing of Density-Stratified Fluid with a Jet

Density stratification of LNG （liquefied natural gas） is produced in a storage tank when one LNG is loaded on top of another LNG in the same tank. Mixing LNG by a jet issued from a nozzle on the tank wall is considered to a promising technique to prevent and eliminate stratification in LNG storage tanks. This study is concerned with the numerical simulation of a jet flow issued into a two-layer density-stratified fluid in a tank and the resultant mixing phenomena. The jet behavior was investigated with the laboratory-based experiment of the authors＇ previous study. A numerical method proposed by the authors is employed for the simulation. The upper and lower fluids are water and a NaCl-water solution, respectively, and the lower fluid is issued vertically upward from a nozzle on the bottom of the tank. The Reynolds number （Re） defined by the jet velocity and the nozzle diameter ranges from 95 to 2,378, and the mass concentration of the NaCl-water solution Co is set at 0.02 and 0.04. The simulation highlights the jet-induced mixing between the upper and lower fluids. It also clarifies the effects of Re and C0 on the height and horizontal spread of the jet.     

Development of a Finger-Shaped Muscle Hardness Tester and Its Measurement Cases

As the background of our study, we requested that practitioners use muscle hardness testers to conduct a digital assessment of muscle hardness layers that they can feel by palpation. We developed muscle hardness testers to assess muscle hardness digitally from the reaction force and the depth in pushing a finger-shaped indenter, thereby simulating palpation. To assess muscle hardness digitally, we proposed this means using the reaction force and depth that are measured when the indenter is pushed, along with the elastic constant, and the differential elastic modulus. The tester is designed to be useful to ascertain effects of, or follow the course of, muscle layer treatment applied for shoulder stiffness and other conditions. As described herein, we confirmed the effectiveness of digital assessment using foam rubber consisting of an upper layer and a lower layer, respectively simulating the cortical and muscle layers of a human body. Additionally, monitoring six subjects, we digitally assessed the change of hardness of the trapezius muscle by changing the position of the upper extremity. Next, we were able to measure the change of hardness before and after treatment for 21 subjects with shoulder stiffness.     

Adaptive Optimal Control of a Heavy Lathe Operation

To create control laws of the cutting process on the heavy lathe, the temperature-force model of optimization of cutting conditions for turning was selected. The models to manage the process of cutting on heavy lathe in real time were created. It was found that the optimization of the cutting process must be carried out according to the criteria： productivity, cost and tool life. The hardware structure of the adaptive control system for heavy lathe was developed and its dynamic performance was investigated. The system provides function of the cutting speed of adaptive control and the possibility of compensation of linear, nonlinear and temperature-related inaccuracies. Research results were implemented in the prototype of adaptive control system for heavy lathe and the integral complex of optimal control of an adaptive technological system.     

Pre-compression volume on flow ripple reduction of a piston pump

Axial piston pump with pre-compression volume（PCV） has lower flow ripple in large scale of operating condition than the traditional one. However, there is lack of precise simulation model of the axial piston pump with PCV, so the parameters of PCV are difticult to be determined. A finite element simulation model for piston pump with PCV is built by considering the piston movement, the fluid characteristic（including fluid compressibility and viscosity） and the leakage flow rate. Then a test of the pump flow ripple called the secondary source method is implemented to validate the simulation model. Thirdly, by comparing results among the simulation results, test results and results from other publications at the same operating condition, the simulation model is validated and used in optimizing the axial piston pump with PCV. According to the pump flow ripples obtained by the simulation model with different PCV parameters, the flow ripple is the smallest when the PCV angle is 13~, the PCV volume is 1.3 ~ I0-4 m3 at such operating condition that the pump suction pressure is 2 MPa, the pump delivery pressure 15 MPa, the pump speed 1 000 r/min, the swash plate angle 13~. At the same time, the flow ripple can be reduced when the pump suction pressure is 2 MPa, the pump delivery pressure is 5 MPa,15 MPa, 22 MPa, pump speed is 400 r/min, 1 000 r/rain, 1 500 r/rain, the swash plate angle is ll~, 13~, 15~ and 17~, respectively. The finite element simulation model proposed provides a method for optimizing the PCV structure and guiding for designing a quieter axial piston pump.     

Design,Fabrication and Experimentation of a Deep Drawing Machine

This paper presents the work implemented in designing, fabricating and operating a model of a cheap hydraulic DDM （deep drawing machine）, which is currently utilized in the manufacturing processes lab in the IED （Industrial Engineering Department） at An-Najah National University. The machine is used to conduct different experiments related to the deep drawing process. This work was implemented in three stages： the first was the design stage, in which all design calculations of the DDM elements were completed based on the specifications of the product （cup） to be drawn; the second was the construction stage, in which the DDM elements were fabricated and assembled at the engineering workshops of the university; the last was the operating and experimentation stage, in which the DDM was tested by conducting different experiments. The experience gained from designing and constructing such a mechanical lab equipment was found to be successful in terms of obtaining practical results that agree with those available in literature, cost-effective relative to the cost of a similar purchased equipment, as well as enhancing students＇ abilities in understanding the deep drawing process in particular and machine elements design concepts in general.     

A Novel Design of a Metacarpal/MetatarsaI-Phalangeal Total Joint Replacement

Arthritis, most notably rheumatoid arthritis, can destroy the surfaces of the bones; the ideal solution for this is T JR （total joint replacement）, which would restore joint functionality, maintain correct aesthetics and eradicate pain for the patient. Current metacarpophalangeal TJR do not provide the normal biomechanical range of motion and functionality. The proposed design attempts to correct this through the use of design geometry and functional anatomy. Numerical analysis is used in conjunction with computational solid modeling to compare a one-piece silicone implant with the proposed T JR. Peak stresses during flexion for the proposed design did not exceed 1.2 MPa, where as soft implants approach 100 MPa to 1,000 MPa for peak stress values. The proposed design, due to high stress tolerances with low deformation, along with functionality and biomechanics, seems to be an appropriate replacement for one-piece silicone implant.     

Temperature Control of a Thermal Plasma Torch with Inductive Coupling Using the Arduino Board

Plasma torch is a device that transforms electrical energy into heat carried by a gas and its safe operation is necessary to control her temperature. This paper presents the use of the Arduino board in temperature control of a plasma torch through fuzzy control. The plasma torch of this project was built so that a flow of water can circulate through your body, allowing its cooling. The cooling system mounted consists of one radiator, one expansion vase, one water pump and one temperature sensor. The heated water coming the plasma torch is passed by the temperature sensor. This is converted in a voltage and read by an analog input port of the Arduino. This processes the information received and makes the decision to turn on/off the radiator fan and/or powered the frequency inverter water pump to control the temperature. The graph of the fuzzy control showed an oscillation between 104 °F to 122 °F around the chosen reference 113 °F. The results show that it is possible to control the temperature of a plasma torch using the Arduino board and fuzzy logic.     

Design of a Preview Controller for Articulated Heavy Vehicles

The paper presents a preview controller design for ATS （active trailer steering） systems to improve high-speed stability of AHVs （articulated heavy vehicles）. An AHV consists of a towing unit, namely tractor or truck, and one or more towed units which called trailers. Individual units are connected to one another at articulated joints by mechanical couplings. Due to the multi-unit configurations, AHVs exhibit unique unstable motion modes, including jack-knifing, trailer swing and rollover. These unstable motion modes are the leading cause of highway accidents. To prevent these unstable motion modes, the preview controller, namely the LPDP （lateral position deviation preview） controller, is proposed. For a truck/full-trailer combination, the LPDP controller is designed to control the steering of the front and rear axle wheels of the trailing unit. The calculation of the corrective steering angle of the trailer front axle wheels is based on the preview information of the lateral position deviation of the trajectory of the axle center from that of the truck front axle center. Similarly, the steering angle of the trailer rear axle wheels is calculated by using the lateral position deviation of the trajectory of the axle center from that of the truck front axle. To perform closed-loop dynamic simulations and evaluate the vehicle performance measure, a driver model is introduced and it ＇derives＇ the AHV model based on well-defined testing specifications. The proposed preview control scheme in the continuous time domain is developed by using the LQR （linear quadratic regular） technique. The closed-loop simulation results indicate that the performance of the AHV with the LPDP controller is improved by decreasing rearward amplification ratio from the baseline value of 1.28 to 0.98 and reducing transient off-tracking by 95.03%. The proposed LPDP control algorithm provides an alternative method for the design optimization of AHVs with ATS systems.     

An Effect of Temperature and Notch Geometry on Correlated Toughness of a Stainless Steel

To determine the toughness of materials, Charpy V notch test has been widely used over the world. Originally, the Charpy-V or U tests were used mainly as a quality control tests. In this paper, effects of temperature and notch geometry on variation of toughness/yield stress ratio were investigated. The experimental work has been performed on austenitic stainless steel 316L using Charpy tests and carried out at temperature range from 20 ℃ to 250 ℃ on different dimension of V- and U-notch specimens. Energy of fracture was determined directly from machine tests. Furthermore, Barsoum correlation has been applied to determine toughness/yield stress ratio as function of temperature. In addition, several parameters were investigated namely specimen thickness and notch cut angles. U-notch specimen offers a high resistance comparatively to the V-notch and that toughness depends on temper situation and orientation of notch relative to the rolling direction.     

Comparative Analysis of Gas Emissions from a Vehicle Running on Ethanol and Natural Gas Fuel

It is known that the transport sector has a fundamental importance in the modem society, as the economic development is directly linked to mobility. Over the years, the transport became linked to different environmental problems, which can be detached greenhouse gases emissions in the atmosphere, where in recent decades can be perceived the intensification and targeting of efforts in research and development of new technologies to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases emissions in the atmosphere. In this context, it can be highlighted the modem systems of electronic engine management, new automotive catalysts and the use of renewable fuels which contribute to reducing the environmental impact. This research had, as its purpose, the analysis of fuels characteristics used for testing, comparative analysis of gas emissions from a motor vehicle running on ethanol or natural gas fuels according to NBR 6601 and conducting tests to estimate the maximum catalytic efficiency. For the implementation of trial, a flex vehicle was installed in a chassis dynamometer equipped with a gas analyzer, in order that before the completion of the urban driving cycle, were determined the content of hydrocarbons corrected, carbon monoxide corrected, carbon dioxide and oxygen present in gas emissions from the engine. The research concluded that： the performance analysis for characterization of fuel showed consistent with ANP specifications; after tests performances, it can be stated that natural gas fuel was the fuel which had the highest content of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide corrected, while ethanol had the highest amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen residue present in gas emissions; before a comparative analysis, the vehicle catalyst showed the best performance for reducing the content of hydrocarbon corrected present in exhaustion gases when it worked with natural gas fuel and showed maximum efficiency of 100% to reduce the content of carbon monoxide corrected for both fuels. Before this, it can be stated that the vehicle catal     

Unsteady flow simulations in a three-lobe positive displacement blower

To improve the performance of the positive displacement blower, it is imperative to understand the detailed internal flow characteristics or enable a visualization of flow status. However, the existing two-dimensional unsteady, three-dimensional steady or quasi-unsteady numerical simulation and theoretical analysis cannot provide the detailed flow information, which is unfavorable to improve the performance of positive displacement blower. Therefore, the unsteady flow characteristics in a three-lobe positive displacement blower are numerically investigated by solving the three-dimensional, unsteady, compressible Navier-Stokes equations coupled with RNG k-e turbulent model. In the numerical simulation, the dynamic mesh technique and overset mesh updating method are adopted. Due to the air being compressed in the process of the rotors rotating, the variation of the temperature field in the positive displacement blower is considered. By comparing the experimental measurements and the numerical results on the variation of flow rate with the outlet pressure, the maximum relative error of the flow rate is less than 2.15% even at the maximum outlet pressure condition, which means that the calculation model and numerical computational method used are effective. The numerical results show that in the intake region, the fluctuations of the inlet flow are greatly affected by the direction of the velocity vectors. In the exhaust region, the temperature changes significantly, which leads to the increase of the airflow pulsation. Through analysis on the velocity, pressure and temperature fields obtained from the numerical simulations, three-dimensional unsteady flow characteristics in the positive displacement blower are revealed. The studied results will provide useful reference for improving the performance and empirical correction in the design of the positive displacement blower.