bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of Optimum Cutting Conditions for Turning Operations
Authors: Hinduja S , Petty D J , Tester M , Barrow G
Published: February 2007

This paper describes a procedure to calculate the optimum cutting conditions for turning operations with minimum cost or the maximum production rate as the objective functions. For a given tool/workpiece combination, the search for the optimum is confined to a feed versus depth of cut plane which is defined by the chip-breaking constraint. Some of the other constraints which are considered by the system include power available, workholding, surface finish and component accuracy. If more than one pass is necessary to rough machine a given area, the optimum depths of cut calculated for each pass may have to be modified. Four different methods of doing this are discussed. To demonstrate the system, the cutting conditions for machining a simple component are presented.
Process Analysis of a Starter Clutch Sleeve Extrusion
Authors: Abdul N A
Published: February 2007

The process of making the clutch sleeve for starter motors was discussed and the most difficult and final stage of backward extruding a preformed billet to produce the sleeve was examined experimentally. The conventional zinc phosphate/sodium stearate lubricant and six other cold-forming lubricants were applied to vary friction conditions at the tool/workpiece interfaces.

The final stage was then analysed and the predicted variation of the reduced stress, the mean forming load as well as the length of the extruded part were presented against the punch movement for various frictional conditions. The predicted results were compared with the experimental results and a close agreement was observed.
Computer Aided Design Using a Knowledge Base Approach and its Application to the Design of Jigs and Fixtures
Authors: Miller A S , Hannam R G
Published: February 2007

The design of jigs and fixtures is generally on the critical path of a new product and thus speed is essential in both their design and subsequent manufacture. They must also be well and economically designed. This paper describes an interactive C ADC AM based jig and fixture design procedure which has been developed using a knowledge base which could subsequently become part of an expert system. The approach used both increases the speed of design and encourages designers to improve standardization to speed manufacture. The procedure starts with the component which is to be machined and ends by producing a general arrangement and detail drawings of a finished jig. The paper describes the elements of the software package, JIGS, which implements the procedure. JIGS is shown to offer designers considerable flexibility in its use.
Assessment of Surface Finish Profiles Produced by Multi-Process Manufacture
Authors: Whitehouse D J
Published: February 2007

Many critical parts are made by a multiplicity of processes, some of which are left on the completed part. This paper describes modern methods of measuring them.
Thermodynamic Availability and its Application to Combined Heat and Power Plant
Authors: Horlock J H , Haywood R W
Published: February 2007

The theorems of thermodynamic availability are usually applied to processes in which determination of the maximum theoretical output of work alone is the primary consideration. Here the concepts of thermodynamic availability are applied to processes involved in combined heat and power (CHP) plant, in which both work and heat are prime products.
An Explanation for the Asymmetry of the Modulation Sidebands about the Tooth Meshing Frequency in Epicyclic Gear Vibration
Authors: McFadden P D , Smith J D
Published: February 2007

The vibration spectra of epicyclic gears commonly exhibit considerable asymmetry of the modulation sidebands and even complete suppression of the component at the tooth meshing frequency. A model is proposed which explains these observations in terms of the relationship between the vibrations generated by each of the planet gears as they move relative to the transducer location. Comparisons of the predictions of the model with measured vibration spectra for several epicyclic gearboxes show good agreement.
Modal Balancing of Flexible Shafts without Trial Weights
Authors: Morton P G
Published: February 2007

Most balancing procedures for flexible shafts involve the use of trial weights. The few techniques purporting to predict the shaft unbalance mathematically rely on modelling the system from measured characteristics. The bearings are difficult to model and the technique presented in the present paper evades the necessity for doing this. A technique is presented whereby the unbalance on a rotating shaft can be directly calculated from running vibration; no explicit representation of the bearing characteristics is required.
A Note on Parameter Estimation in Non-Linear Vibrating Systems
Authors: Stanway R , Sproston J L , Stevens N G
Published: February 2007

This note describes the application of a non-linear, least-squares parameter estimation algorithm to the problem of determining Coulomb and viscous damping parameters from the harmonic response of a vibrating system.
The Effect of Suction on the Stability of Fluid between Horizontal Plates at Differing Temperatures
Authors: Sorour M M , Hassab M A , Elewa F A
Published: February 2007

The linear stability theory is applied to study the effect of suction on the stability criteria of a horizontal fluid layer confined between two thin porous surfaces heated from below. This investigation covers a wide range of Reynolds number 0 ≥ Re ≥ 30, and Prandtl number 0.72 ≥ Pr ≥ 100. The results show that the critical Rayleigh number increases with Peclet number, and is independent of Pr as far as Re < 3. However, for Re > 3 the critical Rayleigh number is function of both Pr and Pe. In addition, the analysis is extended to study the effect of suction on the stability of two special superimposed fluid layers. The results in the latter case indicate a more stabilizing effect. Furthermore, the effect of thermal boundary conditions is also investigated.
A Design Method for Reducing the Effects of Clearances at Revolute Joints
Authors: Shin J K , Kwak B M
Published: February 2007

A method for designing a mechanism which is free of contact loss in clearance connections is developed. Only revolute joints are considered as possible clearance joints. Earles and Wu's empirical formula has been used for defining a perfect joint or contact loss free joint. A general theory for conditions of a perfect joint has been derived in terms of the mechanical energy and the kinematic properties of the joint. This general theory was applied to a slider crank mechanism and it was shown that designing a perfect joint is theoretically possible through balancing by a non-linear spring. Further it was shown that this technique gives a practical guide for balancing a mechanism with linear springs to reduce the possibility of contact loss in clearance joints.
The Derivation of Gear Transmission Error from Pitch Error Records
Authors: Kohler H , Regan R
Published: February 2007

The effect of pitch errors on the transmission error of a gear pair has been much studied. In particular, it has been thought that, if pitch error alone is present, the frequency spectrum of the corresponding transmission error will have no components either at the tooth contact frequency or any of its harmonics. This result is here examined, and it is concluded that it is invalid. It is shown that, in general, tooth contact harmonics of significant amplitudes will exist.
An Investigation into Plain Journal Bearing Behaviour Including Thermo-Elastic Deformation of the Bush
Authors: Gethin D T
Published: February 2007

This paper describes a theoretical investigation into the effect of thermoplastic bush deformation and journal thermal expansion on the behaviour of a cylindrical bore bearing fed by two axial grooves orthogonal to the load line. The main conclusions which follow from this work are that thermoelastic bush deformation is an important factor in predicting bearing operation for a given load duty. It shows that shaft expansion has a very significant influence also.
Random Load Fatigue: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Tunna J M
Published: February 2007

This paper is concerned with the problem of fatigue design for random loads. A theory is outlined which allows the fatigue life to be predicted from the constant amplitude stress range–life curve and the standard deviation and ruling frequency of the stress signal. Laboratory tests are described which verify the theory for welded steel constructions in a railway environment. The results are also analysed by a more traditional method. Areas where the theory might usefully be extended are identified.
A Finite Element Analysis of the Harmonic Response of Damped Five-Layer Plates
Authors: Ioannides E , Grootenhuis P
Published: February 2007

Solutions have been obtained for the harmonic vibrations of five-layer plates by means of a finite element method. This method is an extension of a previously developed analysis for three-layer plates. The five-layer plates contain two constrained viscoelastic layers which provide the damping. The degenerate case when the thickness of the middle elastic layer becomes zero and the plate is reduced to a four-layer one has also been included in the solution procedure. Moreover, the method allows for the study of both torsional and transverse vibrations of five (or four)-layer beams treated as vibrating plates with a large aspect ratio. As in the case of three-layer plates, triangular finite elements are used to allow for a greater variety of shapes. In the analysis damping is introduced by replacing the real moduli of the viscoelastic material by complex equivalent moduli which account for the phase difference between strain and stress. The present method allows for the non-linear stress-strain behaviour of the viscoelastic layers, the effects of the rotatory inertia and the extension within the viscoelastic layers. The finite element computations have been verified by comparison with experimental results for four-layer and five-layer beams in transverse and torsional vibrations and a five-layer square plate in transverse vibration.
Components for the Neutral Injection Beam Lines of JET
Authors: Haange R
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the design, layout and manufacture of the components for the neutral injection beam lines of the JET (Joint European Torus) fusion project. The beam line systems will be used for the study of additional heating of the plasma.
Control of Refuse Incinerator Particulate Emissions
Authors: Parker K R , Russell-Jones A
Published: February 2007

One of the critical factors involved in the use of refuse as a source of heat energy is the requirement to remove particulate matter from the hot flue gases. The paper describes how this can be accomplished using electrostatic precipitators. Special design features of precipitators for this application are outlined including pre-collector devices to cope with low bulk density paper char which can otherwise pass through the precipitator. Performance data from various parts of the world are discussed, illustrating how the electrostatic precipitator can be designed to cope with the local emissions legislation.
The Toroidal and Poloidal Coil Systems of JET
Authors: Last J R
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the design and manufacture of coils to produce the toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields of the JET (Joint European Torus) Tokamak fusion project.
JET Flywheel Generators
Authors: Huart M , Sonnerup L
Published: February 2007

Two large vertical shaft flywheel generators each provides the JET (Joint European Torus) device with peak power up to 400 MW and energy up to 2600 MJ per pulse to induce and confine the multi-mega-ampère plasma current. The integrated rotor flywheel consists of a 650 tonne/10 m diameter rim carrying the poles of the machine. The energy is stored kinetically during a 9 min interval of acceleration from half-speed to full-speed and then released during a 20 s long deceleration. A design life of 100 000 cycles at full energy rating was specified. Following a review of the mechanical design and construction of the generators, the paper will concentrate on the assessment of the stresses and fatigue life of the rotor system, its dynamic behaviour (rim movement, critical speed and balancing) and on the performance in operation of the large thrust bearing.
A New Challenge for Mechanical Engineering in Agriculture
Authors: Holt J E
Published: February 2007

The mechanical engineering profession has a long and honourable history of achievements in agriculture. At the present time its contributions seem to be mainly in mechanization and in environmental structures for both plants and animals. The emphasis is on production despite the fact that in the modern food system distribution accounts for the major part of energy use and overall cost. This paper identifies agricultural distribution as an important and urgent area for the commitment of the mechanical engineer. It shows how the engineering method, which lies at the heart of the profession's contributions to society, can be applied to this large and growing sector of the economy.
The Volumetric Performance of Cavitating Centrifugal Pumps: Part 1: Theoretical Analysis and Method of Prediction
Authors: Grist E
Published: February 2007

An exact analysis of cavitating flows in a centrifugal pump eludes engineers. A simplifying concept of notional spherical cavities is proposed which, it is suggested, has sufficient validity to be a very useful tool in predicting some aspects of volumetric performance. A method of applying an analysis based on this concept is given.

The volumetric performance predicted for different pumped liquid properties or a different pump speed from data obtained in a single reference test are: (i) the value of nett positive suction head (NPSH) at generated head breakdown; (ii) the generated head/cavitation zone length curve.
The Volumetric Performance of Cavitating Centrifugal Pumps: Part 2: Predicted and Measured Performance
Authors: Grist E
Published: February 2007

The predicted performance of a cavitating centrifugal pump, calculated using a method which applies the concept of notional spherical cavities, has been compared with measured performance values. From the close agreement evident in predicting the nett positive suction head at breakdown and the generated head–cavitation zone length curves the method and concept appear suitable for wider engineering application.

The volumetric performance comparisons made use test data on water in the temperature range 2–1433°C.
Scale Effects in a Mixed Flow Pump: Part 1
Authors: Ramarajan V , Soundranayagam S
Published: February 2007

The variation of efficiency and losses over a range of Reynolds numbers has been measured for a mixed flow pump of specific speed 118 r/min for a number of points covering its operating range. The losses have been separated into those of the impeller and volute. The efficiency is seen to show a steady rise throughout the experimental range in comparison with published results for centrifugal pumps which flatten out at higher Reynolds numbers. A distinct hump is seen in many of the efficiency variation curves as well as in the variation of head with Reynolds number. The hump in the efficiency curves seems to be connected with transition to a roughness dominated regime while that in the head variation appears to be connected to changes in circulation. They both occur at different Reynolds numbers and are unconnected with each other. The frictional component of the losses in the volute is small and the losses there seem to be largely independent of Reynolds number.
A Continuously Variable Poppet Valve Actuator for Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Charlton S J , Shafie-Pour M
Published: February 2007

The paper describes a continuously variable poppet valve actuation system which may be applied to internal combustion engines to render the valve motion controllable while the engine is running.

The first phase of a programme to develop the device is described. The results of a rigid-body dynamic analysis are presented followed by a dynamic simulation of the mechanism using a proprietary finite element program. These give an insight into its operation and clarify some of the problems to be solved if the device is to be successfully applied.
Integrated Rural Energy Centres for Agriculture-Based Economies
Authors: Locke H B , Choudhury S N R , Lecamwasam D C D
Published: February 2007

After supplying (a) food materials (rice, cassava, coconut oil etc.) and (b) industrial products (coconut fibre, rubber, timber etc.) there are left (c) energy raw materials, which are often burnt inefficiently and wrongly thought of as wastes (coir dust, wood chips, bagasse pith etc.)

Energy raw materials may be incinerated, or hydrolysed, or digested etc. for industrial purposes. They may also be used as fuels for combustion—in domestic cookers, or for steam raising in industry. Energy efficiency may be improved by briquetting energy raw materials to make them more satisfactory as fuels. In addition, modern methods of gasification of some of the briquettes can make producer gas to fuel small, ordinary internal combustion engines. The power may be mechanical as shaft power, or as electricity for lighting, operating machinery etc. Integrated rural energy centres (IRECs) involve this sequence of drying, briquetting, gasifying some of the briquettes to make power, and using the rest of the briquettes for industry for steam raising instead of the wood or oil that is so often the normal fuel. An alternative possibility, particularly for higher ranges of power generation (about 300–500 kW) is to burn the energy raw material at high efficiency in a fluidized bed combustor (FBC), and make use of the hot gases produced to generate power through steam or externally-fired gas turbines,

Briquetting techniques are simple and capable of much further development. Gasification techniques are also simple (with proper design) and also capable of further development. Heat recovery for product drying, for example, can be a useful feature of a combined electrical and heat energy generation system, adopting the gasification or efficient direct burning in an FBC route.
Safe Practice in Engineering Management
Authors: Warby D J
Published: February 2007

The legal liabilities for safety of an engineering manager are identified by reference to the appropriate law. Particular obligations to protect people and property flow from these liabilities. They are discussed in the context of practical planning and control of engineering operations in offices, factories and construction sites.
Cylinder Pressure Transients in Oil Hydraulic Pumps with Sliding Plate Valves
Authors: Edge K A , Darling J
Published: February 2007

This paper reports an experimental study of the cylinder pressure within an axial piston pump. This study revealed that existing theoretical models, which are based on the effects of fluid compliance within the cylinder, are highly inaccurate at high speeds or high loads. Fluid momentum at the point of port opening was found to be of considerable importance and an improved digital computer model was developed as an aid to pump design. The inclusion of fluid momentum effects resulted in a significant improvement in the agreement between theory and experiment. Cavitation within the cylinder bore was predicted at both high speed and high load conditions; this was confirmed experimentally. The theoretical approach is applicable to any sliding valve plate unit.
Look at it This Way
Authors: Cooley P
Published: February 2007

A geometric model is, by definition, an informationally complete representation of a solid object. Such models are processed for various purposes: pictorial display, finite element mesh generation, geometric properties, etc. The ability to define and process representations of solid objects has enormous potential for engineers, provided that software is available which is capable of making routine decisions on such matters as how best to display the model. This paper concentrates on one set of decisions concerning the display and addresses the question of which views of the object are appropriate for a user seeking precise geometric information.
Staying in Business
Authors: Mayman D
Published: February 2007

This short paper is a response to a companion paper (1) on the inadequacies in company reporting on the provisions for long-term renewal work. The author sets out the factors involved in staying in business and concurs that much better information is reguired concerning these factors.
Actuation for Industrial Robots
Authors: Archer J R , Blenkinsop P T
Published: February 2007

Industrial robots attract considerable general attention due to their increasing significance in manufacturing industry and their anthropomorphic nature. Hydraulic and electrical actuation methods compete almost equally in the more sophisticated robots used in production. Their relative merits are, however, frequently misunderstood and this paper considers the requirements and trends that affect the selection of drives for industrial robots.
The Modernization of the Frederikshavn Shipyard
Authors: Soerensen P H
Published: February 2007

This paper outlines the development of the Frederikshavn Shipyard, Denmark, from the building of wooden fishing vessels in 1870 to the construction of modern coasters and roll-on, roll-off carriers. It goes on to give details of the comprehensive modernization scheme carried out in recent years and discusses the problems of installing a completely integrated data processing system in a modern shipyard. The paper concludes by describing the reorganization of the staff structure and the present-day management philosophy of the company.
The Application of Computer Aided Design to Engine Design and Analysis
Authors: McClelland M J , Smith A J
Published: February 2007

Ricardo Consulting Engineers are retained by major engine and vehicle manufacturers worldwide to design and develop internal combustion engines. The paper describes how Ricardo utilize their McAuto computer aided design (CAD) system at all the. stages of design and analysis, particularly through the exploitation of parametric design programs. Considerable benefits are being achieved from the closer integration of design and analysis.
The Integrated Manufacture, Test and Installation of Telephone Exchanges
Authors: Brown A C , Sutherland D M , Ireland J , Springate S R
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the approach that was taken to reduce lead time and improve quality in supplying telephone exchanges. It outlines the innovative solution that was applied to the assembly and test of entire suites of equipment racks at the factory so they could then be shipped complete and undisturbed to the customer. The achievements were made possible by extensively using novel applications of the hovercraft principle.
Surface Effects on Alloys Drilled by Electrochemical are Machining
Authors: de Silva A , McGeough J A
Published: February 2007

Electrochemical arc machining (ECAM) utilizes pulsed power in an electrolyte, in order to remove metal by combined electro-discharge erosion (EDE) and electrochemical dissolution (ECD). In drilling by this technique, EDE occurs at the frontal gap between the cathode-tool and anode-workpiece; in the side gap, ECD is predominant. Machining rates are much greater than those of electrochemical (ECM) and electro-discharge machining (EDM).

This paper is concerned with an investigation of the effects of EDE and ECD on the surface integrity of a range of alloys of industrial interest, drilled by ECAM.

Chrome, cobalt and low-alloy steels and nickel-based (nimonic) alloys all exhibited a smooth surface finish typical of that found with ECM, for most of the length of the drilled hole, except at the exit. There, metallurgical damage due to EDE was apparent. The surface characteristics with titanium were typical of those found in EDM, with virtually no evidence of ECM action. This effect was attributed to the presence of a tenacious oxide film formed on titanium in water-based electrolytes which effectively blocks ECM.
Simulation of Fluid Network Dynamics by Transmission Line Modelling
Authors: Boucher R F , Kitsios E E
Published: February 2007

The classical solution to the acoustic wave equation reveals decoupled left- and right-going waves carrying pressure and flow. Using a variant of these waves representing power, it is shown that such decoupled waves permit fluid transmission lines in circuits to be modelled simply as pure time delays. It is also demonstrated that lumped inertance and capacitance may be modelled as transmission line stubs. Thus all dynamic elements in a circuit are represented as pure time delays and the only computations required are of wave scattering at junctions. Linear resistance is most easily admitted, especially if it is concentrated at the junctions. Computations on simple circuits are presented and shown to compare favourably with classical ‘lumped’ analyses. The significance of various approximations made is discussed. The method may be applied to fluid circuits of arbitrary size and complexity, and to circuits of other wave-propagating elements.
Comparative Predictive Experience of Coal Firing
Authors: Lockwood F C , Rizvi S M A , Shah N G
Published: February 2007

The predicted heat transfer behaviour of two coals, one from the northern hemisphere and the other a high-ash southern hemisphere coal, are compared. The comparisons are effected in a hypothetical cylindrical combustor 2 m in diameter and in a hypothetical power station combustor. An assessment of the performance of the prediction procedure is made by comparisons with data for a cylindrical combustor. The southern hemisphere coal performs markedly less well because the lower flame temperatures consequent of the additional ash burden reduce the heat transfer by more than it is augmented by the associated increase in the absorption coefficients.
The Dynamics of a Thin Piezoelectric Cylinder Gyroscope
Authors: Burdess J S
Published: February 2007

The paper considers the theory of a new type of vibratory rate gyroscope. The design considered is based upon a thin cylindrical shell of radially polarized lead zirconate titanate on which are deposited drive and pick-off electrodes. The equations of motion of the cylindrical shell are derived and the response of the gyroscope to constant and harmonic rates of turn is determined.
Statistical Considerations on Pressure Pulses from a Cavitating Venturi
Authors: Li S , Zhang Y , Hammitt F G
Published: February 2007

Pressure pulses emitted from cavitating venturi flows are measured and investigated statistically. The results show that according to the degree of cavitation, the overall pressure pulsations consist of different combinations of three components, that is basic flow noise, cavitation pulses and low-frequency pressure fluctuations, due primarily to overall loop characteristics. The statistical characteristics are presented and compared. It is believed that the low-frequency fluctuations result from a resonant interaction between the cavitation ‘cloud’ and the liquid portion of the closed loop. They occur near cavitation inception, reach a maximum at a particular cavitation number, σres, then gradually disappear for increased σ. Their frequency is basically constant for all σ. An empirical-theoretical model of this behaviour is presented.
A Semi-Analytical Finite Element Method for Three-Dimensional Contact Problems with Axisymmetric Geometry
Authors: Park S G , Kwak B M
Published: February 2007

A combination of conventional two-dimensional finite elements and a Fourier series expansion in the tangential direction is shown to be efficient for modelling an elastic three-dimensional frictionless contact problem of geometrically axisymmetric bodies under non-axisymmetric external loads. For the solution procedure, the governing partial differential equations and contact conditions on the contact surface are formulated into an equivalent minimization problem with constraints. It is shown that the resulting objective function can be expressed as the sum of decoupled contributions from each harmonic. A modified simplex method is used to solve this quadratic programming problem.

An example problem, motivated from a modular prosthesis design for artificial joint replacements, has shown the significant computational efficiency of this approach as compared to a conventional full three-dimensional finite element method.
Computation and Experimental Results of Wear in a Slurry Pump Impeller
Authors: Ahmad K , Baker R C , Goulas A
Published: February 2007

Using a computer program to obtain the internal flow in a pump impeller, the trajectories of solid particles were found and used to predict the regions of wear within the pump. In order to assess the validity of this prediction method tests were undertaken to obtain the erosion-prone areas of the pump by observing the erosion of layers of paint on the pump impeller. There was good agreement but the level of erosion was underestimated by the predictions. The calculation method and the use of paint to obtain wear patterns were both promising methods. Maximum wear in this case was near the leading edge on the pressure side and on the back shroud in the eye of the impeller.
Double-Deck Trains for the Netherlands Railways
Authors: Blair I F
Published: February 2007

The paper deals first with the considerations leading to the choice of double-deck stock for the busiest commuter services in the Netherlands. The various studies in connection with the vehicle layout are discussed, and finally the distinguishing technical features of the new design are treated in some detail.
The Diagnosis of Cylinder Power Faults in Diesel Engines by Flywheel Speed Measurement
Authors: Freestone J W , Jenkins E G
Published: February 2007

A technique for estimating the power contribution of each cylinder in a multi-cylinder diesel engine is developed as an engine diagnostic capability. Robust magnetic sensors are used to obtain a waveform of engine speed fluctuations over one engine cycle under steady state operating conditions. Adopting a simplified model of engine dynamics, a computer processes the time history by application of the discrete Fourier transform to reproduce the crankshaft torque waveform. Subtracting the engine inertia torque provides an estimate of the gas pressure torque waveform, from which the power contribution of individual cylinders can be determined.
The Use of Speed Sensing for Monitoring the Condition of Military Vehicle Engines
Authors: Jewitt T H B , Lawton B
Published: February 2007

Measurement of engine torque gives an excellent indication of engine condition. This paper describes the application of instantaneous speed sensing as a means of deriving instantaneous acceleration and torque, and thus providing details of engine performance. Four different methods of analysis are investigated, their relative merits determined and recommendations are made to convert these research techniques into viable, in-service, diagnostic tools.
Aircraft Landing Gears—The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Young D W
Published: February 2007

This paper discusses landing gear basic requirements with a review of historic and current equipment designs, and concludes by pointing to possible future developments to improve functional efficiency.
Performance of a Telescopic Dual-Tube Automotive Damper and the Implications for Vehicle Ride Prediction
Authors: Hall B B , Gill K F
Published: February 2007

This paper outlines a theoretical model of a dual-tube damper, presents the results of a digital simulation and compares them with previous experimental results. The damper characteristics are confirmed as being highly non-linear and exhibiting hysteresis effects. A prediction of the ride performance of a vehicle fitted with these dampers is made and shows that the typical linear and bilinear models of the damper are inappropriate and lead to over-optimistic estimates of ride performance.
British Rail Class 58 Diesel Electric Locomotive
Authors: Etwell M W J
Published: February 2007

This paper outlines the basic development background of the Class 58 locomotive and main design features, with areas of design development resulting from the introduction into service in 1983–85 of the first build of thirty-five locomotives and detail changes in design being applied to the second batch of fifteen locomotives authorized in 1984. This locomotive design developed from a joint exercise between British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) and the then Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer (CM and EE), British Railways Board (BRB) in 1977 which resulted in BREL fully participating in the design development to utilize modern manufacturing methods. The Class 58 was designed by BR specifically for freight duties and is based on a strength underframe with bonnet-type structure and equipment in modular assemblies.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Germany
Authors: Kalberlah A
Published: February 2007

The development of electric and hybrid vehicles in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) is described. The results of fleet tests with electric vans and buses, especially the energy consumption and costs, the battery life and maintenance are discussed. The economizing effect of electric and hybrid vehicles on the consumption of liquid fuels in traffic is evaluated.
Anti-Lock Brake Systems— Field Experience on Passenger Cars
Authors: Instrell G K
Published: February 2007

The addition of anti-lock control to vehicle braking systems represents a considerable increase in complexity in design, development and manufacturing. Related to these three activities there is much to be learned from laboratory and prototype vehicle test programmes. When vehicles are in the hands of drivers who are representative of customers and operate in the real environment, however, there is a variety of valuable lessons to be learned about the acceptance and the acceptability of a system, both in relation to the vehicle and to usage by people who are not conditioned by their employment as vehicle or brake engineers. This paper discusses some of those lessons.
Testing and Certification of Sailplane Structures
Authors: Kensche Ch W
Published: February 2007

Requirements for certification of composite materials used in sailplanes and powered sailplanes, as issued by the LBA (Luftfahrtbundesamt), the airworthiness authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, are reviewed. As an example of the certification procedure the fatigue life test of a CFRP Nimbus wing conducted at the DFVLR (German Aerospace Research Establishment) is outlined. Considering the fact that the certificated lifetime of 6000 hours for gliders is not long enough, a possible way is shown for getting more comprehensive general information about the fatigue behaviour of composites and for achieving higher design allowables in an acceptable time by means of structural tests.
Development of an in-Car Climatic Control System
Authors: Fowler R J
Published: February 2007

This paper describes in detail the original methods used in the design and development of a microprocessor-based climate control system for the XJ40 Jaguar car. It takes the concept of air conditioning and applies modern technology and materials to produce a unit for a new passenger car. It describes those areas of design where experience in automotive air conditioning has shown the need for improvement, and also explains the operational procedures. The theories presented can be used in any automotive application and lead through concept and development to a final design implementation.
Development of a Service Support System for Microprocessor-Controlled Vehicle Electrical Systems
Authors: Andrews M J , Clarke A D
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the development of a diagnostic system for the service support of the microprocessor-controlled electrical systems for the Jaguar XJ40. It includes details of the system concept, specification, hardware, software structure and operator interfaces.
The Design and Development of the XJ40 Seating System
Authors: Arrowsmith M J
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the research, design and development processes involved in the creation of the Jagurn XJ40 seating system.
Radioactive Effluent Treatment Plant—Sellafield Reprocessing Factory
Authors: Howden M
Published: February 2007

This paper outlines the reprocessing of spent radioactive fuel at the British Nuclear Fuels plant, Sellafield, and describes the development, construction and commissioning of a new site ion exchange effluent plant (SIXEP). Gives details of the processes involved including the ion exchange columns, the ion exchanger, the carbonating tower, the waste storage tanks, the tank emptying system, and pumps and valves Reviews the initial operation of the plant and discusses future developments in radioactive waste treatment.
Maintainability Aspects of Process Plant Pipe Joints
Authors: Lee F O Y , Gardner I M , Thompson G
Published: February 2007

The paper is concerned with the maintainability aspects of pipe joints, the most common type of which is the bolted flange. An appreciation of pipe joint maintenance practice is obtained from two plant studies and a review of alternatives to flanges is then made with respect to these practical observations. Guidelines are given to help select the most appropriate coupling for an application. In the absence of a generally acceptable replacement coupling, a novel bolt design for use with standard flanges is proposed to alleviate some of the maintenance difficulties experienced.
Steady State Characteristics of a Flapper-Nozzle Relief Valve
Authors: Yun J S , Cho H S
Published: February 2007

The static and dynamic characteristics of flapper-nozzle type electromagnetic relief valves have not so far been investigated analytically in depth, although they have been widely used for hydraulic load pressure control. In this paper a non-linear model of the relief valve is formulated explicitly, based upon rigid-body motion and fluid dynamics. Model parameters such as discharge coefficients, effective area of the nozzle and the electromagnetic constant were identified from the steady state characteristics and physical dimensions of the valve. Based upon this constructed model the static characteristics such as the pressure override and the relationship between input current and main pressure were obtained analytically and compared with those obtained experimentally. The comparison shows that this constructed analytical model can precisely predict such characteristics.
Bringing Combined Heat and Power/District Heating to Two UK Cities
Authors: Warner P C , McFadden R A , Moodie R A J , White G P
Published: February 2007

Edinburgh and Belfast are two of the cities where the financial prospects for district heating from combined heat and power (CHP) are being investigated by consortia combining industrial membership (substantially the same for both) with strong local interests; the object is to learn whether city CHP schemes can appeal to the private investor. The paper deals with the historical build-up of interest in CHP in both places, leading to the formation of consortia in response to a government invitation, and the award of grant-in-aid announced in January 1985. It then explains how the two studies have been planned and sets out their content: the key technical and commercial factors, and also the statutory and other more general considerations. The work is well under way, and the paper reports on progress, including field work to ascertain heat demand, the choice of fuels and sites for heat-only sources and for the combined plant, and the sequencing of implementation progressively across the city.
The Rebuilding of Port Talbot Works Hot Strip Mill
Authors: Kidd P G , Dimblebee R A
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the refurbishment of the British Steel Corporation hot strip mill at Port Talbot Works. The problems involved, the options which were considered and the overall planning and management of the project are outlined. The construction, installation and commissioning of the new plant and equipment are described in detail, and the performance of the new mill is reviewed. The prime objectives, which were all achieved, were to increase coil weight and improve product quality with a reduction in costs.
Experience of Prototype Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing
Authors: Frew J D , Thom D , Brown T D
Published: February 2007

Fast reactor fuel has been reprocessed at Dounreay since 1960. This paper describes the operation of the reprocessing and waste management facilities associated with the reprocessing of the prototype fast reactor (PFR) since the start of operation on this project in 1980.
New Guidelines for the Preliminary Design and Performance Prediction of Axial-Flow Turbines
Authors: Wilson D G
Published: February 2007

Performance charts are included that enable appropriate initial choices (that is, before final design by methods of computational fluid dynamics) to be made of reaction and flow coefficient (or blade row outlet angle) for specified stage loadings in axial-flow turbines. The radial variation in vector diagrams that leads to acceptable radial distributions of reaction at various hub-shroud diameter ratios and loadings are discussed and plotted. From these, the ranges of design freedom to choose the annulus cross-section (for example constant o.d. or i.d.) are plotted as a function of turbine pressure ratio. Also developed is a method of correlating and adding losses that should be more consistent and thermodynamically more rigorous than some previously used methods.
The Development of Cardiff Rod Mill since 1981
Authors: Davies R A W , James M D , Roberts N G , Wylde C E
Published: February 2007

This paper reviews the progress that has been made at Cardiff Rod Mill since the formation of Allied Steel and Wire Limited in 1981. It shows the improvements that have been achieved in the manufacture of steel rod, in particular productivity, availability, yield loss, energy consumption and cost reduction.
Picking Winners to Safeguard Competitiveness in Manufacturing
Authors: Lygo Raymond
Published: February 2007

This paper sets out the long-term strategies which are essential for success in manufacturing, with particular reference to the aerospace industry. The importance of financial planning and predicting what opportunities may arise as a result of technological and social change are emphasized. The paper concludes by discussing ‘technology stretch’ and illustrates this by briefly outlining the HOTOL project.
An Advanced Integrated Manufacturing System for Turbine and Compressor Discs
Authors: Butcher M C , Perkins N R , Wells K E , Peto M G
Published: February 2007

This paper describes AIMS which is a flexible manufacturing system, formally opened at Rolls-Royce plc, Derby, in January 1986, for the production of aero engine turbine and compressor discs. These are the high-value, rotating components which require structural integrity together with a high degree of precision during the manufacturing process. The prime objective for the project was to reduce the value of work-in-progress to an extent which would enable cost savings in the inventory to finance the project in its first full year of operation. The paper details its concept strategy and examines the equipment requirements, justification and benefits of the capital investment. It also describes planning and implementation aspects, together with computer hardware/software support.
Plastic Envelopes and their Problems for the Postal Service
Authors: Barton P H
Published: February 2007

Envelopes manufactured from plastic films offer many advantages to mailers in terms of security, marketability and most importantly a potential to reduce enveloping costs when compared to traditional paper envelopes. The British Post Office currently prohibits plastic envelopes which are of a size and class that would normally be machine coded and sorted because the physical properties of typical plastics give rise to mechanical transport and code mark printing problems.

This paper describes a research programme to allow the introduction of plastic envelopes. Important aspects of the research include the development of an automatic plastic/paper discriminator and the quantification of the physical properties of an envelope suitable for current code-sort equipment. Modifications to existing equipment to suit common plastic films are discussed together with the development of new plastic films which are both acceptable to the British Post Office for mechanized sorting and acceptable to mailers in terms of cost and other qualities.
Strategies for Success in Manufacturing
Authors: Malpas R
Published: February 2007

Drawing on his experience in the processing industries, with particular reference to British Petroleum, the author sets out some strategies for success in industry. The business aspects are identified and broadly outlined; the harnessing of technology for profitable growth is discussed in detail and illustrated with some examples of successful projects within British Petroleum.
An Octree Approach to Rough Machining
Authors: Yuen M F , Tan S T , Sze W S , Wong W Y
Published: February 2007

This paper presents an octree subdivision based algorithm of automatic cutter path generation for machining on a numerical control machining centre. Both the stock and the part are represented by solid models. The machining strategy is based on a layer by layer approach taking care of the cutter strength and the variation of the part geometry. This approach allows the problem to be reduced from a three-dimensional to a two-dimensional cutter path generation problem which is solved by a quadtree representation of the plane. The method can be easily extended to include the jigs and fixtures and any other obstacles which would be represented by solid models. Algorithms are described in Pascal-like structure.
Managing the Supply Chain
Authors: Turner F
Published: February 2007

Much effort has been directed to the reduction of cost, reduction of lead-time and reduction of inventory within factories. However, in most high-technology industries a greater proportion of the manufacturing cost is associated with the products and materials supplied from the supplier network. It is therefore vitally important that the very same disciplines, controls and philosophies that apply in-house to manufacture on time, at minimum cost with minimum working capital, are applied to the components, materials and services supplied from outside the industry. This paper reviews the actions necessary in order to ensure that the supplier chain is managed with maximum effectiveness for quality production, minimum cost, with secure lead-times and delivery. The paper reviews the importance of supplier involvement in the influence of design details, working to ‘should costs’, sealing of manufacturing methods and also a commitment to just-in-time delivery, as well as just-in-time manufacture. The paper concludes with the declaration that the competitiveness of British industry largely depends on how the larger companies contribute to the international competitiveness of their suppliers.
Monitoring of Emissions from Hazardous Waste Incineration
Authors: Bromley J
Published: February 2007

Incinerator stack emissions can be followed either by monitoring gases and particulates leaving the stack or by monitoring deposition in the environment. Monitoring techniques for both are discussed and the particular problems in planning a monitoring programme are highlighted. Factors affecting the possible routes to humans must be considered and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin measurements are briefly mentioned.
Osborne Reynolds Centenary (1886–1986)
Authors: Dowson D
Published: February 2007

Osborne Reynolds' concept of fluid-film lubrication revealed one hundred years ago played a major role in the design and development of machinery in our technological age. This year marks the centenary of the publication of the most significant paper ever written in the field of tribology.