Manifold Learning Using Linear Local Tangent Space Alignment (LLTSA) Algorithm for Noise Removal in Wavelet Filtered Vibration Signal

A denoising procedure is proposed to remove both out-band and in-band noise for extraction of weak bursts in signal obtained from defective bearing. Energy of continuous wavelet scalogram is computed and the band having higher energy is selected to remove the out-band noise. Signals of selected band are brought together to form a high-dimensional waveform feature space. Further, low dimensional waveform manifold is formed using linear local tangent space alignment (LLTSA) algorithm to remove in-band noise. A criterion, entitled as frequency factor is also proposed to determine the optimum neighbour size of LLTSA. The two complicated conditions are chosen to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique in the extraction of bursts in the noisy situations. A significant improvement in the signal to noise ratio is observed when in-band noise is removed using manifold learning by LLTSA algorithm. The experimental result reveals the success of the proposed denoising procedure in extraction of defect features, even in the case of noisy condition.     

Efficiency of surface modified Ti coated with copper nanoparticles to control marine bacterial adhesion under laboratory simulated conditions

Titanium (Ti) used as condenser material in nuclear power plants encounter severe biofouling in marine environment which in turn affects the efficiency of the metal. To reduce the biofouling by marine microorganisms, surface modification of the Ti was carried out by anodization process to obtain nanotubes (TiO₂-NTs). The electrolyte solution containing 1% of ammonium fluoride resulted in uniform growth of TiO₂-NTs. TiO₂-NTs were further coated with chemically synthesized copper nanoparticles (NT-CuNP) using 3-amino propyl triethoxy silane as a coupling agent. NT-CuNP was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The stability of the coating was determined by the amount of Cu⁺ ions released into the surrounding using AAS. The microbial adhesion on the surface of Ti, TiO₂-NTs and NT-CuNP coupons were evaluated by sea water exposure studies using total viable count method and also characterized by FE-SEM for any morphological changes. The NT-CuNP coupons show a 60% reduction in microbial adhesion when compared to control Ti coupons.     

A study on the damping capacity of BaTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-reinforced Al-matrix composites

To study the damping capacity of BaTiO₃/Al composites, Al composites reinforced with BaTiO₃ powder (average grain sizes: 100 and 1000 nm) were fabricated by the hot-pressing sintering method. The damping properties of pure Al and BaTiO₃/Al composites were investigated and compared based on the dynamic mechanical analysis over a wide range of temperatures (50–285^°C). Compared with pure Al matrix, 1000 nm BaTiO₃/Al composites with 5 and 10% mass fractions of BaTiO₃ exhibited better damping capacity. For 100 nm BaTiO₃/Al composite, its damping capacity is slightly higher than that of pure Al below 145^°C, while it becomes lower above this degree. The damping capacity enhancement of BaTiO₃/Al composites can be explained by the ferroelastic domain damping. Furthermore, 5 and 10% BaTiO₃/Al composites have higher bending strength and hardness than pure Al sample.     

Co-based soft magnetic bulk glassy alloys optimized for glass-forming ability and plasticity

Co-based bulk glassy alloys (BGAs) have become more and more important because of their nearly zero magnetostriction and high giant magneto-impedance effect. Here, we report the improvement of glass-forming ability (GFA), soft-magnetic properties and plasticity by a small addition of Mo atoms in CoFeBSiNbMo BGAs. (Co_0.6Fe_0.4)₆₉ B _20.8Si_5.2Nb_5?x Mo _x ferromagnetic BGA cylindrical glassy rods were fabricated successfully with a diameter of 5 mm by conventional copper mould casting method. It reveals that the substitution of a small amount of Mo for Nb makes the composition to approach a eutectic point and effectively enhances the GFA of alloy. In addition to high GFA and superhigh strength, the compressive test shows that the Mo addition can improve the plasticity for the obtained BGAs. The combination of high GFA, excellent soft-magnetic properties and good plasticity demonstrated in our alloys is promising for the future applications as functional materials.     

Synthesis of 1-D ZnO nanorods and polypyrrole/1-D ZnO nanocomposites for photocatalysis and gas sensor applications

1-D ZnO nanorods and PPy/1-D ZnO nanocomposites were prepared by the surfactant-assisted precipitation and in situ polymerization method, respectively. The synthesized nanorods and nanocomposites were characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), which gave the evidence of 1-D ZnO nanorods, polymerization of pyrrole monomer and strong interaction between PPy and 1-D ZnO nanorods, respectively. Photocatalytic activity of 1-D ZnO nanorods was conducted by 3³ level full-factorial design to evaluate the effect of three independent process variables viz., dye concentration (crystal violet), catalyst concentration (1-D ZnO nanorods) and the reaction time on the preferred response: photodegradation efficiency (%). The PPy/1-D ZnO nanocomposites were used for the sensing of NH₃, LPG, CO₂ and H₂S gases, respectively, at room temperature. It was observed that PPy/1-D ZnO nanocomposites with different 1-D ZnO nanorod weight ratios (15 and 25%) had better selectivity and sensitivity towards NH₃ at room temperature.     

Exploring damping characteristics of composite tower of cable-stayed bridges

The damping characterization is important in making accurate predictions of the seismic response of the hybrid structures dominated by different damping mechanisms. Different damping characteristics arise from the construction of the tower with different materials: steel for the upper part; reinforced concrete for the lower main part and interaction with supporting soil. The process of modeling damping matrices and experimental verification is challenging because damping cannot be determined via static tests as mass and stiffness can be. The assumption of classical damping is not appropriate if the system to be analyzed consists of two or more parts with significantly different levels of damping. The dynamic response of structures is critically determined by the damping mechanisms, and its value is very important for the design and analysis of vibrating structures. An analytical approach that is capable of evaluating the equivalent modal damping ratio from structural components is desirable for improving seismic design. Two approaches are considered to define and investigate dynamic characteristics of a composite tower of cable-stayed bridges: The first approach makes use of a simplified approximation of two lumped masses to investigate the structure irregularity effects including damping of different material, mass ratio, frequency ratio on dynamic characteristics and modal damping. The second approach employs a detailed numerical step-by-step integration procedure.     

Defining the e-learner’s security profile: Towards awareness improvement

The paper presents an improved e-learner model that supports monitoring of user behavior related to information security. The model is built upon standardized IMS specification, according to literature research and survey conducted among e-learners. It is positioned as key part of an extended LTSA architecture in which the learner data is used to improve learner security position by continuous delivery of important information and adapting security mechanisms. The implementation is considered in Moodle LMS.     

Damage Monitoring of Unidirectional C/SiC Ceramic-Matrix Composite under Cyclic Fatigue Loading using A Hysteresis Loss Energy-Based Damage Parameter at Room and Elevated Temperatures

The damage evolution of unidirectional C/SiC ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) under cyclic fatigue loading has been investigated using a hysteresis loss energy-based damage parameter at room and elevated temperatures. The experimental fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy versus cycle number have been analyzed. By comparing the experimental fatigue hysteresis loss energy with theoretical computational values, the interface shear stress corresponding to different cycle number and peak stress has been estimated. The experimental evolution of fatigue hysteresis loss energy and fatigue hysteresis loss energy-based damage parameter versus cycle number has been predicted for unidirectional C/SiC composite at room and elevated temperatures. The predicted results of interface shear stress degradation, stress–strain hysteresis loops corresponding to different number of applied cycles, fatigue hysteresis loss energy and fatigue hysteresis loss energy-based damage parameter as a functions of cycle number agreed with experimental data. It was found that the fatigue hysteresis energy-based parameter can be used to monitor the fatigue damage evolution and predict the fatigue life of fiber-reinforced CMCs.     

Numerical Modeling of Oxidized 2D C/SiC Composites in Air Environments Below 900 °C: Microstructure and Elastic Properties

A numerical model is presented for simulation of the oxidation-affected behaviors of two dimensional carbon fiber-reinforced silcon carbide matrix composite (2D C/SiC) exposed to air oxidizing environments below 900 °C, which incorporates the modeling of oxidized microstructure and computing of degraded elastic properties. This model is based upon the analysis of the representative volume cell (RVC) of the composite. The multi-scale model of 2D C/SiC composites is concerned in the present study. Analysis results of such a composite can provide a guideline for the real 2D C/SiC composite. The micro-structure during oxidation process is firstly modeled in the RVC. The elastic moduli of oxidized composite under non-stress oxidation environment is computed by finite element analysis. The elastic properties of 2D-C/SiC composites in air oxidizing environment are evaluated and validated in comparison to experimental data. The oxidation time, temperature and fiber volume fractions of C/SiC composite are investigated to show their influences upon the elastic properties of 2D C/SiC composites.     

Tensile Properties and Failure Mechanism of a New 3D Nonorthogonal Woven Composite Material

Tensile properties and failure mechanism of a newly developed three-dimensional (3D) woven composite material named 3D nonorthogonal woven composite are investigated in this paper. The microstructure of the composite is studied and the tensile properties are obtained by quasi-static tensile tests. The failure mechanism of specimen is discussed based on observation of the fracture surfaces via electron microscope. It is found that the specimens always split along the oblique yarns and produce typical v-shaped fracture surfaces. The representative volume cell (RVC) is established based on the microstructure. A finite element analysis is conducted with periodical boundary conditions. The finite element simulation results agree well with the experimental data. By analyzing deformation and stress distribution under different loading conditions, it is demonstrated that finite element model based on RVC is valid in predicting tensile properties of 3D nonorthogonal woven composites. Stress distribution shows that the oblique yarns and warp yarns oriented along the x direction carry primary load under x tension and that warp yarns bear primary load under y tension.