Fabrication of Titanium Aluminides via Powder-Cored Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing: Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization

Herein, an innovative powder-cored wire arc additive manufacturing (PC-WAAM) process is proposed to fabricate γ-TiAl thin-walled intermetallic alloy. The metallography, phase composition, and mechanical properties at different thin-wall locations are characterized. The results show that the alternatively distributed layer-like microstructure composed of α₂ (Ti₃Al) and γ (TiAl) phases is obtained along the building direction. The content of α₂ phase exhibits the tendency of decreasing from the bottom to top region. This unique microstructure characteristic is closely related to the typical thermal cycling history during deposition. Moreover, the tensile strength and microhardness of the top region are lower than the middle and bottom region. In general, the current PC-WAAM technique shows promising capability of fabricating γ-TiAl intermetallic alloy with low cost. This work becomes a valuable reference for understanding the evolution mechanism of microstructure and paves the way for the flexible and customized additive manufacturing of γ-TiAl alloy.     

Computational Parametric Analysis of Cellular Solids with the Miura-Ori Metamaterial Geometry under Quasistatic Compressive Loads

Origami-based metamaterials have widespread application prospects in various industries including aerospace, automotive, flexible electronics, and civil engineering structures. Among the wide range of origami patterns, the fourfold tessellation known as Miura-ori is of particular attraction to engineers and designers. More specifically, researchers have proposed different 3D structures and metamaterials based on the geometric characteristics of this classic origami pattern. Herein, a computational modeling approach for the design and evaluation of 3D cellular solids with the Miura-ori metamaterial geometry which can be of zero or nonzero thicknesses is presented. To this end, first, a range of design alternatives generated based on a numerical parametric model is designed. Next, their mechanical properties and failure behavior under quasistatic axial compressive loads along three perpendicular directions are analyzed. Then, the effects of various geometric parameters on their energy absorption behavior under compression in the most appropriate direction are investigated. The findings of this study provide a basis for future experimental investigations and the potential application of such cellular solids for energy-absorbing purposes.     

Characterization and evaluating the mechanical performance of halloysite nanotubes reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate composites exposed to aggressive environmental conditions

Developing light weight polymer based composites dispersed with novel reinforcements which can function well in the presence of aggressive environments is an active research field in the materials engineering. Hence, in the current work, halloysite nanotubes (1 %, 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 % and 10 % by weight) were reinforced into acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate blend and the role of reinforcing phases on the mechanical performance under aggressive environmental conditions has been evaluated. Hardness was measured as gradually increased in the composites with the increased content of the reinforcements. Impact strength of the composites was observed as increased in the composites up to 4 % reinforcement and further decreased. Increased strength was measured for the composite up to 2 % reinforcement. Ductility of the composites was decreased as reflected form the decreased % of elongation with the higher fraction of reinforcements due to induced brittleness. The composites were exposed to diluted sulfuric acid for 3 h and 6 h at 60 °C and then subjected to tensile loading. With the increased time of exposure, composites with 1 % and 2 % reinforcement exhibited relatively better performance.     

0.618法最优确定盘状摆动凸轮机构的最小基圆半径

在满足机构许用压力角条件下,采用０．６１８法最优确定盘状摆动凸轮机械的最小基圆半径。     

High-accuracy quadrature methods for solving boundary integral equations of steady-state anisotropic heat conduction problems with Dirichlet conditions

This paper presents the mechanical quadrature methods (MQMs) for solving the boundary integral equations of steady-state anisotropic heat conduction equation on the smooth domains and polygons, respectively. The costless and high-accurate Sidi–Israeli quadrature formula are applied to deal with the integrals in which the kernels have a logarithmic singularity. Especially, the Sidi transformation is used for the polygon cases in order to obtain a rapid convergence by degrading the singularity at the corners on the boundary. The convergence and stability of the MQMs solution are proved based on Anselone's collective compact theory. In addition, asymptotic error expansion of the MQMs shows that the approximation order is of O(h³), where h is the partition size of the boundary. Finally, numerical examples are tested and results verify the theoretical analysis.     

Denotation and connotation in the human – computer interface: The ‘Save as …’ command

This paper presents a semiotic technique as a means of exploring meaning and understanding in interface design and use. This is examined through a study of the interaction between the ‘file’ metaphor and ‘save as’ command metaphor. The behaviour of these (from a functional or computational basis) do not exactly match, or map onto, the meaning of the metaphor. We examine both the denotation of a term to the user, i.e. its literal meaning to that person, and the term's connotations, i.e. any other meanings associated with the term. We suggest that the technique applied is useful in predicting future problems with understanding the use of metaphor at the interface and with designing appropriate signification for human-computer interaction. Variation in connotation was expected but a more fundamental difference in denotation was also uncovered. Moreover, the results clearly demonstrate that consistency in the denotation of a term is critical in achieving a good user understanding of the command.     

The retention of skills acquired through simulator-based training

This study examined the loss of skills across a nine month retention period following a simulator-based training programme developed to enhance the watchstanding skills of merchant marine cadets. The mitigation of decay as a function of a retraining experience was also evaluated. Two groups of merchant marine cadets were tested immediately preceding and following the programme and again nine months later. One group was given a refresher experience and tested six months into the retention interval. The evaluations were unobtrusive ratings of six watchstanding skill areas based upon performance during a 30-min simulated watchkeeping scenario. Generally, the results indicated that: (1) watchstanding skills improved following training; (2) skills declined over the nine month retention interval; and (3) refresher training was effective in terms of skill loss mitigation for some skill areas.     

The influence of oleic acid on the hydration and mechanical properties of portland cement

To investigate the effects of OA on the portland cement using oleic acid （OA） as grinding aid and the effects of OA on the portland cement, we characterized the different perfermances of the cement, discussed the characteristics of properties. The results reveal that the OA can reduce the water requirement of normal consistency. With the content of OA added, setting time was extended. The OA can significantly improve the rheological properties of cement-based materials, while the compressive strength decreases.     

SHS结合热压制备TiC-Al2O3/Fe-Al复合材料

以天然钛铁矿、铝粉和石墨为主要原料,采用自蔓延高温合成技术、铝热还原法并结合热压烧结技术,制备出TiC—Al2O3／Fe—Al复合材料．研究表明：预热时间少于120s时,预热时间越长,反应燃烧波速度越大,当预热时间继续增大,对反应燃烧波速度的影响不再显著;加入添加剂Y2O3为0．2％时,金属相较均匀地弥散分布在陶瓷颗粒周围．晶粒尺寸约为2～3μm,复合材料的相对密度达到94％,抗弯强度和硬度分别为599．29MPa、83．7HRA．