What is ultrasonic-assisted machining?5 answersUltrasonic-assisted machining (UAM) is a technology that involves vibrating a tool or workpiece using small-amplitude vibrations at ultrasonic frequencies to improve cutting performance. It is used in various machining processes such as milling and wire electrochemical discharge machining (WEDM) to enhance machining quality and efficiency. UAM utilizes ultrasonic waves to influence key parameters of conventional machining processes, resulting in benefits such as reduced gas film width, lower critical voltage, and improved machining stability. The technology has been applied to create high-aspect ratio microstructures on brittle materials like glass, enabling the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs). Different variations of UAM, such as feed direction ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling (FUVAM) and elliptical ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling (EUVAM), have been studied to analyze their effects on surface texture formation and machining parameters. The generation of vibrations in UAM is achieved using axially polled piezoceramics, which convert longitudinal vibrations into combined longitudinal and bending vibrations.
How does rolling influence the microstructure?4 answersRolling has a significant influence on the microstructure of materials. In the case of metastable austenite in 304 stainless steel, cold rolling and stretching at cryogenic temperatures resulted in the formation of a microstructure with a considerable density of dislocations and precipitations of carbides. In metallic glasses, the rolling process induced the formation of shear bands, with secondary branches observed in cold rolling and scattered shear events in hot rolling. Asymmetric rolling conditions led to greater grain fragmentation in the hard layer of bimetallic sheet metals, while microstructural changes in the soft layer remained unaffected. In the case of Zn alloys, different rolling routes induced different recrystallization mechanisms, resulting in variations in microstructural features and mechanical behavior. Overall, rolling can alter the microstructure of materials, affecting their mechanical properties and behavior.
How does the cold rolling and annealing of brass affect its mechanical properties?5 answersCold rolling and annealing of brass have a significant effect on its mechanical properties. Cold rolling leads to a reduction in the thickness of the brass sheet, resulting in severe elongation of the equiaxed grains along the rolling direction. This leads to an increase in hardness and strength, but a decrease in ductility. On the other hand, annealing treatment after cold rolling helps in reducing the hardness and strength of the brass, while improving its ductility. The annealing process also promotes microstructural refinement, resulting in better homogeneity and enhanced mechanical properties of the brass. Overall, the combination of cold rolling and annealing treatments can modify the mechanical properties of brass, making it suitable for various applications that require excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
What are the challenges of ultra-precision machining?5 answersUltra-precision machining faces several challenges. One challenge is the difficulty in manufacturing complex micro/nano features using traditional cutting methods, especially for difficult-to-cut materials. Another challenge is the characterization of cutting tool edges, which should possess ultra-sharpness and controlled waviness for higher finish and accuracy. Additionally, the brittle response exhibited by ceramics like sapphire during machining poses a limitation on material removal rate and requires small incremental removal to create the required form and shape. The fabrication of micro-structured functional surfaces also presents challenges, including the need for specialist production techniques and the cost and difficulty of applying these techniques over larger areas. Finally, the adaptation of macro-scale grinding techniques to produce micro-scale surface structures presents challenges in terms of accuracy, control, and scalability, as well as the need for suitable methods to analyze the performance of the micro-scale structures.
What are the main challenges in using ultrasound images in machine learning?5 answersThe main challenges in using ultrasound images in machine learning include limited data availability, low image quality, and variations in muscle characteristics. Deep learning-based classifiers require large datasets for training, but currently available databases of ultrasound images are small and have tumors of different sizes, leading to poor generalization. Muscle ultrasound images also face challenges such as low image quality due to noise, insufficient data, and differences between skeletal and smooth muscles. Prostate segmentation in transrectal ultrasound is challenging due to low image contrast and the presence of artifacts like speckle and shadow regions. Additionally, the heterogeneous structure of the kidney makes disease detection difficult, and the presence of speckle noise diminishes image clarity. Overall, the challenges in using ultrasound images in machine learning include limited data, low image quality, variations in muscle characteristics, and the presence of artifacts and noise.
How do ultrasonic waves affect the formation of high entropy alloys?5 answersUltrasonic waves have been found to affect the formation of high entropy alloys in several ways. Firstly, ultrasonic vibration during the solidification process can modify the microstructure of light alloys, such as aluminum and magnesium alloys, by controlling the dendritic structure and reducing grain size. Secondly, ultrasonics can accelerate the formation of crystal nuclei and reduce inter-dendritic liquation, leading to enhanced diffusion and crystallization of the solid solution in alloys. Additionally, ultrasonic waves can influence the deformation behavior of high entropy alloys, with serration behaviors observed in stress-strain curves and acoustic emission during deformation. These findings suggest that ultrasonic waves play a significant role in the formation and mechanical properties of high entropy alloys.