Travel-time models and fill-grade factor analysis for double-deep multi-aisle AS/RSs

Double-deep multi-aisle automated storage/retrieval systems are increasingly applied for storing and retrieving unit loads, with advantages of increased space utilisation, reduced number of aisles and improved efficiency of storage rack (S/R) machines. In such systems, the retrieval process may consist of the rearrangement of blocking loads, based on the assumptions of uniformly distributed storage locations and random storage policy. We formulate analytical travel-time models of both single- and dual-command cycles under three rearrangement rules. We validate the analytical travel-time models by simulation and conduct numerical experiments to analyse the effect of the number of aisles an S/R machine serves, the fill-grade factor and the command cycles on the expected travel time of the S/R machine. The results show that the expected travel time of the S/R machine is increasing with the increase in the number of aisles an S/R machine serves and the increase in the fill-grade factor, and dual command cycle outperforms single-command cycle in terms of cycle time. To deal with the trade-off between the storage space cost and the operational cost of the S/R machine, we develop a decision model for finding an optimal fill-grade factor to minimise the total cost. We find the condition when an optimal fill-grade factor exists and show how to calculate it. Based on the decision model, we compare the performance of double-deep multi-aisle automated storage/retrieval system (AS/RSs) and single-deep single-aisle AS/RSs. The results show that double-deep multi-aisle AS/RSs outperform single-deep single-aisle AS/RSs in terms of total cost, although double-deep multi-aisle AS/RSs need more storage locations.     

Travel time models for double-deep automated storage and retrieval systems

In this paper new analytical travel time models for the computation of cycle times for unit-load double-deep automated storage and retrieval systems (in continuation double-deep AS/RS) are presented. The proposed models consider the real operating characteristics of the storage and retrieval machine and the condition of rearranging blocking loads to the nearest free storage location during the retrieval process. With the assumption of the uniform distributed storage rack positions and the probability theory, the expressions of the single and modified dual command cycle have been determined. The proposed models enable the calculation of the mean cycle time for single and dual command cycles, from which the performance of the double-deep AS/RS can be evaluated. A simulation model of the selected double-deep AS/RS has been developed to compare the performances of the proposed analytical travel time models. The numerical analyses show that with regard to the examined type of double-deep AS/RS with a different fill-grade factor, the results of the proposed analytical travel time models correlate with the results of simulation models of double-deep AS/RS.     

Effect of thermal cycling on the adhesion strength of Ti/Ni/Ag films on AlN substrate

The adhesion strength of Ti/Ni/Ag multi-layers on AlN substrates before and after thermal cycling treatment was studied. The Ti/Ni/Ag layers with thicknesses of 0.6, 1.0, and 0.2 μm, respectively, were deposited sequentially on bulk AlN substrates using direct current (DC) sputtering. Thermal cycling test (TCT) was conducted for 0, 15, 100, and 300 cycles to measure the adhesion strength of Ti/Ni/Ag on AlN. The adhesion strength of the deposited specimen increased slightly over 15 thermal cycles and increased abruptly after 100 thermal cycles. After 100 thermal cycles, Ti reacted with AlN substrate to form TiN and TiO. The formation of TiN and TiO at the Ti/AlN interface may be responsible for the increase of the adhesion strength after a large number of thermal cycles.     

A class of generalized mid-point algorithms for the Gurson–Tvergaard material model

We investigate the generalized mid-point algorithms for the integration of elastoplastic constitutive equations for the pressure-dependent Gurson–Tvergaard yield model. By exact linearization of the algorithms and decomposition of the stresses into hydrostatic and deviatoric parts, a formula for explicitly calculating the consistent tangent moduli with the generalized mid-point algorithms is derived for the Gurson–Tvergaard model. The generalized mid-point algorithms, together with the consistent tangent moduli, have been implemented into ABAQUS via the user material subroutine. An analytical solution of the Gurson–Tvergaard model for the plane strain tension case is given and the performances of the generalized mid-point algorithms have been assessed for plane strain tension and hydrostatic tension problems and compared with the exact solutions. We find that, in the two problems considered, the generalized mid-point algorithms give reasonably good accuracy even for the case using very large time increment steps, with the true mid-point algorithm (α = 0·5) the most accurate one. Considering the extra non-symmetrical property of the consistent tangent moduli of the algorithms with α < 1, the Euler backward algorithm (α = 1) is, perhaps, the best choice.     

Identification of delamination in a composite beam using integrated piezoelectric sensor/actuator layer

This paper describes the use of an integrated piezoelectric sensor/actuator (IPSA) layer to detect a delamination in a laminated composite beam by monitoring the sensor charge output (SCO) distributions along the beam of the first three order frequencies. For the sake of predicting the first three order frequencies and SCO distributions using the IPSA layer, a model-based delamination detection approach is presented. The corresponding dynamic analytical model that includes parameters characterizing delamination is developed using the classical beam theory and the assumption of constant peel and shear strains through the bond line thickness in bonded joint. Using the present analytical model, the effects of delamination length l_d, delamination gap t_g, actuator segment length l_a, actuator segment location X_a and electric field E on the SCO values are discussed. Finally, a comparison of the first three order frequencies between the present analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) models reveals that there is good agreement between these two models.     

不同晶态比条件下氢化纳米硅薄膜的力学性能

采用射频（radio frequency,RF,13.56MHz）和直流偏压双重激励源,在等离子增强化学气相沉积（plasma-cnhanced chemical vapor deposition,PECVD）系统下制备了康宁玻璃7059衬底上的氢化纳米硅薄膜保持射频功率、反应室气压、直流偏压值和衬底温度等工艺参数不变的情况下,主要改变硅烷稀释度（silanc concentration．sc）从1％到0．5％当SC减小时,薄膜的晶态比Xc反而出现了增大现象,表明较低的SC有利于薄膜结构中晶态成分的形成．当SC减小到0．5％时,气则出现最大值54．2％.文中具有不同薄膜晶态比的样品力学性能采用美Hysitron公司的Tribolndenter纳米压痕系统进行测量,薄膜的杨氏模量和硬度值利用Oliver和Pharr的解析方法得出．结果表明：当薄膜的Xc从50．5％增大到54.2％时,薄膜的杨氏摸量和硬度值都大大增加,这种现象的产生是由于不同Xc的薄膜具有不同的晶态微结构,因此薄膜的Xc值在很大程度上决定薄膜的力学性能.     

Zero-voltage-switching DC/AC inverter

A novel zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) DC/AC inverter is proposed. The proposed inverter can not only provide output voltage that is higher or lower than DC input voltage but can also use the pulse-width modulation (PWM) control technique. Furthermore, in the proposed inverter, besides operating at constant frequency, all semiconductor devices operate at soft-switching without additional voltage stress and current stress. A design example of 1000 W ZVS-PWM buck-boost inverter is examined to assess the inverter performance     

Evaluation of effective elastic properties of 3D printable interpenetrating phase composites using the meshfree radial point interpolation method

ABSTRACT

Interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) have recently been fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) printing methods. In a two-phase IPC, the two phases are topologically interconnected and mutually reinforced in the three dimensions. As a result, such IPCs exhibit higher stiffness, strength, and toughness than particle- or fiber-reinforced composites. In the current study, three unit cell models for the IPCs with the simple cubic (SC), face-centered cubic (FCC), and body-centered cubic (BCC) microstructures are developed using the meshfree radial point interpolation method. Radial basis functions with polynomial reproduction are applied to construct shape functions, and the Galerkin method is employed to formulate discretized equations. These unit cell-based meshfree models are used to evaluate effective elastic properties of 3D printable IPCs. The simulation results are compared with those based on the finite element (FE) method and various analytical bounding techniques in micromechanics, including the Voigt–Reuss, Hashin–Shtrikman, and Tuchinskii bounds. It is found that all of the simulation results for the effective Young's modulus and shear modulus fall between the Voigt–Reuss upper and lower bounds for each IPC considered, with the FE models predicting higher values than the meshfree models. In addition, it is seen that the SC microstructure leads to higher effective Young's modulus than the BCC and FCC microstructures. Furthermore, the numerical results reveal that the IPCs with the SC, BCC, and FCC microstructures can be approximated as isotropic materials (with the Zener anisotropic ratio varying between 0.9 and 1.0), with the BCC IPC being the most isotropic one, and the SC IPC being the least isotropic one among the three types of IPCs.     

Nanochannel Electro-Injection as a Versatile Platform for Efficient RNA/DNA Programming on Dendritic Cells

The utilization of dendritic cell (DC) vaccines is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, and the modification of DCs for the expression of tumor-associated antigens is critical for successful cancer immunotherapy. A safe and efficient method for delivering DNA/RNA into DCs without inducing maturation is beneficial to achieve successful DC transformation for cell vaccine applications, yet remains challenging. This work presents a nanochannel electro-injection (NEI) system for the safe and efficient delivery of a variety of nucleic acid molecules into DCs. The device is based on track-etched nanochannel membrane as key components, where the nano-sized channels localize the electric field on the cell membrane, enabling lower voltage (<30 V) for cell electroporation. The pulse conditions of NEI are examined so that the transfection efficiency (>70%) and biosafety (viability >85%) on delivering fluorescent dyes, plasmid DNA, messenger RNA, and circular RNA (circRNA) into DC2.4 are optimized. Primary mouse bone marrow DC can also be transfected with circRNA with 68.3% efficiency, but without remarkably affecting cellular viability or inducing DC maturation. These results suggest that NEI can be a safe and efficient transfection platform for in vitro transformation of DCs and possesses a promising potential for developing DC vaccines against cancer.     

磁控溅射MoS2/WS2复合薄膜的工艺与摩擦学性能研究

采用MoS2/WS2复合靶材在不锈钢和硅基片上溅射MoS2/WS2纳米薄膜,通过多次实验,得到溅射MoS2/WS2薄膜的最佳工艺如下:溅射气压4.0Pa,靶基距为70mm,溅射功率为150W,溅射时间为3h.使用X-射线衍射仪,能谱仪,扫描电子显微镜对薄膜的成分和结构进行分析.采用HH-3000薄膜结合强度划痕试验仪,纳米压痕测试系统,UNT-3摩擦磨损试验机对薄膜进行机械性能和摩擦磨损性能分析,结果表明:在大气环境中,WS2/MoS2 复合薄膜摩擦性能要优于纯MoS2薄膜.     

Travel-time models considering the operating characteristics of the storage and retrieval machine

Existing travel-time models of automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) assume the average uniform velocity, ignoring the operating characteristics of storage/retrieval (S/R) machine such as the acceleration/deceleration rate and the maximum velocity. Consequently, the optimal design and schedule based on the existing models is far from optimal from the practical point of view. This paper presents continuous analytical models of travel time which integrate the operating characteristics of S/R machine. Using a randomized assignment policy, travel times are determined for both single and dual command cycles. The models developed are examined through discrete evaluation procedures.     

Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer of Silver-Coated Glass Particles Dispersed in Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Matrix

The effective thermal conductivity of silver-coated glass spheres dispersed in an ethylene vinyl acetate matrix was investigated numerically as a function of filler concentration. The finite-element method was carried out for modeling the thermal heat transport and to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of the composite for three elementary cells; simple cubic (SC), body-centered cubic (BCC), and face-centered cubic (FCC). The effect of the inclusion/matrix thermal contact resistance and the ratio of thermal conductivities of the filler-to-matrix material are also taken into account. The numerical results are compared with previously published experimental data and some theoretical models. The calculated values of the thermal conductivity of the SC model are in good agreement with the measured results for all the filler volume fractions. Numerical results for FCC and BCC models were found to be in good agreement with analytical models. The results show that the filler/matrix contact resistance has an important effect on the effective thermal conductivity.     

Lower Diffusion-Induced Stress in Nano-Crystallites of P2-Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2 Novel Cathode for High Energy Na-ion Batteries

P2-type Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/2Ti_1/6O₂ (NMTNO) cathode is a preeminent electrode material for Na-ion batteries owing to its open prismatic framework, air-moisture stability, inexpensiveness, appealing capacity, environmental benignity, and Co-free composition. However, the poor cycling stability, sluggish Na-ion kinetics induced in bulk-sized cathode particles, cracking, and exfoliation in the crystallites remain a setback. To outmaneuver these, a designing strategy of a mechanically robust, hexagonal nano-crystallites of P2-type Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/2Ti_1/6O₂ (NMTNO_nano) electrode via quick, energy-efficient, and low-cost microwave-irradiated synthesis is proposed. For the first time, employing a unified experimental and theoretical approach with fracture mechanics analysis, the mechanism behind the enhanced performance, better structural stability, and lower diffusion-induced stress of NMTNO_nano compared to micro-sized Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/2Ti_1/6O₂ is unveiled and the electrochemical shock map is predicted. The NMTNO_nano cathode provides 94.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.1 C with prolonged performance for 1000 cycles at 0.5 C. The practical viability of this cathode, tested in a full cell against a hard carbon anode delivered 85.48% capacity retention at 0.14 mA cm⁻² after 200 cycles. This work bridges the gap in correlating the microstructural and electrochemical properties through experimental, theoretical (DFT), and fracture mechanics analysis, thereby tailoring efficient cathode with lower diffusion-induced stress for high-energy Na-ion batteries.     

Comparison of the texture evolution in cold rolled DC and SC AA 5182 aluminum alloys

The hot bands of direct chill cast (DC) and strip cast (SC) AA 5182 aluminum alloys were annealed at 454 °C for 3 h, and then cold rolled to different reductions. The ODFs of the cold rolled samples were determined by X-ray diffraction in order to compare the texture evolution of DC and SC AA 5182 aluminum alloys during rolling. The texture volume fractions were computed by a new method, in which the Euler space representing all possible crystallographic orientations in rolling was subdivided into the cube, r-cube, Goss, r-Goss, β fiber, and random orientation regions based on the slip pattern combined with the characteristics of microstructure and texture. Empirical formulae of the texture volume fractions and true strain were constructed to predict the texture of cold rolled DC and SC AA 5182 aluminum alloys. The results show that the processing method (DC vs. SC) strongly affects the texture after annealing at 454 °C and the texture evolution during the subsequent rolling.     

车用DP600和DC54D涂胶与未涂胶电阻点焊研究

对异种钢不同板厚涂胶与未涂胶DP600双相钢和超低碳DC54D电阻点焊进行了研究。深入分析了不同焊接时间下焊接接头显微组织、显微硬度、拉剪性能及扫描断口。研究结果表明,随着焊接时间的延长,焊点直径增大。当焊接时间为2周波时,热影响区为"半月形",延长焊接时间,熔核形状由"蝶形"转变为"椭型"。由于DC54D对熔核区碳含量的稀释作用,熔核区显微硬度低于热影响区硬度。拉伸-剪切试验中,当焊接时间为13-19周波时,涂胶与未涂胶接头拉剪强度趋于稳定。未涂胶接头的最大拉剪强度为5.45kN,涂胶接头的最大拉剪强度为5.15kN。当焊接电流为9kA、电极压力为2.6kN、焊接时间为13-19周波时,涂胶的焊接接头能得到优异的力学性能,但是比未涂胶接头略差。未涂胶与涂胶接头断裂均发生在DC54D侧。     

Improved Analytical Model of a Permanent-Magnet Brushless DC Motor

In this paper, we develop a comprehensive model of a permanent-magnet brushless DC (BLDC) motor. An analytical model for determining instantaneous air-gap field density is developed. This instantaneous field distribution can be further used to determine the cogging torque, induced back electromotive force, and iron losses in the motor. The advantage of analytical models is that they can be readily used for optimization of BLDC motor because they are fast.      

Multi-shuttle automated storage/retrieval systems

Multi-shuttle automated storage/retrieval systems have been developed for use in factories and distribution centers because they are more efficient than single-shuttle systems (owing to less empty travel). This improved efficiency results in more agile support (flexible response, less waiting time, etc.) for the production system the storage/retrieval system serves. In this paper we develop analytical models to estimate the throughput in multi-shuttle systems. Throughput improvements greater than 100% are illustrated when triple-shuttle systems are compared with single-shuttle systems.     

Crack propagation in thick cylinders of 1/2 CrMoV steel during thermal shock

Cylinders of 1/2 CrMoV turbine casing steel of external diameter 92 mm and bore diameters of 53 and 19 mm were subjected to repeated thermal shock by internal quenching from 550° with water in order to determine growth characteristics for longitudinal and circumferential cracks. It was found that somewhere between 3000 and 10000 cycles cracks became dormant when about halfway through the wall thickness in as-cast material (ferrite +5% pearlite). This was due to a relatively high threshold for crack arrest (~12 MPa √m) together with the influence of multiple cracking. Coarse grained bainite, however, had a much lower threshold and behaved unstably, a single circumferential crack from a starter groove breaking through by ~ 1600 cycles. Tempering the bainite delayed complete penetration in the case of a single crack and caused crack arrest at ~3/4 of the wall thickness when multiple cracking occurred.

These results are interpreted in terms of the stress intensity profile developed at the peak temperature gradient and the effects of multiple cracking using previously published correction factors. In addition, cyclic crack growth history was examined using oxide dating, striation measurement and DC potential drop techniques. These measured growth histories were compared with those predicted by integrating a known crack growth law (from isothermal tests) along the stress intensity profile. Because crack depths were underestimated, the law requires modification, as ‘wet’ conditions prevail at the crack tip in the early stages.     

Multiscale design of a rectangular sandwich plate with viscoelastic core and supported at extents by viscoelastic materials

This work presents a multiscale model of viscoelastic constrained layer damping treatments for vibrating plates/beams. The approach integrates a finite element (FE) model of macroscale vibrations and a micromechanical model to include effects of microscale structure and properties. The FE model captures the shear deformation of the viscoelastic core, rotary inertial effects of all layers, and viscoelastic boundaries of the plate. Comparison with analytical and FE results validates the proposed FE model. A self-consistent (SC) model makes the micro to macro scale transition to approximate the effective behavior a heterogeneous core. Modal damping resulting from the presence of voids and negative stiffness regions in the core material is modeled. Results show that negative stiffness regions in the viscoelastic core material, even at low volume fractions, yield superior macroscopic damping behavior. The coupled SC and FE models provide a powerful multiscale predictive design tool for sandwich beams and plates.