Showing papers in "Journal of The Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering in 2012"

Reliability-based design optimization strategies based on FORM: a review

Abstract: In deterministic optimization, the uncertainties of the structural system (i.e. dimension, model, material, loads, etc) are not explicitly taken into account. Hence, resulting optimal solutions may lead to reduced reliability levels. The objective of reliability based design optimization (RBDO) is to optimize structures guaranteeing that a minimum level of reliability, chosen a priori by the designer, is maintained. Since reliability analysis using the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) is an optimization procedure itself, RBDO (in its classical version) is a double-loop strategy: the reliability analysis (inner loop) and the structural optimization (outer loop). The coupling of these two loops leads to very high computational costs. To reduce the computational burden of RBDO based on FORM, several authors propose decoupling the structural optimization and the reliability analysis. These procedures may be divided in two groups: (i) serial single loop methods and (ii) unilevel methods. The basic idea of serial single loop methods is to decouple the two loops and solve them sequentially, until some convergence criterion is achieved. On the other hand, uni-level methods employ different strategies to obtain a single loop of optimization to solve the RBDO problem. This paper presents a review of such RBDO strategies. A comparison of the performance (computational cost) of the main strategies is presented for several variants of two benchmark problems from the literature and for a structure modeled using the finite element method.

Optimization of diesel engine parameters using Taguchi method and design of evolution

Abstract: The objective of this work is to optimize the control parameters of the direct injection (DI) single cylinder diesel engine with respect to NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) and fuel emissions through experimental investigations and Taguchi method. A single cylinder 5.2 kW diesel engine was selected for this experiment. Five parameters such as clearance volume, valve opening pressure, nozzle-hole diameter, static injection timing and load torque were varied at four levels and the responses such as NOx emissions and fuel economy were recorded. The optimum values of the response variables could be predicted using S/N ratio and optimum combination of control parameters were specified. Results of confirmation tests showed good agreement with predicted results. Thus the relationship between the diesel engine operating parameters with NOx and b.s.f.c (brake specific fuel consumption) could be understood using Taguchi method of experimental design.

Study of water entry of circular cylinder by using analytical and numerical solutions

Abstract: Water impact phenomenon in the case of a circular cylinder is an important issue in offshore industry where cross members may be in the splash zone of the incident wave. An analytical method as well as a numerical solution are employed to study the water entry problem of a circular section. The procedure for derivation of the analytical formulas is demonstrated step by step. The volume of fluid (VOF) simulation of the water entry problem is also performed to offer comparison of the results of the linearized analytical solution with a fully nonlinear and viscous fluid flow solution. To achieve this, the FLOW-3D code is utilized. Some consideration has also been given to the points of intersection of the free surface and the body, where the singularities exist in the free surface deformation and velocities, as predicted by the linear theory. These singularities appear to be avoided in the real fluid by the formation of jets which quickly break up into sprays under the action of surface tension. Slamming force, free surface profile, impact force, pressure distribution and evolution of intersection points are also presented and comparisons of the obtained results against the results of previous studies illustrate favorable agreements.

In-flight collision avoidance controller based only on OS4 embedded sensors

Abstract: The major goal of this research was the development and implementation of a control system able to avoid collisions during the flight for a mini-quadrotor helicopter, based only on its embedded sensors without changing the environment. However, it is important to highlight that the design aspects must be seriously considered in order to overcome hardware limitations and achieve control simplification. The controllers of a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) robot deal with highly unstable dynamics and strong axes coupling. Furthermore, any additional embedded sensor increases the robot total weight and therefore, decreases its operating time. The best balance between embedded electronics and robot operating time is desired. This paper focuses not only on the development and implementation of a collision avoidance controller for a mini-robotic helicopter using only its embedded sensors, but also on the mathematical model that was essential for the controller developing phases. Based on this model we carried out the development of a simulation tool based on MatLab/Simulink that was fundamental for setting the controllers' parameters. This tool allowed us to simulate and improve the OS4 controllers in different modeled environments and test different approaches. After that, the controllers were embedded in the real robot and the results proved to be very robust and feasible. In addition to this, the controller has the advantage of being compatible with future path planners that we are developing.

Stochastic modeling of flexible rotors

Abstract: Flexible rotors are characterized by inherent uncertainties affecting the parameters that influence the dynamic responses of the system. In this context, the handling of variability in rotor dynamics is a natural and necessary extension of the modeling capability of the existing techniques of deterministic analysis. Among the various methods used to model uncertainties, the stochastic finite element method has received major attention, as it is well adapted for applications involving complex engineering systems of industrial interest. In the present contribution, the stochastic finite element method applied to a flexible rotor system, with random parameters modeled as random fields is presented. The uncertainties are modeled as homogeneous Gaussian stochastic fields and are discretized according to the spectral method by using Karhunen-Loeve expansions. The modeling procedure is confined to the frequency and time domain analyses, in which the envelopes of frequency response functions, the Campbell's diagram and the orbits of the stochastic flexible rotor system are generated. Also, Monte Carlo simulation method combined with the Latin Hypercube sampling is used as stochastic solver. After the presentation of the underlying theoretical formulations, numerical applications of moderate complexity are presented and discussed aiming at demonstrating the main features of the stochastic modeling procedure of flexible rotor systems.

Vibration energy harvesting using piezoelectric transducer and non-controlled rectifiers circuits

Abstract: Vibration energy harvesting with piezoelectric materials is of practical interest because of the demand for wireless sensing devices and low-power portable electronics without external power supply. For practical use of vibration energy harvester with piezoelectric materials, it is necessary to process the alternating current (AC) by using different rectifiers' circuits in order to charge batteries with direct current (DC) or to feed electronic devices. Unfortunately, most of the models used focused on simplifying the energy harvesting circuit into a simple resistive load. In the real-world applications, the energy harvesting external circuit is more complex than a simple load resistance. In this sense, the goal of the present paper is to describe a comprehensive strategy for power harvesting device to estimate the output power provided by a cantilever beam with the electrodes of the piezoceramic layers connected to a standard rectifier circuit. The true electrical components were considered in the full-wave rectifier circuit with four diodes in bridge. A very simple and comprehensive description for choosing the capacitance and resistance loads is provided. In order to illustrate the results, numerical simulations and experimental verifications are also performed to ensure the accuracy. All tests and results are described and detailed using Matlab, the SimPowerSystem toolbox of the Simulink and an experimental setup.

The influence of contact stress distribution and specific film thickness on the wear of spur gears during pitting tests

Abstract: One of the main gear damage mechanisms is the formation of pitting and spalling on the tooth flank. Several factors have significant influence on the damage formation, such as: contact stress level; tooth profile type; relative contact speed; surface finish and lubrication conditions. This work comprehends the global observation of all such parameters and was carried out to explain the phenomena related to this wear mechanism. The wear test equipment uses the power recirculation principle and is commonly known as FZG test rig. The gears were made from AISI 8620 steel and had two types of surface finishing (by shaving or by milling). The wear experiments were performed with two torque stages: 135 N.m (running-in) and 302 N.m (steady-state), and two test temperatures: 60oC (running-in) and 90oC (steady-state). The wear level was determined by using image analysis. In order to calculate the specific film thickness and friction coefficient, the roughness of tooth flank was measured at each test stop. After the experiments were completed, it was possible to confirm that, for both manufacturing processes, the boundary lubrication regime was adopted at the tooth flank and the specific film thickness presents a different behavior when compared to addendum, pitch diameter and deddendum regions. The wear on the gear flanks depended on the lubricant film thickness and it was higher for the milled gears.

Numerical experimental comparison of dam break flows with non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract: The dam-break flow involving non-Newtonian fluids is a type of flow commonly observed in nature as well as in common industrial processes. Experiments of non-Newtonian dam-break flows were conducted in horizontal channels and aqueous solutions of Carbopol 940 were used, which were modeled by the Herschel-Bulkley constitutive equation. Their flows were filmed and the frames were compared with numerical simulations. Two particular results were analyzed: the front wave evolution with time and its stop distance. The CFX software was employed and the simulations were conducted with the VOF method. Both results, numerical and experimental, were compared with shallow water approximation solutions found in literature. The numerical code, which uses complete momentum equations, showed better agreement with the experiments than those using shallow water equations. It seems that the hypotheses used by the shallow water approximated equations are not appropriate for the first instants of the flow, just after the dam-break and errors are introduced. Probably, these errors are propagated producing the differences encountered.

Effective properties evaluation for smart composite materials

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to present a method which consists in the development of unit cell numerical models for smart composite materials with piezoelectric fibers made of PZT embedded in a non-piezoelectric matrix (epoxy resin). This method evaluates a globally homogeneous medium equivalent to the original composite, using a representative volume element (RVE). The suitable boundary conditions allow the simulation of all modes of the overall deformation arising from any arbitrary combination of mechanical and electrical loading. In the first instance, the unit cell is applied to predict the effective material coefficients of the transversely isotropic piezoelectric composite with circular cross section fibers. The numerical results are compared to other methods reported in the literature and also to results previously published, in order to evaluate the method proposal. In the second step, the method is applied to calculate the equivalent properties for smart composite materials with square cross section fibers. Results of comparison between different combinations of circular and square fiber geometries, observing the influence of the boundary conditions and arrangements are presented.

Bending investigation on carbon fiber/epoxy composites nano-modified by graphene

Abstract: An extreme conditions situation, e.g. pre-salt deep sea exploration, requires new materials with even better performance. Nanotechnology is the new paradigm that can lead to the development of these new super materials. The effect of graphene pileups dispersion into carbon fiber/epoxy composites was investigated experimentally. The dispersion process was based on sonication and high shear mixing. XRD and SEM indicate that although the dispersion process can lead to exfoliated nanostructures, there is a saturation limit for the epoxy system, around 0.5 wt. %. The addition of graphene to carbon/epoxy composites seems to have no influence into stiffness, as the slopes of the stress-strain curves were near constant for all specimen tested. The bending strength, however, was heavily influenced by formation of graphene pileups into epoxy matrix and its dispersion around the carbon fibers. The increase on bending strength from 623.01±70.16 MPa (control samples) to 1259.92±61.73 MPa for 0.5 wt. % graphene addition represents an average improvement of 102%. This can be attributed to changes on failure mechanism, moving from intra-laminar failure to a mix failure mode where inter- and intra-laminar failure are combined in a zigzag pattern. A possible explanation for such behavior is the formation of strong bonds at the fiber/matrix surroundings due to nanostructures formation.

Effect of parametric uncertainties on the performance of a piezoelectric energy harvesting device

Abstract: The use of piezoelectric materials for the development of electromechanical devices forthe harvesting or scavenging of ambient vibrations has been extensively studied overthe last decade. The energy conversion from mechanical (vibratory) to electrical energyis provided by the electromechanical coupling between mechanical strains/stresses andelectric charges/voltages in the piezoelectric material. The majority of the studies found inthe open literature present a tip-mass cantilever piezoelectric device tuned on the operatingfrequency. Although recent results show that these devices can be quite effective forharvesting small amounts of electrical energy, little has been published on the robustnessof these devices or on the effect of parametric uncertainties on the energy harvested.This work focuses on a cantilever plate with bonded piezoelectric patches and a tip-massserving as an energy harvesting device. The rectifier and storage electric circuit wasreplaced by a resistive circuit (R). In addition, an alternative to improve the harvestingperformance by adding an inductance in series to the harvesting circuit, thus leading to aresonant circuit (RL), is considered. A coupled finite element model leading to mechanical(displacements) and electrical (charges at electrodes) degrees of freedom is considered.An analysis of the effect of parametric uncertainties of the device on the electric outputis performed. Piezoelectric and dielectric constants of the piezoelectric active layers andelectric circuit equivalent inductance are considered as stochastic parameters. Mean andconfidence intervals of the electric output are evaluated.Keywords: energy harvesting, energy scavenging, uncertainties, piezoelectric materials,resonant shunt circuits

Three-dimensional numerical modeling of RTM and LRTM processes

Abstract: Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a manufacturing process in which a liquid resin is injected into a closed mold pre-loaded with a porous fibrous preform, producing complex composite parts with good surface finishing. Resin flow is a critical step in the process. In this work, the numerical study of the resin flow in RTM applications was performed employing a general Computational Fluid Dynamics software which does not have a specific RTM module, making it necessary to use the Volume of Fluid method for the filling problem solution. Examples were presented and compared with analytical, experimental and numerical results showing the validity and effectiveness of the present study, with maximum difference among these solutions of around 8%. Besides, based on the computational model for the RTM process, a new computational methodology was developed to simulate Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM). In this process, resin is injected into the mold through an empty injection channel (without porous medium) which runs all around the perimeter of the mold. The ability of FLUENT® package to simulate geometries which combine porous media regions with open (empty) regions was used. Two specific cases were simulated, showing the differences in time and behavior between RTM and LRTM processes.

Approximate expressions for the reflection coefficient of ducts terminated by circular flanges

Abstract: Estimating the magnitude of the pressure reflection coefficient |R| and the end correction l at the open end of ducts is a critical procedure when designing or predicting the acoustic behavior of acoustical systems, such as exhausts, tailpipes, mufflers, loudspeaker enclosures and so on. For cylindrical ducts and plane waves, exact intricate solutions exist for two distinct open-end boundary conditions, namely for a thin-walled unflanged pipe and for a pipe terminated by an infinite flange. This work provides simple approximate expressions for |R| and l of cylindrical pipes terminated by circular flanges with finite radii. The expressions are obtained from a polynomial fit performed over the numerical results provided by a Boundary Element model, and is valid for Helmholtz numbers in the range 0 < ka < 3.0, as well as for 0 < a/b < 1, where a and b are the pipe and flange radii, respectively. When compared with the exact solutions for both the unflanged and the infinite-flanged pipe, the approximate formulae provide a maximum error of ~2% at the upper frequency limit (ka →3.0).

Application of H∞ theory to a 6 DOF flight simulator motion base

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to apply inverse dynamics control for a six degree of freedom flight simulator motion system. Imperfect compensation of the inverse dynamic control is intentionally introduced in order to simplify the implementation of this approach. The control strategy is applied in the outer loop of the inverse dynamic control to counteract the effects of imperfect compensation. The control strategy is designed using H∞ theory. Forward and inverse kinematics and full dynamic model of a six degrees of freedom motion base driven by electromechanical actuators are briefly presented. Describing function, acceleration step response and some maneuvers computed from the washout filter were used to evaluate the performance of the controllers.

Modelling and optimization of the surface roughness in the dry turning of the cold rolled alloyed steel using regression analysis

Abstract: Surface quality of the machined parts is one of the most important product quality indicators and one of the most frequent customer requirements. The average surface roughness (Ra) represents a measure of the surface quality, and it is mostly influenced by the following cutting parameters: the cutting speed, the feed rate, and the depth of cut. Quantifying the relationship between surface roughness and cutting parameters is a very important task. In this study regression analysis was used for modelling and optimization of the surface roughness in dry single-point turning of the alloyed steel, using coated tungsten carbide inserts. The experiment has been designed and carried out on the basis of a three-level full factorial design. The linear, the quadratic and the power (non-linear) mathematical models were selected for the analysis. Obtained results are in good accordance with the experimentally obtained data, confirming the effectiveness of regression analysis in modelling and optimization of surface roughness in the turning process. The general conclusion is that the surface roughness has a clear downward trend with the cutting speed increase and decrease in the feed rate and the depth of cut.

Statistical analysis of acoustic emission signals generated during turning of a metal matrix composite

Abstract: Acoustic emission technique (AET) has been used to monitor the progress of tool wear during turning of silicon carbide (20 wt.%) dispersed Al alloy metal matrix composite. Acoustic emission (AE) signals generated beyond a specific cutting distance increase abruptly. Statistical analysis based on assumed β distribution of AE energy showed that skewness and kurtosis vary with cutting time. Comparison of these results with bparameter of amplitude distribution of AE hits presented in an earlier investigation has shown that while b-parameter is useful for monitoring tool wear up to 0.4 mm, skewness and kurtosis can better monitor the wear beyond that. Uncertainty measurement of AE energy for different cutting distances was determined as per ISO GUM. The combined uncertainty for the measurement of AE energy lies in the range of 0.38 to 1.69, with higher values for the cutting distance between 213.8 mm and 454.5 mm. Different parameters such as skewness and kurtosis of the statistical distribution, b-parameter of amplitude distribution and uncertainties can be used in a complimentary manner for comprehensive evaluation of tool wear.

Modeling and optimization of cylindrical grinding of Al/SiC composites using genetic algorithms

Abstract: The Al/SiC composites have received more commercial attention than other kinds of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) due to their high performance. However, a continuing problem with MMCs is that they are difficult to machine, due to the hardness and abrasive nature of the SiC particles. Grinding is often the method of choice for machining Al/SiC composites to acquire high dimensional accuracy and surface finish in large scale production. Based on the full factorial design (34), a total of 81 experiments, each having a combination of different levels of variables, are carried out to study the effect of grinding parameters such as wheel velocity, work piece velocity, feed and depth of cut on the responses such as tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature. Modeling and optimization place a vital role in controlling any process for improved product quality, high productivity and low cost. In the present work, experimental results are used to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which explains the significance of the parameters on the responses. Based on the results of ANOVA, a mathematical model is formulated using multiple regression method. A genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization procedure has been developed to optimize the grinding parameters for maximum material removal by imposing constraints on roughness. This methodology would be useful for identifying the optimum grinding parameters in order to achieve the required material removal rate (MRR).

Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for Model Reduction of a Vibroimpact System

Abstract: The application that inspires this work is the percussion drilling. This problem has impacts and presents uncertainties. In this first analysis the focus is on the construction of an efficient reduced-order model to deal with the nonlinear dynamics due to the impacts. It is important to have an efficient reduced-order model to perform the stochastic analysis. The simplified full model is constructed using the finite element method, and three different bases are used to construct the reduced-order models: LIN-basis (composed by the normal modes of the associated linear problems), PODdir-basis (obtained through proper orthogonal decomposition -direct method) and PODsnap-basis (obtained through proper orthogonal decomposition -snapshot method). The shapes of the elements of LIN-basis, PODdir-basis, and PODsnap-basis are compared. One important conclusion is that the information necessary to represent the details of a vibroimpact dynamics, measured by the proper orthogonal values, is more than the usual 99% recommended.

Parametric analysis of effective material properties of thickness-shear piezoelectric macro-fibre composites

Abstract: A previous study on the characterization of effective material properties of a d15 thickness-shear piezoelectric Macro-Fibre Composite (MFC) made of seven layers (Kapton, Acrylic, Electrode, Piezoceramic Fibre and Epoxy Composite, Electrode, Acrylic, Kapton) using a finite element homogenization method has shown that the packaging reduces significantly the shear stiffness of the piezoceramic material and, thus, leads to significantly smaller effective electromechanical coupling coefficient k15 and piezoelectric stress constant e15 when compared to the piezoceramic fibre properties. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to perform a parametric analysis in which the effect of the variations of fibre volume fraction, Epoxy elastic modulus, electrode thickness and active layer thickness on the MFC effective material properties is evaluated. Results indicate that an effective d15 MFC should use relatively thick fibres having relatively high shear modulus and relatively stiff epoxy filler. On the other hand, the electrode thickness does not affect significantly the MFC performance.

Optimization of end milling parameters under minimum quantity lubrication using principal component analysis and grey relational analysis

Abstract: Machining is the major reliable practice in accomplishment of metal cutting industries. The accelerated growing competition demands top superior and large quantity with low cost products. Metal working fluids have significant fragment of manufacturing cost and causes ecological impacts and health problems. This work attempts to advance a competent machining alignment with no ecological impacts. The prediction of quality characteristics and enhancement of machining field are consistently accepting great interest in machining sectors to compress the accomplishment costs. In this paper, GA based ANN prediction model proposes to envisage the quality characteristics of surface roughness and tool wear. The comparison of predicted and experimental values acknowledges the precision of the model. The end milling experiments are conducted beneath minimum quantity lubrication. This paper as well deals with the multiple objective optimization with principal component analysis, grey relational analysis and Taguchi method. ANOVA was carried out to determine each parameter contribution percentage on quality characteristics. The results show that cutting speed is the most influencing parameter followed by feed velocity, lubricant flow rate and depth of cut. The confirmation tests acknowledge that the proposed multiple-objective methodology is able in determining optimum machining parameters for minimum surface roughness and tool wear.

Dimensional analysis and empirical correlations for heat transfer and pressure drop in condensation and evaporation processes of flow inside micropipes: case study with carbon dioxide (CO2)

Abstract: In this paper, the experimental results of the convection heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop values during condensation and evaporation of CO2 were obtained at different operating conditions for flow inside micropipes. Reynolds number (ReD) ranged between 2000 and 15000. The dimensional analysis technique was utilized to develop correlations for Nusselt numbers and pressure drops. A comparison between experimental and correlated results was carried out. The results showed that for the condensation process, the bias errors were 5.25% and 0.4% for pressure drops and Nusselt number respectively. Consequently, Average Standard Deviation (ASD) values reached 17.94% and 4.62% for both respectively. On the other hand, for the evaporation process, the Nusselt number error was 3.8% with an ASD of 4.14%. The correlations presented in the present work can be used in calculating pressure drops and heat transfer coefficients for phase change flows in mini and micro tubes. It helps to enhance design calculations of heat exchangers, condensers and evaporators

Studying transmission of fuel storage bank to NGV cylinder in CNG fast filling station

Abstract: The exact modeling of the fast-fill process of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled storage bank occurring to Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) cylinders is an unintelligible process, and should be thoroughly studied. In this paper, a theoretical model based on mass balance and thermodynamic laws has been developed to study dynamic fast filling process of CNG storage bank to vehicle’s (NGV) cylinder. Because Methane occupies a large percentage (between 70% to 99%) of natural gas, for the sake of simplicity it is assumed that Methane is the only substance in Natural gas and thermodynamic properties table has been employed for case of real gas model based on methane. For modeling the heat transfer, the system has been treated as an adiabatic lump one. The result shows the initial pressure of storage bank has a big effect on the storage bank volume for bringing up the NGV cylinder to its target pressure (20 MPa). The storage bank volumes required for bringing up the NGV cylinder to its final (target) pressure (20 MPa) for various initial storage bank pressure, like 20.8 MPa (RPS = 1.04), 23 MPa (RPS = 1.15) and 25 MPa (RPS = 1.25) are respectively 22, 6 and 4 times the NGV cylinder volume. It is noted that RPS is the ratio of storage bank pressure (PS) to target pressure (PT) (In this research is 20 MPa). The results also showed that ambient temperature has a big effect on refueling process, chiefly on final NGV cylinder and storage bank conditions. Keywords: compressed natural gas, NGV cylinder, storage bank, fast filling process, thermodynamic analysis, entropy generation

A swirler stabilized combustion chamber for a micro-gas turbine fuelled with natural gas

Abstract: Micro-gas turbines are a good alternative for on-site power generation, since their operation is very reliable. The possibility of operating with various fuels increases versatility and, as a result, the usage of these devices. Focusing on a performance improvement of a tri-fuel low-cost micro-gas turbine, this work presents investigations of the inner flow of its combustion chamber. The aim of this analysis was the characterization of the flame structure by the temperature field of the chamber inner flow. The chamber was fuelled with natural gas. In the current chamber, a swirler and a reversed flow configuration were utilized to provide flame stabilization. The inner flow investigations were done with numerical analysis, which were compared to experimental data. The analysis of the inner flow was done with numerical simulations, which used the RSM turbulence model. A β-PDF equilibrium model was adopted to account for the turbulent combustion process. Different models of heat transfer were compared. Thermal radiation and specially heat conduction in the liner walls played significant roles on results.

Application of design of experiments to plasma Arc Welding Process: a review

Abstract: Design of Experiment commonly referred to as DOE is one of the extensively used methods for experimental study of many manufacturing processes in engineering. DOE is a statistical approach in which a mathematical model is developed through experimental runs. DOE predicts possible output based on the input parameters of the experimental setup. In the present study, a review is made on DOE techniques that have been employed for various welding processes by other researchers. This study predominantly focuses on the usage of Response Surface Method, Taguchi's method and Factorial method in Welding.

System Identification and Active Vibration Control of a Flexible Structure

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to illustrate the active control of vibration of a flexible structure using a model-based digital controller. The state-space model of the system is derived using a system identification technique known as the Observer/Kalman Filter Identification (OKID) method together with Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA). Based on the measured response of the structure to a random input, an explicit state-space model of the equivalent linear system is determined. The model is used in a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) to control the first two modes of vibration of a cantilever beam using a piezoelectric actuator/sensor pair. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.

Micromechanical modeling and effective properties of the smart grid-reinforced composites

Abstract: Smart composite structures reinforced with a periodic grid of generally orthotropic cylindrical reinforcements that also exhibit piezoelectric behavior are analyzed using the asymptotic homogenization method. The analytical expressions for the effective elastic and piezoelectric coefficients are derived. In particular, the smart orthotropic composite structures with cubic, conical and diagonal actuator and reinforcement orientations are investigated. Keywords: smart grid-reinforced composite, asymptotic homogenization, effective properties

Selection of optimal process parameters for minimizing burr size in drilling using Taguchi's quality loss function approach

Abstract: The exit burr in drilling degrades the precision of products and causes additional cost of deburring. Therefore, it is essential to minimize burr size at the exit of holes in drilling at the manufacturing stage. Taguchi's quality loss function approach, a multi-response optimization method, has been employed to determine the best combination values of cutting speed, feed, point angle and lip clearance angle for specified drill diameters to simultaneously minimize burr height and burr thickness during drilling of AISI 316L stainless steel workpieces. The experiments were planned as per L9 orthogonal array and multi-response signal to noise (S/N) ratio was applied to measure the performance characteristics. Analysis of means (ANOM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to determine the optimal levels and to identify the level of importance of parameters. The confirmation tests with the optimal levels of parameters were carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of Taguchi optimization.

Determining the viscous behavior of non-Newtonian fluids in a flume using a laminar sheet flow model and Ultrasonic Velocity Profiling (UVP) system

Abstract: The flow of non-Newtonian fluids in rectangular open channels has received renewed interest over the past number of years especially as large flumes are being used to transport tailings in countries like Chile. The effect of yield stress on the flow behavior is complex and not yet fully understood. The Ultrasonic Velocity Profiling (UVP) technique has been used to construct velocity profiles of non-Newtonian fluids flowing in a 10 m by 300 mm wide tilting flume. The contour maps were integrated to show that the velocity profiles were indeed correct. The thin film flow models available in the literature have been tested in terms of flow depth and Reynolds number. The measured profiles also show the influence of the side walls on the general flow features as the distance from the centre increases. The results reported herein span the laminar, transition and turbulent flow regions. As far as can be ascertained, it is the first time that this technique has been used to measure velocity profiles in opaque non-Newtonian fluids for open channel flow. It is shown here that, under appropriate conditions, the velocity profile and flow depth can be used to obtain the viscous properties of the fluids tested. Excellent correspondence between the rheological parameters inferred from the velocity profile measurements and that from the tube viscometry was obtained.

Vapor chamber heat sink with hollow fins

Abstract: A new vapor chamber heat sink with maximum fin efficiency is presented. The fins are hollow, so the vapor generated at the base flows up to the top of the fins. As a result, the heat sink is practically isothermal. A prototype of the hollow fin vapor chamber heat sink was built and tested. The prototype presented 20% less overall thermal resistance than conventional pin fin heat sinks with the same mass and volume. A theoretical model for the heat sink thermal resistance was developed and the agreement between the model and the experimental data is fair.

Double diffusive natural convection in power-law fluid saturated porous medium with Soret and Dufour Effects

Abstract: The effects of double diffusive natural convection heat and mass transfer along a vertical plate embedded in a power-law fluid saturated Darcy porous medium in the presence of Soret and Dufour effects are studied. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations and then solved numerically. A parametric study of the physical parameters involved in the problem is conducted and a representative set of numerical results is illustrated graphically.