Material flow

About: Material flow is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3050 publications have been published within this topic receiving 36844 citations. The topic is also known as: material stream.

Establishing a Framework for Effective Materials Logistics Management

Abstract: The “Law of Industrial Dynamics” is a well‐known phenomenon which leads to significant swings in demand as orders are passed down along a supply chain. Large fluctuations in demand result for the manufacturer leading to policies which counteract the objectives of materials logistics management which are to reduce inventories while maintaining strategic stocks, improve product quality, minimize the total cost of operations and procurement, ensure service levels to customers and minimize variance in material flow. A number of strategies have been advocated and applied which may be summarized as integrating the supply chain and adopting lean manufacturing techniques. Such strategies encompass three main factors, classified as technological (which may include adopting electronic data interchange), organizational (such as moving towards focused plants) and attitudinal (such as the adoption of Partnership Sourcing as a strategy). This paper provides a framework in which systems dynamics modeling, analysis and simulation aids in the decision making process to establish how best to achieve the materials logistics management objectives. Firstly, during the modeling and analysis phase, the supply chain champion is provided with insight as to the effectiveness of the current supply chain design to damp down order fluctuations. Secondly, on the basis of continuous improvement, simulation then allows him to re‐engineer the supply chain by asking “what if?” questions and assessing the relative benefits of various strategies against the financial and attitudinal costs of implementation.

Effect of Tool Geometry and Process Parameters on Material Flow in FSW of an AA 2024-T351 Alloy

Abstract: In this study the temperature distribution and the flow pattern of an embedded marker material were investigated when friction stir butt welding 4 mm thick 2024-T351 aluminium alloy plate using several welding tool combinations. Friction stir welded plates not embedded with the marker material were tested for micro-hardness and static tensile strength. Results indicated that the ultimate tensile strength of the friction stir welded material could be increased to values approaching that of the base material. The improvement in mechanical strength was found to depend largely on tool geometry in conjunction with weld travel speed. Tool geometry not only influenced the temperatures and micro-hardness experienced for both sides of the weld but also the marker material flow during joining. A micro-computer tomographic investigation of the marker flow indicated that the geometry of the welding tool pin had a significant influence on the material transport and distribution between each side of the interfacing workpieces.

Bulk storage hoppers

Abstract: An insert system for changing the pattern of material flow in a bulk storage hopper during the discharge process, from a form where a channel flow develops within a mass of static material into a form where the entire stored contents are caused to flow. This change is affected by the provision of insert members supported within the hopper, which modify the stress pattern in the flowing contents to allow the bulk material to deform more readily and for slip to take place on all contact surfaces between the material and the hopper walls.