In-process prediction of the hardened layer in cylindrical traverse grind-hardening

Grind-hardening is an innovative manufacturing process that takes advantage of the high amount of heat generated in the contact zone to produce a martensitic phase transformation in the subsurface layer of the workpiece. However, for a successful industrial implementation of the process, the closed loop control of the hardening depth is essential. Firstly, in this paper, cylindrical traverse grinding tests and metallographic analysis are conducted, and a grinding parameter that enables the in-process control of the hardness penetration depth (HPD) is proposed. Secondly, a nondestructive method based on the Barkhausen noise technique is presented as a quality control procedure for the HPD estimation.     

Modeling triplet spike-timing-dependent plasticity using memristive devices

Triplet-based spike-timing-dependent plasticity (TSTDP) is an advanced synaptic plasticity rule that results in improved learning capability compared to the conventional pair-based STDP (PSTDP). The TSTDP rule can reproduce the results of many electrophysiological experiments, where the PSTDP fails. This paper proposes a novel memristive circuit that implements the TSTDP rule. The proposed circuit is designed using three voltage (flux)-driven memristors. Simulation results demonstrate that our memristive circuit induces synaptic weight changes that arise due to the timing differences among pairs and triplets of spikes. The presented memristive design is an initial step toward developing asynchronous TSTDP learning architectures using memristive devices. These architectures may facilitate the implementation of advanced large-scale neuromorphic systems with applications in real-world engineering tasks such as pattern classification.     

Effects of work experience on work methods during dynamic pushing and pulling

Pushing and pulling are potential risk factors for work-related low back disorders (WRLBDs). While several studies have evaluated differences in work methods related to work experience, such evidence for dynamic pushing and pulling is limited. Eight novices and eight experienced workers completed dynamic push/pull tasks using a cart weighted to 250% of individual body mass in two different configurations (preferred vs. elbow handle heights). Multiple measures [hand forces, torso kinematics and kinetics, and required coefficient of friction (RCOF)] were obtained to assess WRLBD and slip risks. Experienced workers generated higher medio-lateral hand forces, during both pulls and pushes, though with a more substantial difference during pushes (∼74%), and which involved the use of hand force components other than to move the cart in an anterior-posterior direction. Experienced workers also had lower peak torso kinematics in flexion/extension and lateral bending, and lower torso flexion/extension kinetics. The latter is suggestive of a lower risk for WRLBDs, though levels of exposures to WRLBD risk were low to moderate in both groups and were often relatively small and inconsistent across the task configurations. Group-level differences in RCOF were quite small, indicating a comparable slip risk between the two groups. Thus, it was considered inconclusive whether the work methods used by experienced workers during dynamic pushing and pulling are advantageous regarding WRLBD and slip risks.     

Effect of Particle Size on Direct Compaction of Urea Fertilizer

The effect of particle size on compaction properties and characteristics of urea tablets manufactured from available urea granules (TG tablets) and ground urea powders (TP tablets) was investigated. The compaction properties, namely, plastic work, elastic work, friction work, and maximum ejection pressure were analyzed from the force-displacement profile of the compaction process. Five applied pressures ranging between 37.67 MPa and 188.35 MPa were used to compact the materials using a universal testing machine. Characteristics of the tablets tested were mechanical strength and the release of ammonium ion through dissolution test. The results demonstrated that TG tablets underwent high plastic work and elastic work but low friction work compared to the TP tablets. TG tablets released lower amount of ammonium ion compared to the TP tablets at almost all applied pressures, except at 75.34 MPa. This study provides a valuable data for evaluating the behavior of urea in the form of granules and powders during the compaction process as well as the suitability in choosing the form of raw material for the production of urea tablets.     

Luminescence and laser action of coumarin dyes doped in silicate and aluminosilicate glasses prepared by the sol-gel technique

Coumarin dyes are encapsulated in silicate and aluminosilicate polymeric glasses synthesized by the sol-gel technique. The coumarin dyes retain their luminescent properties in all of the aged gels and in many of the dried gels (xerogels). The luminescence spectra of the new optical materials are reported. The luminescence of coumarin 4 provides a probe at the molecular level of the changes which occur during the gelation and drying. The spectral changes are studied and discussed in detail. Gels and xerogels doped with coumarin 460, 480, and 540A exhibit optical gain and laser action. The laser properties of these new solid-state dye laser materials are reported and discussed.