Identification and optimization of key process parameters in noncontact laser scanning for reverse engineering

This Extended Technical Note shows that the final accuracy level of reverse engineered surfaces depends on scanning distance and scanning angle of the laser beam, hence it also depends on the morphology of the scanned objects. On scanning strongly curved objects, such as the ones with free form surfaces, the distance and impact angle of the laser beam are changing continuously during the scanning process. On the basis of these, two critical parameters are specified for the design model, which make it possible to predict these two factors in advance, depending on the morphology of the scanned object. First, a mathematical-statistical design model of the scanning process is generated, which relies on ANOVA (analysis of variance) and DOE (design of experiments). In the next step, a fitness function is optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA) program. This optimization improves the accuracy of the final scanned surfaces, in terms of the minimum standard deviation values of reverse engineered 3D surface model. The proposed approach was confirmed in a case study, which is presented at the end of this Technical Note.     

Intelligent Programming of CNC Turning Operations using Genetic Algorithm

CAD/CAM systems are nowadays tightly connected to ensure that CAD data can be used for optimal tool path determination and generation of CNC programs for machine tools. The aim of our research is the design of a computer-aided, intelligent and genetic algorithm(GA) based programming system for CNC cutting tools selection, tool sequences planning and optimisation of cutting conditions. The first step is geometrical feature recognition and classification. On the basis of recognised features the module for GA-based determination of technological data determine cutting tools, cutting parameters (according to work piece material and cutting tool material) and detailed tool sequence planning. Material, which will be removed, is split into several cuts, each consisting of a number of basic tool movements. In the next step, GA operations such as reproduction, crossover and mutation are applied. The process of GA-based optimisation runs in cycles in which new generations of individuals are created with increased average fitness of a population. During the evaluation of calculated results (generated NC programmes) several rules and constraints like rapid and cutting tool movement, collision, clamping and minimum machining time, which represent the fitness function, were taken into account. A case study was made for the turning operation of a rotational part. The results show that the GA-based programming has a higher efficiency. The total machining time was reduced by 16%. The demand for a high skilled worker on CAD/CAM systems and CNC machine tools was also reduced. Received: September 2004 / Accepted: September 2005     

Determining cracks in gears using adaptive wavelet transform approach

A new family of biorthogonal wavelets used to identify fault in gears is dealt with. The fault detection analyses and methods presented in this paper are based on signals created by a faultless gear and by a gear with a crack in the tooth root, caused through operating conditions. The new wavelets are a generalization of biorthogonal wavelet systems. In the analysis, smoothness is controlled independently and discrete finite variation is used to optimise the synthesis bank. The procedure measure dispenses with a measure of differentiability, requiring a large number of vanishing wavelet moments in favour of a smoothness measure that is based on the fact that, in most practical applications, only a finite depth of the filter bank tree is involved.     

可靠性和维修性——现代设计的关键因素（二）

2.3可靠性维修性的定量分析方法现代设计过程设计到多种学科,其目的是获得合理的市场价格、性能和功能性。目前绝大多数设备说明书中都包含有一个报告,其中定义了预期的系统效率或可用性,一般来说,系统的可用性可以这样计算:A=总的可用总时的间可-用实时际间停机时间=MTTMRT BM     

Influence of substrate treatment on the tribological properties of DLC coatings

Due to the very thin nature of DLC coatings, the substrate must carry the main part of the applied load. If the substrate has insufficient strength to carry the contact load and thus support the coating, plastic deformation will occur, leading to premature failure of the coating. The challenge to improve the properties of hard DLC coatings by thermo-chemical pre-treatment of the substrate has gained much attention in recent years, leading to a new method called duplex treatment. In the present study, a hydrogen-free hard carbon coating deposited on plasma nitrided AISI 4140 steel was investigated with respect to microhardness, residual stress, scratch adhesion and dry sliding wear resistance. The pin-on-disc results showed that nitriding of the substrate improves the wear resistance of the hydrogen-free hard carbon coating as compared to the hardened substrate. The improvement can be related to the increased load carrying capacity of the steel substrate and to improved coating to substrate adhesion.     

Neural-Network-Based Numerical Control for Milling Machine

We describe a device which uses a neural network to generate part-programs for milling, drilling and similar operations on machining centres, on the basis of 2D, 2.5D or 3D geometric models of prismatic parts, without operator intervention. The neural network consists of networks for prediction of milling strategy, for prediction of surface quality and for the optimisation of technological parameters in milling. We introduce the surface complexity index (SCI) for identifying surfaces which are very difficult to machine. The SCI takes the surface roughness and machining strategy into account. Teaching and testing of the NN is described. The device, which can be retrofitted to a CNC controller, can be trained from a set of typical parts and will then generate new NC part-programs. A case study of a tool used in the automotive supplier industry shows how a milling strategy is proposed, according to set constraints.     

Genetic programming approach to determining of metal materials properties

The paper deals with determining metal material properties by the use of genetic programming (GP). As an example, the determination of the flow stress in bulk forming is presented. The flow stress can be calculated on the basis of known forming efficiency. The experimental data obtained during pressure test serve as an environment to which models for forming efficiency have to be adapted during simulated evolution as much as possible. By performing four experiments, several different models for forming efficiency are genetically developed. The models are not a result of the human intelligence but of intelligent evolutionary process. With regard to their precision, the successful models are more or less equivalent; they differ mainly in size, shape, and complexity of solutions. The influence of selection of different initial model components (genes) on the probability of successful solution is studied in detail. In one especially successful run of the GP system the Siebel's expression was genetically developed. In addition, redundancy of the knowledge hidden in the experimental data was detected and eliminated without the influence of human intelligence. Researches showed excellent agreement between the experimental data, existing analytical solutions, and models obtained genetically.     

Untangling the Conformational Plasticity of V66M Human proBDNF Polymorphism as a Modifier of Psychiatric Disorder Susceptibility

The human genetic variant BDNF (V66M) represents the first example of neurotrophin family member that has been linked to psychiatric disorders. In order to elucidate structural differences that account for the effects in cognitive function, this hproBDNF polymorph was expressed, refolded, purified, and compared directly to the WT variant for the first time for differences in their 3D structures by DSF, limited proteolysis, FT-IR, and SAXS measurements in solution. Our complementary studies revealed a deep impact of V66M polymorphism on hproBDNF conformations in solution. Although the mean conformation in solution appears to be more compact in the V66M variant, overall, we demonstrated a large increase in flexibility in solution upon V66M mutation. Thus, considering that plasticity in IDR is crucial for protein function, the observed alterations may be related to the functional alterations in hproBDNF binding to its receptors p75NTR, sortilin, HAP1, and SorCS2. These effects can provoke altered intracellular neuronal trafficking and/or affect proBDNF physiological functions, leading to many brain-associated diseases and conditions such as cognitive impairment and anxiety. The structural alterations highlighted in the present study may pave the way to the development of drug discovery strategies to provide greater therapeutic responses and of novel pharmacologic strategy in human populations with this common polymorphism, ultimately guiding personalized medicine for neuropsychiatric disorders.     

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange in bovine serum albumin protein monitored by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, part I: structural studies

The structure of the amide I band of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was determined using an H/D exchange experiment. The difference between the dry and hydrated exchange spectrum revealed the fine structure of the amide I band. The band at 1717 +/- 2 cm(-1) is due to the vibration of the COOH moieties from the protein side chains. Band components at 1682 +/- 2 cm(-1), 1655 +/- 2 cm(-1), and 1637 +/- 2 cm(-1) are assigned to the vibrations of the backbone C=O. These three bands belong to vibrations of three different populations of amide groups differing in the number of established H-bonds. The connectivity between the frequencies of various amide vibrations was determined by two-dimensional generalized correlation spectroscopy and spectral decomposition. About 7% of the whole exchangeable hydrogen atom population (NH, NH2, and OH groups from backbone and side chains) remains unexchanged, and these hydrogen atoms belong mainly to the NH groups, which are H-bonded to specific C=O groups. Moreover, this study concerns the approximately 10% of hydrogen atoms belonging to a particular HN...O=C population with a characteristic amide A frequency at 3290 cm(-1) and an amide I band at 1655 +/- 2 cm(-1), usually attributed to the alpha-helical structure that remains unexchanged. At higher temperature the exchange is more efficient. Upon heating, a further 4% of these NH groups are deuterated. The comparison of the exchange spectrum at higher temperature with the structural changes of the protein at the same temperature implies that the change in overall dynamics of the protein improve the level of exchange.     

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange in bovine serum albumin protein monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, part II: kinetic studies

The set of infrared spectra recorded at different levels of hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange as a function of time were processed using spectral decomposition. The most precise information about H/D exchange of the NH groups of the protein backbone was retrieved by observing the intensity change of the nearest C=O stretching vibration. The H/D exchange at the protein backbone begins with NH groups bonded to C=O with a characteristic frequency of 1683 cm(-1). These amide groups were initially free and are the first to accept H-bonds from water during the hydration process. The NH groups, which are connected to C=O groups with a characteristic band at 1657 cm(-1), exchange at a slower rate. For both populations the pairs of comparable exchange rates were calculated with rate constants of 10(-3) min(-1), 0.014 min(-1), 0.0046 min(-1), and 0.09 min(-1). The appearance of two different exchange rates for each population is a consequence of the distinct exposure of particular molecular groups to the solvent. Two additional bands sensitive to exchange are attributed to NH bending modes in the side chains and are located at 1610 cm(-1) and 1585 cm(-1). These NH groups undergo H/D exchange at the beginning of the exchange with exchange rates of 0.019 min(-1) and 0.17 min(-1), respectively. The calculated exchange rate for hydrating water molecules is 0.037 min(-1). The distribution of water's exchange rate is extremely broad and covers almost the entire interval of the time-dependent experiment. From the efficiency of the exchange (96%) it is evident that some parts of the protein are completely forbidden to water molecules.