bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing of composite materials using advanced NDT methods
Authors: Łopato Przemysław , Chady Tomasz , Sikora Ryszard 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present capabilities of terahertz imaging technology in case of various composite materials and to propose a new defect detection algorithm.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first discusses an applicability of the terahertz technique in composite materials inspection. It then describes source of terahertz radiation (photoconductive antenna) and general structure of terahertz time domain imaging system. Next the terahertz imaging results of composite anticorrosion coating, glass‐ and carbon‐fiber‐reinforced laminates are presented. Then the signal processing and identification scheme based on time domain A‐scan signal equalization and C‐scan thresholding is presented. Data processed in this way are parameterized and defect identification database is prepared. The proposed procedure is verified using the exemplary inspection results of glass‐fiber laminate delamination. Finally, some comparison of terahertz time domain inspection with low energy digital radiography is presented.FindingsThis paper shows terahertz imaging as a well‐suited technique for composite structures inspection. The terahertz imaging results of composite anticorrosion coating, glass‐ and carbon‐fiber‐reinforced laminates are presented. An application of proposed signal processing algorithm enables accurate defects detection and effective data collection for identification database purpose.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insight into the potential of terahertz imaging of various composite structures. Proposed signal processing and defects detection scheme is applicable to wide range of composite structures.
Geometric dynamics of nonlinear circuits and jump effects
Authors: Thiessen Tina , Mathis Wolfgang 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to give an outline about the geometric concept of electronic circuits, where the jump behavior of nonlinear circuits is emphasized.Design/methodology/approachA sketch of circuit theory in a differential geometric setting is given.FindingsIt is shown that the structure of circuit theory can be given in a much better way than by means of a description of circuits using concrete coordinates. Furthermore, the formulation of a concrete jump condition is given.Originality/valueIn this paper, an outline is given about the state of the art of nonlinear circuits from a differential geometric point of view. Moreover, differential geometric methods were applied to two example circuits (flip flop and multivibrator) and numerical results were achieved.
Assessing the managerial relevance of contemporary supply chain management research
Authors: Thomas Rodney W. , Clifford Defee C. , Randall Wesley S. , Williams Brent 
Published: August 2011

PurposeDiscussions about the managerial relevance of scholarly research have been taking place for decades and the topic continues to be a source of debate in a number of business disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to make an initial attempt to empirically assess the relevance of supply chain management research.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods were utilized to provide some initial evidence that can help validate or refute assumptions about perceived relevance in contemporary supply chain management research.FindingsFindings of this research indicate that the most impactful supply chain management issues for managers are internal supply chain organizational structure, communication and information exchange, information technology, forecasting and sales and operations planning, and strategic leadership. Some of these managerial issues appear to be well aligned with recent research trends, but other issues are not frequently researched.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research opportunities are identified based on managerial feedback. Results of this study also suggest that a broader view of supply chain management may be appropriate if researchers want to be managerially relevant.Practical implicationsThis research potentially highlights opportunities for firms to gain a competitive advantage via their approach to supply chain management.Originality/valueThis research utilizes a unique approach to assess managerially relevant topics through a “magic wand” interviewing technique (i.e. “If we gave you a magic wand and granted you just one wish, what would you wish for to improve your supply chain?”).
Supply chain networks and service‐dominant logic: suggestions for future research
Authors: Tokman Mert , Beitelspacher Lauren S. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe service‐dominant (S‐D) logic views supply chains as value co‐creation networks. These networks promote knowledge growth amongst network members via resource deployment and coordination. The exchange of knowledge and utilization of operant resources among the network members leads to co‐created service offerings and value proposals for the end‐users, with the ultimate goal of transforming end‐user experiences to perceptions of superior value‐in‐use. The purpose of this paper is to develop an illustration of the value co‐creation concept and use this illustration as guide to examine the research gaps that are yet to be tapped in the area where supply chain networks and S‐D logic intersects.Design/methodology/approachThe literature on S‐D logic is reviewed and research gaps are identified and categorized in three specific groups.FindingsThree categories of research gaps in S‐D logic and supply chain management (SCM) areas include: gaps in utilization of internal operant resources by suppliers, manufacturers, and intermediaries; gaps in knowledge exchange and operant resource utilization between suppliers, manufacturers, and intermediaries; and gaps in knowledge exchange and operant resource utilization between end‐users and value co‐creation network partners.Originality/valueAn illustration of the value co‐creation network from the supply chain perspective is presented in this paper. The illustration of the value co‐creation network provided the guidance to categorize various research gaps in the area of S‐D logic and SCM. This categorization offers a structure from which more systematic research may be produced. It is the authors' hope that the organization and guidance provided in the paper for specific research topics in the S‐D logic area can result in research streams that could potentially offer significant contributions to SCM theory development.
Rapid casting solutions: a review
Authors: Chhabra Munish , Singh Rupinder 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the industrial applications of state‐of‐the‐art additive manufacturing (AM) techniques in metal casting technology. An extensive survey of concepts, techniques, approaches and suitability of various commercialised rapid casting (RC) solutions with traditional casting methods is presented.Design/methodology/approachThe tooling required for producing metal casting such as fabrication of patterns, cores and moulds with RC directly by using different approaches are presented and evaluated. Relevant case studies and examples explaining the suitability and problems of using RC solutions by various manufacturers and researchers are also presented.FindingsLatest research to optimize the current RC solutions, and new inventions in processing techniques and materials in RC performed by researchers worldwide are also discussed. The discussion regarding the benefits of RC solutions to foundrymen, and challenges to produce accurate and cost‐effective RC amongst AM manufacturers concludes this paper.Research limitations/implicationsThe research related to this survey is limited to the applicability of RC solutions to sand casting and investment casting processes. There is practically no implication in industrial application of RC technology.Originality/valueThis review presents the information regarding potential AM application – RC, which facilitates the fabrication of patterns, cores and moulds directly using the computer‐aided design data. The information available in this paper serves the purpose of researchers and academicians to explore the new options in the field of RC and especially users, manufacturers and service industries to produce casting in relatively much shorter time and at low cost and even to cast complex design components which otherwise was impossible by using traditional casting processes and CNC technology.
Rapid prototyping assisted fabrication of the customised temporomandibular joint implant: a case report
Authors: Deshmukh T.R. , Kuthe A.M. , Chaware S.M. , Vaibhav B. , Ingole D.S. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to find a successful treatment modality for patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis who could not be treated through traditional surgeries.Design/methodology/approachThis work integrated the unique capabilities of the imaging technique, the rapid prototyping (RP) technology and the advanced manufacturing technique to develop the customised TMJ implant. The patient specific TMJ implant was fabricated using the computed tomography scanned data and the fused deposition modeling of RP for the TMJ surgery.FindingsThis approach showed good results in fabrication of the TMJ implant. Postoperatively, the patient experienced normalcy in the jaw movements.Practical implicationsAdvanced technologies helped to fabricate the customised TMJ implant. The advantage of this approach is that the physical RP model assisted in designing the final metallic implant. It also helped in the surgical planning and the rehearsals.Originality/valueThis case report illustrates the benefits of imaging/computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing/RP to develop the customised implant and serve those patients who could not be treated in the traditional way.
Comparison of density measurement techniques for additive manufactured metallic parts
Authors: Spierings A.B. , Schneider M. , Eggenberger R. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeIn the optimisation of processing parameters for additive manufactured parts using, e.g. selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting, the measurement of the part densities is essential and of high interest. However, there is no common standard. Different institutes and system providers are using their own principles and guidelines. This study investigates the accuracies of the three measurement principles: Archimedes method, microscopic analysis of cross sections and X‐ray scanning.Design/methodology/approachA total of 15 test samples on five density levels (densities between 90 and 99.5 per cent) were produced using the SLM process. The samples are analysed regarding the accuracy of the measurement principles and their reproducibility taking into account influencing parameters like the buoyancy of a sample in air (Archimedes method) or different magnifications of a cross section.FindingsThe Archimedes method shows a very high accuracy (±0.08 per cent for high densities) and repeatability (±<0.1 per cent) on all density levels. In contrast to the Archimedes method, taking a micrograph of a specific cross section allows to influence the resulting density and the coefficient of variation reaches values>4 per cent. However, for low porosities, mean densities are comparable to the results of the Archimedes method even though calculated densities are typically somewhat too high. The advantage of the image guided analysis (2D and 3D) is getting more information about the distribution, size and form of pores in the part.Originality/valueThe findings do not only refer to metallic parts but generally to all parts having a specific porosity. The study is a contribution to the American Society for Testing and Materials initiative F42 “Additive Manufacturing Technology” and especially to the subcommittee “test methods”.
3D printed tooling for thermoforming of medical devices
Authors: Chimento Jairo , Jason Highsmith M. , Crane Nathan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of 3D printed materials for use as rapid tooling (RT) molds in low volume thermoforming processes such as in manufacturing custom prosthetics and orthotics.Design/methodology/approach3D printed specimens of different materials were produced using the Z‐Corp process. The parts were post processed using both standard and alternative methods. Material properties relevant to the 3D printed parts such as pneumatic permeability, flexural strength and wear rate were measured and compared to standard plaster compositions commonly used.FindingsThree‐dimensional printing (3DP) can replicate the performance of the plaster materials traditionally used in prosthetic/orthotic applications by using modified post process techniques. The resulting 3D printed molds can still be modified and adjusted using traditional methods. The results show that 3D printed molds are feasible for thermoforming prosthetic and orthotic devices such as prosthetic sockets while providing new flexibility.Originality/valueThe proposed method for RT of a mold for prosthetic/orthotic manufacturing provides great flexibility in the manufacturing and fitting process while maintaining proven materials in the final device provided to patients. This flexibility increases the value of digital medical records and efforts to develop model‐based approaches to prosthetic/orthotic device design by providing a readily available process for recreating molds. Depending on the needs of the practitioners and patients, 3DP can be incorporated at a variety of points in the manufacturing process.
Effective optimization of integrated circuits with embedded passive modules by applying semisymbolic LCS AC analysis method
Authors: Balik Franciszek 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new method of optimization of electronic integrated circuits (IC) with imbedded passive modules (PM). The reported method constitutes an attempt to streamline the optimization process in the AC electrical model stage of the RF Microsystems design.Design/methodology/approachIn this method, the PM are described in symbolic form while the IC blocks remain described numerically. Whole PM can be represented as some sequence of expressions containing crucial model parameters, nominal and parasitic, which are first precompiled and next, merged automatically with the main program.FindingsThe input data can be updated online according to the user's desiderata. Further, the system offers the possibility to optimize PM in diverse circumstances as well as using different technologies, and including parasitic effects.Originality/valueUsage of the semi‐symbolic method for IC with embedded PM optimization based on large‐change sensitivity AC analysis method, which appears to be a very efficient and flexible approach to solving such problems.
Comparison of results from empirical ALT test to CAE simulation for wireless clients
Authors: Huang Chien‐Yi , Huang Hui‐Hua 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how to reduce the time and cost required to conduct reliability testing. With increasing competition in the electronics industry and reduction in product life cycles, it is essential to diminish the time required for new product development and thus time to market.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts empirical sample test for wireless card and analyzes the fatigue life through finite element modeling (FEM). Simulation results are compared to the data collected from a temperature cycling test under conditions of −40°C to 150°C and −40°C to 100°C.FindingsAssuming that the results of product lifetime from empirical sample test and software simulation exhibit a linear relationship, a “scale factor” should exist for any given product structure, process condition and materials composition scenario. The scale factors were found to be approximately 0.1 in both temperature cycling scenarios. Also, the effectiveness of various adhesive dispensing patterns on solder joint reliability is evaluated through software simulation. The L shape adhesive dispensing was proven to effectively enhance the fatigue life of chip scale package solder joints roughly 100‐fold.Originality/valueThe scale factor is used to convert the results from software simulation to empirical sample test for a given set of processing environments and materials. This helps to reduce the time and cost required to conduct reliability testing.
Elemental cost estimating: current UK practice and procedure
Authors: Soutos Michail , Lowe David J. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to establish the extent to which quantity surveyors undertake cost planning and the manner in which elemental cost estimating is currently applied. Elemental cost analysis is perhaps the best known product‐based cost model and provides the data upon which elemental cost planning is based. The technique has been used by quantity surveyors to base their predictions during the design stage since the 1950s. There has, however, been no recent attempt to establish the extent to which practicing quantity surveyors use this technique (if indeed they still do so) and the manner in which cost analysis is currently carried out.Design/methodology/approachA nationwide questionnaire survey of UK quantity surveying practices was undertaken. The survey sought to establish: the extent to which elemental cost estimates are prepared for proposed developments; the format used to prepare these estimates (together with the degree to which the BCIS Standard Form of Cost Analysis (SFCA) is still used); the factors that affect the use of elemental cost estimates; and the level of the detail to which these estimates are analysed. Further, the survey investigated the predilection within the surveying profession for single‐figure and elemental format cost models.FindingsThe study clearly establishes that UK quantity surveying practices routinely undertake elemental cost planning during the design phase of a project and that the BCIS SFCA is the most popular approach to cost planning. Further, it establishes that while around 70 per cent of the respondents would not currently use single figure estimating software, between 85 and 95 per cent indicated that they would be encouraged to use it if it was able to generate an elemental breakdown of its prediction.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the current use of cost planning and analysis methods in the UK.
A stakeholder‐based perspective in the value impact assessment of the project “Valuing intangible assets in Scottish renewable SMEs”
Authors: Lerro Antonio 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide an assessment of the value generated for the stakeholders by the implementation of the project “Valuing Intangible Assets in Renewable – VIA”, managed by the Intellectual Assets Center in Scotland. The project is aimed at supporting the adoption of intangible asset management initiatives for driving performance improvement and to enhance the organizational value creation capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the renewable energy sector in Scotland, and specifically in the Highlands and Islands contexts. In order to understand the value impact of the VIA Project it is necessary to adopt a stakeholder‐based perspective.Design/methodology/approachConsidering the lack of structured approaches for the task at the hand, this paper first introduces an interpretative framework. In particular, the “Stakeholder Value Matrix” is proposed as a structured approach to identify the value dimensions affected by the project. Then, the results of a qualitative analysis based on a panel of semi‐structured interviews carried out with a selected group of opinion‐leaders, aware and informed of the project, are illustrated.FindingsA general positive judgement of the relevance and impact of the project at territorial level emerges. However, it seems that this project has had mostly an impact on the economic dimension rather on the socio‐cultural and environmental value.Originality/valueConsistent with today's strategic view of the position and role of firms for the generation of sustainable wealth in the ecosystem, this paper presents the results of a stakeholder value‐based assessment. In particular, it not only investigates the value generated by the project in terms of value added enhancement of the firms involved in the program, but also analyses the socio‐cultural and environmental value dimensions.
Design and implementation of the Balanced Scorecard at a university institute
Authors: Philbin Simon P. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify how the management of university institutes can be improved through adoption of an integrated performance measurement system based on the Balanced Scorecard.Design/methodology/approachThrough building on literature studies and management best practice, formulation of the performance measurement system was explored. The Balanced Scorecard solution was then designed and implemented at a university institute. Benefits and outcomes are discussed through reflective analysis of the case study investigation.FindingsThe study identified how the development of scorecard reports that include economic and non‐economic measures can improve the operational management of a university institute through providing tangible benefits to stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe scorecard was investigated at an industry‐supported university institute and so features of the scorecard design and implementation may be less relevant to other types of organisations.Practical implicationsThis research paper provides details on how the scorecard has been modified to provide an accessible and durable measurement system. The paper includes specific guidance for practitioners who are considering implementing the scorecard.Social implicationsThe role of intellectual capital and soft measures as systemic determinants of performance is discussed and this is viewed in terms of university‐industry collaborations.Originality/valueA comprehensive literature review underpins a two‐year research project involving strategy mapping, design and implementation of the Balanced Scorecard. Advice on modification of the scorecard and provision of representative data and information from reports serve to further the scorecard research agenda.