Michael R. Jackson

Bio: Michael R. Jackson is an academic researcher from Loughborough University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Waviness & Machining. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 125 publications receiving 1473 citations. Previous affiliations of Michael R. Jackson include Universities UK & Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Vibration characteristics of MR cantilever sandwich beams: experimental study

Abstract: The concept of vibration controllability with smart fluids within flexible structures has been of significant interest in the past two decades. Although much research has been done on structures with embedded electrorheological (ER) fluids, there has been little investigation of magnetorheological (MR) fluid adaptive structures. In particular, a body of research on the experimental work of cantilever MR beams is still lacking. This experimental study investigates the controllability of vibration characteristics of magnetorheological cantilever sandwich beams. These adaptive structures are produced by embedding an MR fluid core between two elastic layers. The structural behaviour of the MR beams can be varied by applying an external magnetic field to activate the MR fluid. The stiffness and damping structural characteristics are controlled, demonstrating vibration suppression capabilities of MR fluids as structural elements. MR beams were fabricated with two different materials for comparison purposes. Diverse excitation methods were considered as well as a range of magnetic field intensities and configurations. Moreover, the cantilever MR beams were tested in horizontal and vertical configurations. The effects of partial and full activation of the MR beams were outlined based on the results obtained. The controllability of the beam's vibration response was observed in the form of variations in vibration amplitudes and shifts in magnitudes of the resonant natural frequency.

Automatic operations on materials

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for guiding an operation effector to effect an operation along a path on a patterned material using machine vision, characterized in that machine vision is used to make a map of a repeat of the pattern, a path is defined on the map, the material and operation effector are moved relatively along the direction of pattern repeat, the machine vision scans the material during the relative movement and a scanning image compared with the map to determine the relative positions of the material and the operation effector, and the operation effector is guided to effect the operation at a position on the material corresponding to the path defined on the map.

Optimization and experimental verification of coplanar interdigital electroadhesives

Abstract: A simplified and novel theoretical model for coplanar interdigital electroadhesives has been presented in this paper. The model has been verified based on a mechatronic and reconfigurable testing platform, and a repeatable testing procedure. The theoretical results have shown that, for interdigital electroadhesive pads to achieve the maximum electroadhesive forces on non-conductive substrates, there is an optimum electrode width/space between electrodes (width/space) ratio, approximately 1.8. On conductive substrates, however, the width/space ratio should be as large as possible. The 2D electrostatic simulation results have shown that, the optimum ratio is significantly affected by the existence of the air gap and substrate thickness variation. A novel analysis of the force between the electroadhesive pad and the substrate has highlighted the inappropriateness to derive the normal forces by the division of the measured shear forces and the friction coefficients. In addition, the electroadhesive forces obtained in a 5 d period in an ambient environment have highlighted the importance of controlling the environment when testing the pads to validate the models. Based on the confident experimental platform and procedure, the results obtained have validated the theoretical results. The results are useful insights for the investigation into environmentally stable and optimized electroadhesives.

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Methods of Mathematical Physics. By Harold Jeffreys and Bertha Swirles Jeffreys. Pp. viii, 679. 63s. 1946. (Cambridge University Press)

Abstract: 1. The real variable 2. Scalars and vectors 3. Tensors 4. Matrices 5. Multiple integrals 6. Potential theory 7. Operational methods 8. Physical applications of the operational method 9. Numerical methods 10. Calculus of variations 11. Functions of a complex variable 12. Contour integration and Bromwich's integral 13. Contour integration 14. Fourier's theorem 15. The factorial and related functions 16. Solution of linear differential equations of the second order 17. Asymptotic expansions 18. The equations of potential, waves and heat conduction 19. Waves in one dimension and waves with spherical symmetry 20. Conduction of heat in one and three dimensions 21. Bessel functions 22. Applications of Bessel functions 23. The confluent hypergeometric function 24. Legendre functions and associated functions 25. Elliptic functions Notes Appendix on notation Index.

Laser beam machining—A review

Abstract: Laser beam machining (LBM) is one of the most widely used thermal energy based non-contact type advance machining process which can be applied for almost whole range of materials. Laser beam is focussed for melting and vaporizing the unwanted material from the parent material. It is suitable for geometrically complex profile cutting and making miniature holes in sheetmetal. Among various type of lasers used for machining in industries, CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers are most established. In recent years, researchers have explored a number of ways to improve the LBM process performance by analysing the different factors that affect the quality characteristics. The experimental and theoretical studies show that process performance can be improved considerably by proper selection of laser parameters, material parameters and operating parameters. This paper reviews the research work carried out so far in the area of LBM of different materials and shapes. It reports about the experimental and theoretical studies of LBM to improve the process performance. Several modelling and optimization techniques for the determination of optimum laser beam cutting condition have been critically examined. The last part of this paper discusses the LBM developments and outlines the trend for future research.