Coupling resolved and coarse-grain DEM models

The discrete element method (DEM) is a well-established approach to study granular flows in numerous fields of application; however, the DEM is a computationally demanding method. Thus, simulations of industrial scale systems are hardly feasible on today’s hardware. This situation is typically resolved by limiting the simulation domain or introducing a coarse-grain model. While the former approach does not provide information of the full system, the latter is especially problematic in systems, where geometric restrictions are in the range of particle size, so both are insufficient to adequately describe large-scale processes. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel technique that efficiently combines resolved and coarse-grain DEM models. The method is designed to capture the details of the granular system in spatially confined regions of interest while retaining the benefits of the coarse-grain model where a lower resolution is sufficient. To this end, our method establishes two-way coupling between resolved and coarse-grain parts by volumetric passing of boundary conditions.     

Poly(Sarcosine) Surface Modification Imparts Stealth‐Like Properties to Liposomes

Circulation lifetime is a crucial parameter for a successful therapy with nanoparticles. Reduction and alteration of opsonization profiles by surface modification of nanoparticles is the main strategy to achieve this objective. In clinical settings, PEGylation is the most relevant strategy to enhance blood circulation, yet it has drawbacks, including hypersensitivity reactions in some patients treated with PEGylated nanoparticles, which fuel the search for alternative strategies. In this work, lipopolysarcosine derivatives (BA‐pSar, bisalkyl polysarcosine) with precise chain lengths and low polydispersity indices are synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the bilayer of preformed liposomes via a post insertion technique. Successful incorporation of BA‐pSar can be realized in a clinically relevant liposomal formulation. Furthermore, BA‐pSar provides excellent surface charge shielding potential for charged liposomes and renders their surface neutral. Pharmacokinetic investigations in a zebrafish model show enhanced circulation properties and reduction in macrophage recognition, matching the behavior of PEGylated liposomes. Moreover, complement activation, which is a key factor in hypersensitivity reactions caused by PEGylated liposomes, can be reduced by modifying the surface of liposomes with an acetylated BA‐pSar derivative. Hence, this study presents an alternative surface modification strategy with similar benefits as the established PEGylation of nanoparticles, but with the potential of reducing its drawbacks.     

Tribological research on the development of White Etching Cracks (WECs)

The aim of the presented research activities was to identify mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors possibly linked to the formation of WECs (White Etching Cracks). By means of a systematic variation of various influencing parameters, the significance of each of those was investigated. It is hoped that, once the parameters promoting WECs have been identified, the physical and chemical mechanisms responsible for WEC can be thoroughly understood in the near future. This would allow to prevent costly premature bearing failures, e.?g. given in wind turbines.Four research centers in Kaiserslautern, Münster and Hannover (Institute of Machine Elements, Gears and Transmissions (MEGT), Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Materials Testing Group (AWP), Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Institute of Physics, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, and Institute for Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT), Leibniz University Hannover) provide their expertise and laboratory facilities for this purpose.At IMKT full bearing investigations with cylindrical roller thrust bearings and model tests with a special ring-roller-ring tribometer were performed under varied test conditions. In a theoretical work package, the stresses induced to the bearing surface were simulated.At “Physikalisches Institut” in Münster surfaces of the bearing washers (and rolling elements) were analysed applying Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to determine the actual respective chemical composition of the tribofilms.At MEGT component tests were carried out on a three-axis dynamic test rig with radially loaded cylindrical roller bearings. The internal bearing dynamics and, above all, the associated distribution of frictional energy were analysed by means of multi-body simulation.The AWP concentrated on synthesized multi-axial dynamic stresses aimed at mirroring the stresses in a rolling contact apllied on laboratory test specimens to investigate crack initiation and growth in depth.     

Redundant configuration of robotic assembly lines with stochastic failures

One of the main challenges in the operation of robotic assembly lines is the occurrence of failures. Due to the connection of the stations via a material handling system, failures at one station often result in throughput losses. To some extent, these throughput losses can be reduced by installing buffers between the stations. However, the installation of buffers requires considerable investments and scarce factory space. Due to the advances of manufacturing technologies that form the foundation of ‘Industry 4.0’, new solutions to reduce failure-related throughput losses open up. One solution is a redundant configuration, in which downstream (backup) stations automatically take over the operations of failed stations during repair time. The throughput loss in these situations depends on the allocation of operations and the assignment of backup stations. Existing approaches in the literature that consider redundancies in the configuration of automated lines neglect the resulting production rate. Instead, the lines’ level of redundancy is used as a surrogate measure for optimisation. We present a genetic algorithm for the redundant configuration of robotic assembly lines with stochastic failures to maximise the production rate of the line. In a numerical analysis, it is demonstrated that this approach allows for productivity improvements.     

Magnetic,optical, dielectric,and sintering properties of nano-crystalline BaFe<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> synthesized by a polymerization method

A one-pot polymerization method using citric acid and glucose for the synthesis of nano-crystalline BaFe_0.5Nb_0.5O₃ is described. Phase evolution and the development of the crystallite size during decomposition of the (Ba,Fe,Nb)-gel were examined up to 1100 °C. Calcination at 850 °C of the gel leads to a phase-pure nano-crystalline BaFe_0.5Nb_0.5O₃ powder with a crystallite size of 28 nm. The shrinkage of compacted powders starts at 900 °C. Dense ceramic bodies (relative density ≥ 90%) can be obtained either after conventional sintering above 1250 °C for 1 h or after two-step sintering at 1200 °C. Depending on the sintering regime, the ceramics have average grain sizes between 0.3 and 52 µm. The optical band gap of the nano-sized powder is 2.75(4) eV and decreases to 2.59(2) eV after sintering. Magnetic measurements of ceramics reveal a Néel temperature of about 23 K. A weak spontaneous magnetization might be due to the presence of a secondary phase not detectable by XRD. Dielectric measurements show that the permittivity values increase with decreasing frequency and rising temperature. The highest permittivity values of 10.6 × 10⁴ (RT, 1 kHz) were reached after sintering at 1350 °C for 1 h. Tan δ values of all samples show a maximum at 1–2 MHz at RT. The frequency dependence of the impedance can be well described using a single RC-circuit.     

A VNS-LP algorithm for the robust dynamic maximal covering location problem

This study introduces a robust variant of the well-known dynamic maximal covering location problem (DMCLP) and proposes an integer linear programming formulation of the robust DMCLP. A hybrid approach for solving both deterministic and robust variant of the DMCLP is developed, which is based on hybridization of a Variable neighborhood search and a linear programming technique. The main idea is to split the problem into subproblems and to combine optimal solutions of the obtained subproblems in order to construct solution of the initial problem. The results of the proposed hybrid approach on instances of the deterministic DMCLP are presented and compared with the results of the state-of-the-art approach from the literature and with the results of commercial CPLEX solver. The presented computational analysis shows that the proposed hybrid algorithm outperforms other approaches for the DMCLP. In addition, the algorithm was tested on the instances of the robust variant of DMCLP, and obtained results are discussed in detail.

     

Design Principles for Aqueous Interactive Materials: Lessons from Small Molecules and Stimuli-Responsive Systems

Interactive materials are at the forefront of current materials research with few examples in the literature. Researchers are inspired by nature to develop materials that can modulate and adapt their behavior in accordance with their surroundings. Stimuli-responsive systems have been developed over the past decades which, although often described as “smart,” lack the ability to act autonomously. Nevertheless, these systems attract attention on account of the resultant materials' ability to change their properties in a predicable manner. These materials find application in a plethora of areas including drug delivery, artificial muscles, etc. Stimuli-responsive materials are serving as the precursors for next-generation interactive materials. Interest in these systems has resulted in a library of well-developed chemical motifs; however, there is a fundamental gap between stimuli-responsive and interactive materials. In this perspective, current state-of-the-art stimuli-responsive materials are outlined with a specific emphasis on aqueous macroscopic interactive materials. Compartmentalization, critical for achieving interactivity, relies on hydrophobic, hydrophilic, supramolecular, and ionic interactions, which are commonly present in aqueous systems and enable complex self-assembly processes. Relevant examples of aqueous interactive materials that do exist are given, and design principles to realize the next generation of materials with embedded autonomous function are suggested.