3D FE simulation for temperature evolution in the selective laser sintering process

A thermal model of selective laser sintering (SLS) has been developed. The model allows for the non-linear behavior of thermal conductivity and of specific heat due to temperature changes and phase transformations. The temperature evolution and the formation of the sintered part are simulated by a 3D finite element analysis based on continuous media theory. It is shown that the effect of sintering has a strong influence on thermal evolution through changing the thermal properties of the material. The results of the model were experimentally tested and confirmed by temperature measurements.     

Thermodynamic calculation of the O-Ti system

The O-Ti binary system has been assessed to produce Gibbs energy parameters for the condensed phases and were evaluated as representations of thermodynamic models. The liquid phase was described in terms of an association model with one associate, the bcc, A 2; cph, A 3 and fcc, A 1 phases were described as interstitial solid solutions, and the O₂Ti, O₃Ti₅, O₃Ti₂, and OTi oxides were considered to be stoichiometric compounds. The thermodynamic parameters were optimized taking into account experimental phase diagram and thermodynamic values from the literature. The phase diagram and the thermodynamic properties were calculated and compared with experimental data.     

The hydrogen evolution reaction on iron corroded in dilute and very dilute solutions of sulfuric acid

Permeation transients for hydrogen, generated by corrosion of iron in dilute solutions of sulfuric acid, were recorded with an improved electrochemical permeation apparatus.The mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reactions is coupled discharge hydrogen recombination for all methods of hydrogen generation, low current anodic polarization, cathodic polarization and corrosion.The experimental hydrogen transient was compared with that predicted theoretically.It is concluded that electrochemical hydrogen permeation is a sensitive tool for investigating processes on metal surfaces which are of engineering importance.     

The spray forming of nanostructured Aluminum Oxide

Research Summary Nanostructured ceramics and their composites possess improved properties such as tensile strength, fatigue strength, hardness, and wear resistance. Freestanding, near-net shape, nanostructured Al₂O₃ components can be synthesized via plasma-spray forming. In this study, plasma-spray parameters were optimized and an innovative substrate cooling technique was developed to retain nanosize Al₂O₃ in the spray deposit. Nanosize Al₂O₃ particles were partially melted and trapped between the fully melted coarser, micrometersize Al₂O₃grains. Densification of the spray-deposited Al₂O₃occurred via solidification and sintering. A similar processing approach can be adopted for fabrication of near-net shapes of a variety of nanostructured materials (metals, ceramics, and intermetallics) and their combinations by selecting suitable powder-treatment and plasmaspray parameters.     

Thermodynamic optimization of the AgCl-KCl and BaCl2-LiCl systems

The values of the thermodynamic properties of the liquid phase of the AgCl-KCl and BaCl₂-LiCl systems were optimized taking into account all the available experimental thermochemical and phase diagram information from the literature. Each liquid was described as a substitutional solution, and a Redlich-Kister formalism was used for the excess Gibbs energy.     

Giving too much social support: social overload on social networking sites

As the number of messages and social relationships embedded in social networking sites (SNS) increases, the amount of social information demanding a reaction from individuals increases as well. We observe that, as a consequence, SNS users feel they are giving too much social support to other SNS users. Drawing on social support theory (SST), we call this negative association with SNS usage ‘social overload’ and develop a latent variable to measure it. We then identify the theoretical antecedents and consequences of social overload and evaluate the social overload model empirically using interviews with 12 and a survey of 571 Facebook users. The results show that extent of usage, number of friends, subjective social support norms, and type of relationship (online-only vs offline friends) are factors that directly contribute to social overload while age has only an indirect effect. The psychological and behavioral consequences of social overload include feelings of SNS exhaustion by users, low levels of user satisfaction, and a high intention to reduce or even stop using SNS. The resulting theoretical implications for SST and SNS acceptance research are discussed and practical implications for organizations, SNS providers, and SNS users are drawn.     

Students Weigh In: Usability Test of Online Library Tutorials

Librarians can improve their online tutorials by borrowing usability testing techniques from the computer science field to improve the human-computer interface. This study involved a multimethod usability test of librarian-created tutorials to determine what students learned, how they felt on several affective questions, and what they suggested for improving the tutorials. Results of pre- and post-tests showed that student knowledge increased, and surveys and focus group findings lean to several suggestions for improving engagement and placing tutorials where they will be most effective. This case study demonstrates the value of user input to improve the effectiveness of online instruction for information literacy.     

Learning about the opponent in automated bilateral negotiation: a comprehensive survey of opponent modeling techniques

A negotiation between agents is typically an incomplete information game, where the agents initially do not know their opponent’s preferences or strategy. This poses a challenge, as efficient and effective negotiation requires the bidding agent to take the other’s wishes and future behavior into account when deciding on a proposal. Therefore, in order to reach better and earlier agreements, an agent can apply learning techniques to construct a model of the opponent. There is a mature body of research in negotiation that focuses on modeling the opponent, but there exists no recent survey of commonly used opponent modeling techniques. This work aims to advance and integrate knowledge of the field by providing a comprehensive survey of currently existing opponent models in a bilateral negotiation setting. We discuss all possible ways opponent modeling has been used to benefit agents so far, and we introduce a taxonomy of currently existing opponent models based on their underlying learning techniques. We also present techniques to measure the success of opponent models and provide guidelines for deciding on the appropriate performance measures for every opponent model type in our taxonomy.     

Developing a limb repositioning robotic interface for persons with severe physical disabilities

Limb repositioning is necessary for individuals with severe physical disabilities to sustain muscle strength and prevent pressure sores. As robotic technologies become ubiquitous, these tools offer promise to support the repositioning process. However, research has yet to focus on ways in which individuals with severe physical disabilities can control robots for these tasks. This paper presents a study that examines the needs and attitudes of potential users with physical disabilities to control a robotic aid for limb repositioning. Subjects expressed interest in using brain–computer interface (BCI) and speech recognition technologies for purposes of executing robotic tasks. The performance of four subjects controlling arm movements on an avatar through the keyboard, mouse, BCI, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition was evaluated. Although BCI and speech technologies may limit physical fatigue, more challenges were faced using BCI and speech conditions compared to the keyboard and mouse. This research promotes accessibility into mainstream robotic technologies and represents the first step in the development of a robotic prototype using a BCI and speech recognition technologies for limb repositioning.