bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Analysis of Spall Damage Nucleation and Growth in Multicrystalline Titanium
Authors: Fortin Elizabeth V. , Brown Andrew D. , Wayne Leda , Peralta Pedro D.
Published: February 2017

Shock loading is a dynamic condition that can lead to material failure and deformation modes at the microstructural level such as cracking, void nucleation and growth, and spallation. Knowledge of shock loading and spall failure is of great benefit to understanding ballistic impact in military vehicles and armor, crash impacts in automobiles, space vehicles, and satellite loadings, and geological events such as earthquakes. Furthermore, studying material failure at the microstructural level is important to understand macroscale behavior. Spallation, the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids, is a phenomenon where variability at the microscale can affect overall response. By analyzing incipient and intermediate damage patterns at and around interfaces and boundaries on the microstructural level, can help further our understanding of the process leading to damage and provide insight on how to develop stronger structures that can withstand impacts and rapid crack propagation. Most of the existing work has looked into the effect of grain boundaries in spall damage for body and face centered cubic (BCC, FCC) materials, but research is still lacking on grain boundary effects in spall damage in hexagonal close packed materials, such as titanium. Samples of high purity Ti were heat treated to obtain large grains, averaging 250 microns in size (multicrystals), in order to isolate grain boundary effects. These multicrystals were shocked using laser-launched flyer plates at the Trident laser at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and monitored using a velocity interferometry system for any reflector (VISAR). Pressures used were 5–8 GPa. Samples were soft recovered and cross-sectioned to perform quantitative characterization of damage. Spallation damage observed in the titanium targets was characterized using electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to gather information on the crystallographic characteristics of damage nucleation sites, with emphasis on grain boundaries and grain orientations that lead to damage localization. Initial results show that damage localized along grain boundaries, and the damage mode switched from intergranular to transgranular where grains were larger than average.
A Mixed-Kernel-Based Support Vector Regression Model for Automotive Body Design Optimization
Authors: Fang Yudong , Zhan Zhenfei , Yang Junqi , Lu Jun , Chen Chong
Published: February 2017

Finite Element (FE) models are commonly used for automotive body design. However, even with increasing speed of computers, the FE-based simulation models are still too time-consuming when the models are complex. To improve the computational efficiency, SVR, a potential approximate model, has been widely used as the surrogate of FE model for crashworthiness optimization design. Generally, in the traditional SVR, when dealing with nonlinear data, the single kernel function based projection can’t fully cover data distribution characteristics. In order to eliminate the limitations of single kernel SVR, a mixed-kernel-based SVR (MKSVR) is proposed in this research. The mixed kernel is constructed based on the linear combination of radial basis kernel function and polynomial kernel function. Through the particle swarm optimization algorithm, the parameters of the mixed kernel SVR are optimized. Then the proposed MKSVR is applied to automotive body design optimization. The application of MKSVR is demonstrated by a vehicle design problem for weight reduction while satisfying safety constraints on X direction acceleration and Crush Distance. A comparison study for SVR and MKSVR in application indicates MKSVR surpasses SVR in model accuracy.
A Stochastic Multivariate Validation Method for Dynamic Systems
Authors: Lu Jun , Zhan Zhenfei , Wang Pan , Fang Yudong , Yang Junqi
Published: February 2017

As computer models become more powerful and popular, the complexity of input and output data raises new computational challenges. One of the key difficulties for model validation is to evaluate the quality of a computer model with multivariate, highly correlated and non-normal data, the direct application of traditional validation approaches does not appear to be suitable. This paper proposes a stochastic method to validate the dynamic systems. Firstly, a dimension reduction utilizing kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) is used to improve the computational efficiency. A probability model is then established by non-parametric kernel density estimation (KDE) method, and differences between the test data and simulation results are finally extracted to further comparative validation. This new approach resolves some critical drawbacks of the previous methods and improves the processing ability to nonlinear problem to validation the dynamic model. The proposed method and process are successfully illustrated through a real-world vehicle dynamic system example. The results demonstrate that the method of incorporate with KPCA and KDE is an effective approach to solve the dynamic model validation problem.
Ride-On Mower Rollover Accidents: Study and Design Solutions
Authors: Sevart Kevin B.
Published: February 2017

Each year hundreds of ride-on mower operators are injured or killed as the result of rollover accidents. Several studies have indicated that rollover accidents are the most prominent type of fatal ride-on mower accident. Rollover accidents have occurred during actual mowing operations as well as during transport or loading onto transport equipment. The mowers themselves are designed and marketed for either commercial use or consumer use. However, commercial mowers are routinely sold to and used by ordinary consumers as there are no restrictions on such sales.

The mechanism of injury is typically the weight of the machine pinning the operator, or personal contact with a rotating cutting blade. Even relatively light-weight mowing machines have caused deaths due to asphyxiation or drowning when an operator was pinned under the machine. Operators that avoid being trapped under the weight of the machine may come into contact with a rotating cutting blade and receive a serious injury, such as an amputation.

This paper presents a brief history of industry safety standards applicable to either consumer or commercial mowing machines. A discussion is presented of available accident reports and statistics. Sources of the data reviewed include the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the author’s personal investigations. Several common rollover accident modes have been identified.

While it is not possible to design a ride-on mower that could not roll over, design considerations should be utilized to minimize the propensity of the machine to roll and to minimize injuries should the machine roll over. This paper describes these design considerations.
Graphene Oxide Reinforced Double Network Hydrogel
Authors: Wang Jilong , Qiu Jenny
Published: February 2017

In this paper, to improve the mechanical properties of calcium alginate/polyacrylamide double network hydrogel, the graphene oxide is introduced as a nano-reinfrocer in the naocomposite gel. In addition, the swelling property of gels is suppressed with GO.
Pressure Drop of Liquid-Liquid Taylor Flow in Mini-Scale Tubing
Authors: Adrugi W. , Muzychka Y. S. , Pope K.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the pressure drop of liquid-liquid segmented flow in small-scale tubing is investigated with experimental and analytical methods. A theoretical model is developed for describing the total pressure drop as a function of slug length and Capillary number. The experiments are conducted with low Reynolds number flows in horizontal, straight mini-scale tubes. A segmented (Taylor) flow is created using several low viscosity silicone oils (1, 3, 5 cSt) and water with a wide range of flow rates. The experimental setup allows the independent variation of liquid slug lengths. The liquids are injected into the mini-scale tubes at a variable (pulsed) flow rate for one liquid, and a constant flow rate for another liquid. The variation of liquid types and flow rates causes numerous combinations of Prandtl, Reynolds, and Capillary numbers to be tested. The theoretical and experimental data is presented in terms of the dimensionless groups fRe or ΔP* and Le* to predict pressure drop in liquid-liquid Taylor flow. The new experimental data agrees well with the new theoretical model of Taylor flow in miniscale tubes. The results of this paper indicate the pressure drop for Taylor flow is higher than in single-phase flow, likely due to the interfacial effects in liquid slugs.
An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Gamma Radiation on 3D Printed ABS for In-Space Manufacturing Purposes
Authors: Rankouhi Behzad , Delfanian Fereidoon , McTaggart Robert , Letcher Todd
Published: February 2017

The following work is presented as a preliminary study on the effects of gamma irradiation on mechanical properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) as an in-space 3D printing feedstock to investigate the forthcoming possibilities of this technology for future space exploration missions. 3D printed testing samples were irradiated at different dosages from 1 to 1400 kGy (1 Gray (Gy) = 1 J/kg = 100 rad) using a Cobalt-60 gamma irradiator to simulate space radiation environment. Testing samples were manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with a Makerbot Replicator 2x 3D printer. The correlation between the mechanical properties of irradiated samples and accumulated radiation dosage were evaluated by a series of tensile and flexural tests. Furthermore, Shore hardness tests were conducted to evaluate changes in surface hardness of irradiated parts. Finally, results were compared with a control group of samples. Findings showed a significant decrease in mechanical performance and noticeable changes in appearance of the parts with accumulated dosage of 1000 kGy and higher. However, for dosages below 10 kGy, samples showed no significant decrease in mechanical performance or change in appearance. These results were used to predict the life of a 3D printed part on board the International Space Station (ISS), on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, in deep space and long duration missions.
FEA Design and Crashworthiness Evaluation of a 31-Inch W-Beam Guardrail System for Placement on a 3H:1V Sloped Terrain Configuration
Authors: Silvestri Dobrovolny Chiara , Arrington Dusty R. , Schulz Nathan , Xavier Connie
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this research was to develop a 31-inch (787 mm) W-beam guardrail system to be placed with a 3H:1V slope in front of the barrier. The structural capacity and the occupant risk factors of such a proposed guardrail system were evaluated with respect to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) TL-3 criteria. Finite element computer models of new guardrail designs for evaluation when placed on a 3H:1V sloped terrain configuration were developed and impact simulations were conducted to support their evaluation according to MASH standards evaluation criteria.

Three barrier designs for placement on a 3H:1V slope were suggested for evaluation through predictive computer simulations. All systems appear to be crashworthy and likely to pass safety evaluation criteria required for MASH. Depending on the desired system post distance location from the 3H:1V slope break, the researchers recommend evaluation of selected design through full-scale crash testing according to MASH TL-3 criteria. The information compiled from this research will provide the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and State Departments of Transportation with a W-beam guardrail design as a crashworthy system to be placed with a 3H:1V slope in front of a barrier.
Mechanical Behavior of UO2 at Sub-Grain Length Scales: A Quantification of Creep Properties via High Temperature Mechanical Testing
Authors: Shaffer Benjamin E. , Lim Harn C. , Mcdonald Robert E. , Peralta Pedro D.
Published: February 2017

In this work, creep behavior was quantified via high temperature mechanical testing; to facilitate this, techniques were developed to: 1) measure plasticity and creep properties samples at sub-grain length scales using ex-situ mechanical testing at elevated temperatures, and 2) characterize microstructure before and after testing at the same location on the sample surface to evaluate effects of creep at the microscale. Conventional uniaxial compression testing experiments were performed under controlled atmospheres, which insured stoichiometry control, at a temperature of 900 °C, which allowed measurement of properties involving creep behavior (e.g. creep strain rates). Samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD).
Design, Development, and Analysis of a Hemispherical Singularity Drive System for Instantaneously Omnidirectional Motion With Kinematic Isotropy
Authors: Clarke Elliott , Fite Bryan , Reyer Julie A.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an omnidirectional drive system with instantaneous omnidirectionality and kinematic isotropy, the Hemispherical Singularity Drive (HSD). By driving a hemispherical wheel mounted on a pointing mechanism, a thrust vector can be generated with arbitrary direction and magnitude. The direction of this thrust is determined by the pointing mechanism’s heading and the magnitude is a function of wheel speed and effective wheel radius, which is in turn dictated by the degree of wheel tilt. At “neutral” position, the wheel operates at its singularity point, producing no thrust regardless of wheel speed. This paper presents the design, kinematics, and an approach to the inverse kinematics of a single module. An omnidirectional robot can have one or more of these modules, effecting increased degrees of mobility, and the governing equations for control of a robot with three or more modules are presented.
Viscoelastic Properties of Carbon/Epoxy Amino-Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelet Composite
Authors: Hossain Mohammad K. , Chowdhury Md Mahmudur R. , Hosur Mahesh , Bolden Nydeia W.
Published: February 2017

A systematic study was conducted on processing and characterizing of the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy polymer (CFRP) composite to enhance its viscoelastic and thermal properties through the integration of an optimized amount of amino-functionalized graphene nanoplatelet (NH2-GNP). Epoxy resin, EPON 828, was modified through the integration of 0.1–0.5 wt% of NH2-GNP as a reinforcing agent. The GNP was infused into the resin using a high intensity ultrasonic processor followed by a three roll milling for better dispersion. Epikure 3223 curing agent was then added to the modified resin and mixed using a high-speed mechanical stirrer. The nanophased epoxy was then used to fabricate CFRP nanocomposites using the compression molding process. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA) were performed to analyze viscoelastic and thermal performances of these composites. In all cases, 0.4 wt% GNP-infused epoxy nanocomposite exhibited the best properties. The 0.4 wt% GNP modified carbon fiber/epoxy composites showed 19% and 23% improvement in storage modulus and loss modulus, respectively. Glass transition temperature (Tg) was improved by 16% maximum at 0.4 wt% GNP loading due to better interfacial interaction and effective load transfer between NH2-GNP and epoxy resin. Moreover, there were about 13% and 28% reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) before and after Tg, respectively.
Structural Integrity Analysis of GLCC© Separator Inlet
Authors: Kolla Srinivas Swaroop , Mohan Ram S. , Shoham Ovadia
Published: February 2017

The gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©) is a simple, compact and low-cost separator, which provides an economically attractive alternative to conventional gravity based separators over a wide range of applications. As shown in Figure 1, over the past 20 years more than 6,000 GLCC’s have been installed around the world by the Petroleum and related industries. However, to-date no systematic study has been carried out on its structural integrity. The GLCC inlet section design is a key parameter, which is crucial for its performance and proper operation. This paper presents Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation results aimed at investigating the effect of various parameters on the inlet section structural integrity. Finally, recommendations on design modifications are presented, directed at strengthening the inlet section.
Next Generation Exascale Capable Mutliphase Solver With Trilinos
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ashesh , Kotteda V. M. Krushnarao , Kumar Vinod , Spotz William
Published: February 2017

A framework is developed to integrate the existing MFiX (Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges) flow solver with state-of-the-art linear equation solver packages in Trilinos. The integrated solver is tested on various flow problems. The performance of the solver is evaluated on fluidized bed problems and observed that the integrated flow solver performs better compared to the native solver.
Modeling and Optimal Control of a Variable-Speed Centrifugal Pump With a Pipeline
Authors: Jaimes Saavedra Cristian F. , Roa Prada Sebastian , Maradey Lázaro Jessica G.
Published: February 2017

Pumping processes often require different operating conditions for the same pipeline. The conditions downstream in the pipeline can change in such a way that the pressure at the discharge of the pump may vary, which automatically introduces changes in the flow supplied by the pump into the pipeline due to the head vs flow characteristic curve of the pump. Even under varying pipeline pressure conditions, it may be necessary to keep the flow discharge of the pump constant. The two most commonly used control strategies for flow control with centrifugal pumps are by means of a fixed-speed pump and a control valve at the outlet of the pump, or by means of a variable frequency drive which avoids the need for the control valve. It has been demonstrated that the approach with the fixed-speed pump and the control valve provides poor power efficiency results, so a variable frequency drive is normally the solution of choice in industry applications. The use of a variable frequency drive allows reaching the flow required by the system without changing the physical characteristic of the pump or pipeline, i.e., it is not necessary to shut the system down to replace the impeller of the pump. However, affinity laws of centrifugal pumps dictate that a change in the rotational speed of the impeller shifts the characteristic curves of the pump, not only the flow vs head curve, but also the efficiency curves, among others. Besides, searching for a different operating point by changing the speed of the pump does not necessarily guarantees optimal operating power efficiency. This paper proposes an optimization approach where a compromise is made between flow control and power efficiency by minimizing the error in the flow rate while at the same time maximizing the power efficiency. To accomplish this goal, this paper presents the modeling of the pump and pipeline, and the design of a linear quadratic regulator control for the fluid flow passing through a given pipeline. The fluid under consideration is water. The mathematical model of the overall system is derived by considering the model of an AC motor, the pump and the hydraulic circuit. Then, with the help of the software MATLAB, the controller was designed and implemented with the linearized mathematical model. The actuator of the control system is the variable frequency drive that changes the speed of the impeller to adjust the flow rate to the required operating point under different loading conditions. The results show the behavior of the compensated system with the optimal controller. In practice, the control system must take into account the constraints of the control effort, which means, the frequency of the pump must be kept within safe values to achieve proper functioning of the pumping system.
Numerical Simulation of Combustion Performance of Pulverized Coal Burner
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Yang Mo , Zhang Yuwen
Published: February 2017

The combustion mechanism of pulverized coal in a DRB-4Z burner are analyzed and the temperature distribution, char burnout and CO production in the burner outlet area are obtained. The gas phase turbulence model is the Realizable k-ε two equation model, and radiation heat transfer model is P-1 radiation model. The discrete phase model is used to simulate the force and motion trajectory of the pulverized coal particles, and the stochastic model is used to simulate the flow of coal particles. The combustion model is non-premixed combustion model, and the devolatilization model is two competing rates model; char combustion model is kinetics/diffusion-limited model. Numerical results revealed the mechanism of pulverized coal devolatilization and char combustion, and the solution may give reference to air arrangement of the same type of burners.
Swelling and Deswelling Kinetics of Superabsorbent Polymer
Authors: Chancellor Cody , Elsharafi Mahmoud
Published: February 2017

In the oil industry, techniques that decrease unwanted water production have drawn large amounts of interest from many companies. During water injection operations, water is injected into the reservoir in order to extract oil remaining in the formation. Due to the heterogeneity in the reservoir formation, oil production will decline and water production will increase as the injected water sweeps the high permeability zones. In order to flush out the oil remaining in the low permeability zones, many treatments have been used. One such treatment involves the injection of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) into the high permeability zones. The swelled polymer will decrease heterogeneity in the reservoir’s permeability, thus forcing injected water into the oil rich, unswept zones/areas of the formation. Proper application of an SAP can have a dramatic impact on both the production and lifespan of mature oil wells. Understanding the swelling and deswelling kinetics of the SAP is crucial to its application. The following work focused on the use of AT-O3S polymer, a Sodium salt of crosslinked polyacrylic acid purchased from Emerging Technologies®. The polymer had a particle size of 35 to 60 meshes, or 250 to 500 microns. The swelling and deswelling ratio of such a polymer is heavily influenced by salinity, temperature, and pH. In order to study the polymer’s kinetics, 1% (for swelling) or 0.1% (for deswelling) by solution weight of polymer was allowed to swell and deswell over time in various brines. These brines were made up of deionized water, 1% to 20% (by wt.) Sodium Chloride, and/or 1% to 10% (by wt.) Calcium Chloride. The effect of temperature on the final swelling ratio was afterwards tested. Understanding the reaction of SAPs to conditions similar to those found in an oil formation can help the oil industry to utilize this tool with greater efficiency.
Investigation of Aerodynamic Performance of Helical Shape Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Models With Various Number of Blades Using Wind Tunnel Testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Rahman Mosfequr , Salyers Travis , Ahmed Mahbub , ElShahat Adel , Soloiu Valentin , Maroha Emile
Published: February 2017

The demand for wind energy as a renewable source is rising substantially. A growing interest exists in utilizing potential energy conversion applications in areas with less powerful and less consistent wind conditions. In these areas, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) possess several advantages over the conventional horizontal-axis type. Savonius turbines are drag-based rotors which operate due to a pressure difference between the advancing and retreating blades. These turbines are simpler in design, less expensive to install, independent of wind direction, and more efficient at low wind speeds. In the present study, rotors were designed with semi-circle blades consisting of a helical shape with twist angle of 90 degrees. Helical designs spread the torque applied to the rotor over a complete revolution with the purpose of increasing efficiency. Three models were analyzed with different number of blades including 2, 3, and 4 blade models.

Models for testing were designed using the CAD software SolidWorks. The blades were then 3D printed with PLA plastic. A consistent swept area was maintained for each model, and only blade number was varied. Subsonic, open-type wind tunnel testing was used for measuring RPM and reactional torque over a range of wind speeds. For the numerical approach, ANSYS Fluent simulations were used for analyzing aerodynamic performance by utilizing moving reference frame and sliding mesh model techniques. Due to the helical twist, the cross-section of the blades varied in the Y-direction. Because of this, a 3-dimensional and transient method was used for accurately solving torque and power coefficients. It has been found that the highest average power coefficient observed in the study is achieved by the Helical2 model (2-bladed helical design VAWT model), both numerically and experimentally.
Numerical Study of Flow Physics Behind the Aerodynamic Performance on an Airfoil With Leading Edge Tubercles
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhao Ming , Xu Jianzhong
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a numerical analysis of the flow physics behind the effects of leading-edge protuberances on airfoil performances at low Reynolds number with an aim to provide a solid foundation for the engineering applications in the near future. An improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) method based on a transition model was proposed and validated through comparisons with experimental results. Utilizing the IDDES scheme, together with vortex dynamic method, investigations were focused on the stall and post-stall regions, respectively. It was found that an interesting ‘bi-periodic’ phenomenon within stall region, i.e. converged and diverged vortical flow in adjacent trough sections of tubercles, was created with the complicated evolution of the generated streamwise counter-rotating vortex pairs, resulting in the degraded aerodynamic characteristics as well as rather gentle stall process. For the post-stall cases, the impaired flow detachment around both peak and trough sections of tubercles were responsible for the improved airfoil performance. In addition, two physical models within the two regions were also built to further clarify the flow physics in a general way.
Steam Gasification of Miscanthus in a Double Stage Downdraft Gasifier
Authors: Sharma Tejasvi , Yepes Diego , Shi Yunye , Ratner Albert , Silva Lora Electo
Published: February 2017

Gasification is the incomplete combustion of biomass, which produces syngas, biochar and tar. A study of steam gasification of Miscanthus was done on a double stage down draft gasifier at Federal University of Itajuba. The main objective of this paper is to analyze and characterize the syngas produced from the double stage downdraft system. Compared to the previous publication that focused on the gasification of corn using air, this paper elaborates on the steam gasification of Miscanthus.

In a double stage downdraft gasifier, Miscanthus with 12% moisture was inserted into the system from the top. The gasifier has two inlets: primary and secondary. The steam was inserted through these inlets.

The Miscanthus briquettes entering the gasifier were passed through a drying zone where the moisture content was removed. The fuel was then passed through a combustion and pyrolysis zone followed by a reduction zone. The syngas produced exited the gasifier through a grate and was analyzed for a continuous period of time.

When using steam as a gasifying agent, it was found that the syngas showed a 15 % increase in hydrogen, a 50% decrease carbon monoxide with no change in methane composition. The increase in hydrogen can be used for alternate energy such as in fuel cells. The syngas heating value was obtained to be 4.64 MJ/Nm3.

This paper compares the syngas composition evolved from the gasification of Miscanthus when using air and steam as gasifying agents.
Embedded Controller Based Automatic Gear Change Mechanism for Two Wheeled Manual Transmission Motorcycle
Authors: Mairal Aditya A. , Pandey Akash B. , Shah Jimil M.
Published: February 2017

For the vehicle to move forward, the engine has to be connected to driving wheels so as to propel the vehicle. The engine rotates at relatively high speeds, while the wheels are required to turn at slower speeds. The torque requirements of the vehicle vary as per the prevailing conditions of load, terrain etc. Gear box provides different gear ratios between the engine and the driving wheels, to suit the varying road conditions such as when climbing hills, traversing rough road, moving on sandy road or pulling a load. The required gear shift for providing varying torque requirements can be obtained either manually or automatically. Automatic gear shifting mechanism is a concept implementing an embedded control system for actuating the gears automatically without human intervention. The automation is achieved by using a microcontroller and suitable sensor and actuator hardware. Whenever the speed of the vehicle increases or decreases beyond a pre-defined set of values, the microcontroller based control system actuates the clutch as well as the gear and helps maintain a steady operation of the automobile. The concept of automatic gear change is applied in this work to a 4-stroke, manual transmission motorcycle. The clutch is actuated by means of a DC Motor actuated mechanism and gear lever is actuated by means of the spring loaded solenoid actuator, both controlled by a microcontroller based circuit, programmed to read the signals from an inductive proximity sensor which senses the actual speed of the wheel. The system design and development is described in this paper with control circuit and control logic.
Design of a Clamp for a Thermoelectric Generator Using Bimetallic Thermal Properties
Authors: Dell Robert , Wei C. S. , Mitchell Nicholas , Unnthorsson Runar
Published: February 2017

A design team at the Cooper Union for the advancement of Science and Art has developed and patented a robust thermoelectric-based point of use power generation system with no moving parts that is designed to be clamped onto the outer wall of a steam or hot water pipe [1]. Furthermore, in 2013 The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science received patents for The Bimetallic Leaf Spring and Clamping Device which was designed so that it can compensate for the expected positive expansion and contraction of the thermoelectric power generation system.

This paper presents different design concepts evaluated during the development of the clamp and theoretical models for determining the coefficient of thermal expansion of the design concepts. Furthermore, the paper presents experimental results from testing different variations of the selected design concept. Finally, a theoretical thermal expansion model with experimentally obtained parameters is presented. The final clamp design compensates for the expansion and contraction of the thermoelectric power generation system.
An Airborne Camera Simulator for Aerial Mapping Applications
Authors: Polimeno Federica , Milella Annalisa , Rouveure Raphaël , Reina Giulio
Published: February 2017

Unmanned aerial vehicles are being increasingly used in challenging applications, such as environmental monitoring and surveying, precision agriculture, and mitigation actions in disaster sites. Visual cameras constitute an important component of a UAV sensor suite, allowing the vehicle to perceive the surrounding environment, and perform tasks such as mapping, 3D reconstruction, and path planning. In this work, a simulator reproducing the output of a visual camera transported onboard a UAV is proposed. The objective of the simulator is to assist the user in defining the most suitable camera configuration before going through field development and testing. Special focus is given to the realistic rendering of the environment. In this paper, first, the main elements of the simulator, including environment modeling, vehicle trajectory and camera modeling are described. Then, the use of the simulator to analyze the influence of some main camera parameters on the output of the imaging process is shown. Finally, the application of the simulator for the generation of aerial mosaics using Google Earth data is presented.
Understanding the Crystallization of PLA Effects of Temperature and Shearing Conditions
Authors: Boutaous M’hamed , Refaa Zakariaa , Xin Shihe , Siginer Dennis A.
Published: February 2017

Processing conditions of polymers governs the final part properties; in fact the thermomechanical history subjected by the polymer affects directly the crystalline microstructure and the crystallinity. In this work we aim to draw a global view about the crystallization kinetics and crystalline morphology of Polylactide (PLA).

Unfortunately, the crystallization kinetics of PLA is very slow and limits the possibility to extend its application in several industrials domains. The enhancement of the PLA crystallization kinetic can be obtained by addition of nucleating agents of by ordering the molecular chains during flow, as in processing conditions.

In this paper, we propose to highlight the competition between several parameters, as the shear rate, the temperature kinetics and the shearing time.
Design of a Hybrid Active and Passive Efficient Micromixer for 3D Printed Microfluidics
Authors: Liolli Austin , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal
Published: February 2017

Mixing efficiency is one of the most important factors in stabilizing the final diffusion concentration inside a microfluidic Lab-on-a-chip (LOC). In this study, an examination of the combinational effects of active (electro-osmotic) and passive (barrier) mixing are investigated using finite element analysis. Mixing time and mixing length are the two key performance factors for designing a mixer. Our investigation presents an approach for reducing mixing time and length. We investigated mixing sub-factor such as: excitation voltage, electrode size, excitation frequency and electrode amount for efficient mixing. We simultaneously tested passive mixing factors such as: barrier shape, size and amount. Our result shows that among different barrier shapes, square barriers provided the best mixing. It was also noted that barrier size, within the dimensions we tested, did not vary the mixing output significantly. In the active mixing trials, the input voltage and frequencies were tested. Reducing excitation voltage reduces concentration dilution and the frequency had a parabolic relationship with concentration. Mixing efficiency is also related to the amount of electrodes present. The competing values for each sub-factor are plotted against each other to compare the cross effects on mixing efficiency and to find best geometric and excitation parameters. The optimal hybrid mixer presented in this paper can enable further development of next generation lab-on-chip devices based on 3D microfluidics.
Gospel Narratives, Miracles, and the ‘Critical’ Reader: The Eclipse of the Supernatural
Authors: Birch Jonathan C. P.
Published: February 2017

The European Enlightenment and the nineteenth century were formative periods for modern biblical criticism, and are rightly associated with the rise of sceptical perspectives on the supernatural dimension of the Bible. This article argues for the persistence of pre-critical, theologically conditioned assumptions in the hermeneutical procedures of two influential writers on the subject of miracles in the Gospels: Thomas Woolston and David Friedrich Strauss. Their work helped to revive a theological tradition of non-realistic interpretation of biblical narrative which runs from Origen of Alexandria to Rudolf Bultmann and beyond.
Editing Encyclopedias and Handbooks in Religious Studies in the Twenty-First Century: Aims and Challenges
Authors: Brown Frank Burch
Published: February 2017

In the twenty-first century, the editing of encyclopedias and handbooks in religious studies grows ever more daunting, not least because of the sheer amount of knowledge now available and because of the greater need to attend to multiple religions and cultures. What makes the work so challenging is also, however, what makes it increasingly indispensable. The ideal of an encyclopedia or handbook as making for an expanded community of inquiry can be realized in new ways online, but only with proper attention to highlighting patterns and making connections—such as those that exist between the arts and religion.
The First Rule is Never Begin with the Letter A... Or, How I Learned to Love Writing Reference Books
Authors: Apostolos-Cappadona Diane
Published: February 2017

This autobiographical reflection relates the origin of one scholar's interest in research books and her engagement in the writing and editing of reference works. Her journey from researcher to contributor to editor is detailed in light of her engagement with multidisciplinary scholarship from the history of religions, art history, cultural history, American studies, to women's and gender studies.  Highlighted with examples of varied multidisciplinary dictionary and encyclopedia projects, the pitfalls and rewards of writing and editing reference works are related.  Brief descriptions of the experiential differences in the editing and writing for print versus online reference publications are recorded.
Brexit Barrow: Real-Time Receptions of the Bible during a Summer of Political Chaos
Authors: Crossley James G.
Published: February 2017

In the wake of the 2008 recession, the first mainstream challenges to the dominance of neoliberalism and its accompanying Bible in English political discourse have emerged in the 2010s. The referendum on EU membership brought to the fore grievances that had been building for decades, particularly in towns that have faced sharp industrial decline. One such town is Barrow-in-Furness. This article analyses interviews, discussions, and social media activity during the Referendum campaign and its aftermath in order to see what kinds of perceptions about the Bible and religion exist in Barrow and to compare them with assumptions about the Bible and religion in mainstream political discourse. There was minimal interest in the Bible and regular ridicule aimed at political claims of the Bible as the source of English or British values and identity. This partly coheres with some recent research on understandings of Christianity but it must also be understood in the context of the hatred towards political and economic authority in places like Barrow. Despite the minimal interest in the Bible and Christianity, their commonly constructed Other—Islam—was regularly seen as another source of threatening authority, a telling fear in a town with only 0.2% identifying as Muslim.
Synthetic waveforms of axial motion in a borehole with drill string
Authors: Farina Biancamaria , Poletto Flavio , Carcione José M.
Published: February 2017

This work studies the wave motion in a fluid-filled borehole in the presence of drill string and geological formation. The synthetic waveforms are obtained by a three-dimensional axis-symmetric full-wave numerical simulation in a two-dimensional multi-domain where the medium is uniform with respect to the azimuth. The discretization is performed in cylindrical coordinates. In order to simulate the waves at the origin (axis of the polar radius), a very small radius is used to avoid the singularity. The free-surface and rigid boundary conditions are tested and it is shown that the rigid one constitutes the best approximation. The simulations provide the amplitude distribution and motion diagrams in the borehole vertical cross-sections and at the outer boundary, away from the borehole. Propagation in the presence of hard and soft formations is analysed. The dispersion, the amplitude, and the orbital polarization of the modes excited by a point source acting in the fluid inside a drillstring are considered and examples of comparison with literature results obtained using multi-modal analysis are shown. The proposed approach is more general than the multi-modal analysis, since it allows for arbitrary variations of the properties in the plane of symmetry.
Hypoxia causes preservation of labile organic matter and changes seafloor microbial community composition (Black Sea)
Authors: Jessen Gerdhard L. , Lichtschlag Anna , Ramette Alban , Pantoja Silvio , Rossel Pamela E. , Schubert Carsten J. , Struck Ulrich , Boetius Antje
Published: February 2017

Hypoxia enhances organic matter preservation in marine sediments by changing benthic communities, bioturbation, and burial rates.
High-throughput screening of tyrosine kinase inhibitor cardiotoxicity with human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Sharma Arun , Burridge Paul W. , McKeithan Wesley L. , Serrano Ricardo , Shukla Praveen , Sayed Nazish , Churko Jared M. , Kitani Tomoya , Wu Haodi , Holmström Alexandra , Matsa Elena , Zhang Yuan , Kumar Anusha , Fan Alice C. , del Álamo Juan C. , Wu Sean M. , Moslehi Javid J. , Mercola Mark , Wu Joseph C.
Published: February 2017

High-throughput screening of drugs with human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes reveals a “cardiac safety index.”
Nodding syndrome may be an autoimmune reaction to the parasitic worm
Onchocerca volvulus
Authors: Johnson Tory P. , Tyagi Richa , Lee Paul R. , Lee Myoung-Hwa , Johnson Kory R. , Kowalak Jeffrey , Elkahloun Abdel , Medynets Marie , Hategan Alina , Kubofcik Joseph , Sejvar James , Ratto Jeffrey , Bunga Sudhir , Makumbi Issa , Aceng Jane R. , Nutman Thomas B. , Dowell Scott F. , Nath Avindra
Published: February 2017

Patients with nodding syndrome have autoantibodies to leiomodin-1 that are neurotoxic and cross-react with proteins of the parasitic worm
Onchocerca volvulus
.
Baring cellular souls
Authors: Shalek Alex K.
Published: February 2017

Coupling chemical approaches for disrupting DNA-protein complexes in intact nuclei with combinatorial barcoding enables high-throughput single-cell DNA sequencing.
Nodding syndrome: Preventable and treatable
Authors: Colebunders Robert , Titulaer Maarten J.
Published: February 2017

New insights into the pathophysiology of nodding syndrome, a form of childhood epilepsy associated with onchocerciasis, provide new opportunities for disease treatment and parasite control (Johnson
et al
.).
Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Analyses Reveal the Structure and Dynamics of a Dechlorinating Community Containing Dehalococcoides mccartyi and Corrinoid-Providing Microorganisms under Cobalamin-Limited Conditions
Authors: Men Yujie , Yu Ke , Bælum Jacob , Gao Ying , Tremblay Julien , Prestat Emmanuel , Stenuit Ben , Tringe Susannah G. , Jansson Janet , Zhang Tong , Alvarez-Cohen Lisa
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study is to obtain a systems-level understanding of the interactions between
Dehalococcoides
and corrinoid-supplying microorganisms by analyzing community structures and functional compositions, activities, and dynamics in trichloroethene (TCE)-dechlorinating enrichments. Metagenomes and metatranscriptomes of the dechlorinating enrichments with and without exogenous cobalamin were compared. Seven putative draft genomes were binned from the metagenomes. At an early stage (2 days), more transcripts of genes in the
Veillonellaceae
bin-genome were detected in the metatranscriptome of the enrichment without exogenous cobalamin than in the one with the addition of cobalamin. Among these genes, sporulation-related genes exhibited the highest differential expression when cobalamin was not added, suggesting a possible release route of corrinoids from corrinoid producers. Other differentially expressed genes include those involved in energy conservation and nutrient transport (including cobalt transport). The most highly expressed corrinoid
de novo
biosynthesis pathway was also assigned to the
Veillonellaceae
bin-genome. Targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses confirmed higher transcript abundances of those corrinoid biosynthesis genes in the enrichment without exogenous cobalamin than in the enrichment with cobalamin. Furthermore, the corrinoid salvaging and modification pathway of
Dehalococcoides
was upregulated in response to the cobalamin stress. This study provides important insights into the microbial interactions and roles played by members of dechlorinating communities under cobalamin-limited conditions.

IMPORTANCE
The key chloroethene-dechlorinating bacterium
Dehalococcoides mccartyi
is a cobalamin auxotroph, thus acquiring corrinoids from other community members. Therefore, it is important to investigate the microbe-microbe interactions between
Dehalococcoides
and the corrinoid-providing microorganisms in a community. This study provides systems-level information, i.e., taxonomic and functional compositions and dynamics of the supportive microorganisms in dechlorinating communities under different cobalamin conditions. The findings shed light on the important roles of
Veillonellaceae
species in the communities compared to other coexisting community members in producing and providing corrinoids for
Dehalococcoides
species under cobalamin-limited conditions.