bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Transfer in a Quarter-Car Model With Inertially Nonlinear Inerter-Based Pendulum Vibration Absorber
Authors: Cosner Joel A. , Tai Wei-Che 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this theoretical study, a recently developed inerter-based pendulum vibration absorber (IPVA) is coupled with energy harvesting capabilities and applied to a quarter car model driving on a class C road (ISO 8608). Performance metrics including power harvested, sprung mass acceleration (ride comfort), and road handling are studied while varying the dimensionless pendulum length parameter. It is discovered that P-bifurcation of the probability density function (PDF), from mono-modal to bimodal is responsible for large output power (40% improved) and low sprung mass acceleration (40% improved) when compared with the equivalent linear system. Ride handling is determined to be best as well under bimodal conditions. As such, the authors further develop a Wiener path integration (WPI) coupled with curvature checking for the PDF to predict this P-bifurcation and eliminate the need for exhaustive Monte Carlo simulations for various parameter configurations. Energy flow in the system is also considered.
Modal Analysis of 2D Periodic Structures Using Dynamic Condensation With Primal Assembly
Authors: Hagos Robel Weldebrhan , Chang Seongmin , Han Jae-Hung 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Periodic structures, composed of repeating and regularly connected unit cells, are widely used in various engineering fields due to their functionality, aesthetics, producibility, and unique property of passively reducing vibrations. However, analyzing these structures can be challenging due to their high degrees of freedom (DOFs), and dynamic analysis of periodic structures requires solving multiple linear systems that can quickly become computationally demanding. Hence, this study presents an efficient method to predict the modal response of two-dimensional periodic structures, utilizing the improved reduced system (IRS) technique and primal assembly. The proposed method involves conducting the reduction process on the unit cells and connecting them using connectivity matrices, eliminating the need for the entire structure to be present during the analysis, resulting in improved efficiency. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated using numerical examples with complex geometry and varying material properties.
Development of Adaptive Connectors Based on Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Hofer Andreas , Pagel Kenny , Thüsing Kai , Langbein Sven , Lembke Dietrich , Drossel Welf-Guntram 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
A major limiting factor in the charging time of fast-charging electrical vehicles is the maximum electrical power that can be transmitted through the contact points between the charging plug and the vehicle inlet. The electrical contact resistance (ECR) thereby plays a decisive role. By increasing the contact surface between these contact points, it is possible to decrease the ECR, leading to higher transmission power and reduced charging times. Due to the limited construction space, high contact forces between the charging plug and the vehicle inlet are required to reduce the ECR. However, high contact forces complicate the insertion of the plug by hand. In consequence, lower contact forces and significant heating of the connection have to be accepted. For this reason, today’s systems (e.g., Combined Charging Systems (CCS)) include active cooling of the contacts.
This paper presents an alternate system that temporarily increases the contact force of connectors during charging with shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. To ensure industrial applicability, the research is conducted on the example of a CCS Type 2 charging plug. Initially, the correlations between extraction force, contact normal force and resulting ECR are investigated experimentally. Subsequently, basic mechanisms for increasing the contact normal force with SMA wires are presented and experimentally validated. As a result, a reduction in ECR of up to 60% has been experimentally demonstrated.
Numerical Prediction of the Effective Mechanical Behavior of Interpenetrating Phase Composites Comprising Architected Nitinol Cores
Authors: Ilyas Shahzaib , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K. , El-Khasawneh Bashar , Zaki Wael 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This work focuses on the computational investigation of 3D interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) consisting of an architected shape memory alloy (SMA) microstructure embedded in an elastic-plastic second phase. The SMA functional phase consists of Nitinol (NiTi) for which the constitutive material behavior is simulated using a user-defined material subroutine (UMAT) in Abaqus finite element software. Beam-based and mathematically driven triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) architectures are considered for the NiTi functional phase. IPC unit cells are identified and modeled considering idealized periodic boundary conditions (PBCs). The mechanical and functional properties of the unit cells are evaluated using volumetric homogenization. The effective mechanical response is evaluated and analyzed as a function of NiTi volume fraction considering various loading conditions. The results show that NiTi morphology significantly affects the elastic stiffness, which varies monotonically with NiTi content. Among the geometries considered for the NiTi cores, TPMS cores having a Schwarz Diamond topology resulted in the highest effective axial stiffness and bulk moduli, whereas TPMS IWP topologies resulted in the highest strain recovery.
Prediction of Hydrodynamic Loads on a Flexible Bio-Inspired Underwater Propulsor Using Physical Reservoir Computing
Authors: He Shan , Hess Isabel , Musgrave Patrick 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Bio-inspired autonomous underwater vehicles (BAUVs) have the potential for stealthy navigation and operation in sensitive underwater environments by mimicking the natural behaviors and compliance of marine animals. However, BAUVs still face challenges where maneuverability and control are difficult to achieve, especially in high-energy coastal zones. Maneuverability and control could be improved by implementing real-time sensing of the hydrodynamic forces acting on a BAUV’s compliant body. In this study, we predict the hydrodynamic forces generated by a soft-robotic propulsor using Physical Reservoir Computing (PRC), with the future aim of improving the propulsor’s maneuverability. Physical reservoir computing is a machine learning technique that utilizes the nonlinear dynamics of a physical system for information processing. Compared to software-based machine learning frameworks, PRC requires significantly lower computational costs. With PRC, a majority of the information is processed within the physical system itself, enabling real-time prediction of time-varying target signals. In this project, we use PRC to leverage the nonlinear fluid-structure dynamics of a soft-robotic propulsor to predict its time-varying thrust. Our soft-robotic propulsor is powered by an antagonistic pair of embedded hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators. We conducted experiments to measure the thrust generated by the soft robot in quiescent water. Using the PRC framework, we predicted the thrust using a linear weighted sum of the time-varying kinematic strains measured at multiple locations on the propulsor’s compliant body. We trained the linear weights by minimizing the error between the PRC prediction and the experimentally measured thrust. We then analyzed various sensor placement configurations to achieve the best performance. By using the PRC framework, we were able to accurately predict the time-varying thrust. Using the sensor configuration that yielded the best performance, we achieved R-squared errors of 0.908 and 0.898 on the training set and test set, respectively. This PRC method holds significant potential for predicting time-varying hydrodynamic loads in real-time which can be used to improve control and maneuverability of BAUVs.
Spatial and Temporal Homogenization of Phase-Field Equations With an Application to Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloy Modeling
Authors: von Oertzen Vincent , Kiefer Bjoern 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As a unique subclass of multi-functional and smart materials, iron-based shape memory alloys have gained tremendous attention in recent years by virtue of their promising pseudoelastic properties combined with relatively low production costs. Especially for large-scale applications, efficient and robust simulation methods have to be developed based on appropriate material models, which are often formulated on microscopic scales. To this end, the concept of unequally and nonlinearly weighted averaging operators was recently introduced in [1, 2] as a fundamental homogenization framework in phase-field modeling of phase-transforming solids. Here, this rather general approach is applied in order to derive the effective driving force for transformation of an Allen-Cahn based dual-phase system, which is used to describe the martensite formation in Fe-Mn-Al-Ni at the nano-scale. As a novel approach, an analytical solution to the corresponding homogenization problem is provided in terms of polynomial weighting functions. Moreover, macroscopic relations for the effective system driving forces are derived by optimizing the corresponding coefficients numerically. In this manner, a system of macroscopic differential equations is obtained, from which the evolution of the effective phase state, e.g. the martensite volume fraction, can be solved directly on the macroscale without locally resolving the corresponding microscopic field distributions at each time step.
Effect of Area Density on Sensitivity and Strain Survival of Reduced Graphene Oxide Under Large Strains
Authors: Yazdi Armin , Tsai Li-Chih , Salowitz Nathan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Strain sensors are the primary, direct sensing element in many sensors with applications in robotics, wearable sensors, structural health monitoring, and beyond. Cutting edge applications are increasing demand for sensors that can survive and measure large strains (&gt; 5%). Presently, the most common strain sensors are composed of a serpentine metal foil which can survive strains up to about 5% with a gauge factor (GF) of about 2 (measured as change in resistance divided by initial resistance all over strain). Research into nanoparticle-based strain sensors commonly reports surviving strains up to 50% and gauge factors around 200. Unfortunately, most nanoparticle-based strain sensors are composed of expensive, toxic materials and require high precision synthesis methods. The reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) based sensors can be synthesized easily with common materials and methods. Study of strain sensing capabilities have revealed that rGO strain sensors can survive strains beyond 15% with gauge factors (sensitivity) on the order of 200.
Suspensions of graphene oxide (GO)’s flakes were deposited on flexible Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates to create specimens with different area densities of 0.69, 0.80 and 091 mg/cm2 of GO. Specimens were thermally reduced to create rGO-based strain sensors. Resulting sensors were tested under tension applied at a rate of 0.1 mm/sec starting from 0% strain until failure. Resistance of the sensors in the direction aligned with the direction of the applied tension were measured at each 1 mm-increment of tension. Sensitivity and the strain to failure of the sensor were calculated and compared in specimens with different GO area densities.
Our study suggests that with increasing the area density of graphene oxide (GO) during the synthesis of rGO, the survivability of the rGO subjected to large strains can be improved while still demonstrating a high sensitivity. This study can help tailor rGO-based strain sensors especially to the applications where high strain survival (&gt; 30%) is required while benefiting from a reasonably good GF (&gt; 30).
Electromechanical Impedance Based Part Identification via Linear Projection
Authors: Sangle Sourabh , Tarazaga Pablo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The geographical separation between various supply chain participants creates challenges in ensuring the integrity of the parts under circulation. These supply chains have to regularly deal with counterfeiting, a significant problem with an estimated value equivalent to at least the tenth-largest global economy. Industries are constantly upgrading their anti-counterfeiting methods to tackle this ever-increasing issue. Traditionally, a physical or cyber-physical part identifier is used to assert the integrity and identity of parts moving through the supply chain. For this work, we propose the use of electromechanical impedance measurements to generate a robust, unique part identifier linked to physical attributes. Electromechanical impedance measurements have been employed as a basis for non-destructive evaluation techniques in damage detection and health monitoring. We propose using these high-frequency measurements recorded through bonded piezoceramic transducers to help uniquely identify parts.
For this study, identical piezoceramic transducers (cut from the same wafer to minimize variations) were mounted on identically manufactured specimens. The only distinction between these specimens was the physical variation introduced during manufacturing and instrumentation. Multiple measurements for each specimen were recorded. A unique part identification methodology based on linear projection was created using these measurements. Lastly, a leave-one-out-study was performed to uniquely identify the left-out specimen. This was used to validate the part identification methodology. This paper introduces the use of electromechanical impedance measurements (widely adopted for damage detection) as a unique part identifier, with a basic experimental implementation of the proposed mechanism on identically manufactured parts. The paper also highlights some challenges and future work needed to make this methodology robust and adaptable.
Effectiveness of Shape Memory Alloy Golf Clubs in Enhancing Golfer Performance
Authors: Ward R. Mason , Kirby Daniel , Hardy John , Hartl Darren 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Many scientific developments pioneered by governmental research organizations are subsequently applied to consumer products. The use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) by NASA at the end of the 20th century motivated companies to incorporate these materials and their unique properties into marketable goods. In 1997, NASA reported that the Nicklaus Golf Company had developed a line of SMA-augmented golf clubs; the company claimed that its SMA club inserts reduced vibration and imparted greater spin on balls during contact. Inspired by these claims of enhanced performance, this work investigates the impact of SMA clubfaces on golf ball carry distance and shot accuracy for several clubface contact locations and slice angles. For each combination of shot parameters tested, the ball exit velocity and spin were computed via finite element analysis (FEA) using an explicit dynamic model that accounts for stress-induced phase transformation in SMA material regions and golf ball responses calibrated from experimental testing. The exit velocity and spin rate were used to calculate the ball flight trajectories for each case simulated. Alloy and design assumptions, including the addition of an internal cavity, were made to facilitate the development of stresses necessary for meaningful SMA material responses during clubface-ball impacts. These assumptions lead to findings such as nearly equivalent performances for geometrically identical clubheads with steel and SMA clubface inserts. Overall, this work shows that the use of reasonable SMA materials in a clubhead operating under normal weather conditions is inconsequential to shot accuracy and carry distance.
Comparative Review of Two Different Design Approaches for SMA Based Continuum Robots
Authors: Barakat Rawan , Goergen Yannik , Britz Rouven , Mandolino Michele , Rizzello Gianluca , Motzki Paul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Inspired by nature, the field of continuum robotics focuses on the research and development of bending and soft robotic structures. Like elephant trunks or tentacles, these robots are not based on discrete joints and rigid connecting structures, but exploit flexible bending motion with a high number of degrees of freedom. Because of a variety of possible fields of applications, continuum robots have experienced a strong increase in research interest within the last years. Possible applications range from medical (surgery) instruments over industrial inspection systems to soft and thus safe collaborative robotic structures for human-machine-interaction.
Common actuation techniques applied in continuum robotic systems make use of conventional drive units, which are bulky, heavy and oftentimes stationary. An alternative to these conventional drives is the implementation of shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuators as artificial metal muscles. Like muscle contraction, SMA wires contract at a specific phase transformation temperature due to a reversible phase transformation from a low temperature phase, called martensite, to a high temperature phase, austenite.
This paper presents two specific design schemes for continuum robots based on SMA wire actuators. A first design is focused on maximum bending angles and range of motion. To reach this goal, the total maximum wire contraction is key. A Bowden cable inspired robot design is developed, which enables 3D motion and validated bending angles of over 200°. Because of the Bowden cable approach, the overall (passive) length of the robot is much longer than the actual actively bending tip of the robot [1], [2]. The second design approach is focused on a fully integrated continuum robot, including the integration of the SMA wires as well as the electrical wiring into the bending structure. Here, no additional passive part is required to exploit the movement of the continuum robot [3]. The design of the trunk-like structure as well as the wiring strategy are presented. Subsequently, the performance of both approaches is compared to each other.
The study highlights advantages of either approach and enables application-specific design of SMA wire based continuum robot structures and complete systems. Possible applications are endoscopes with integrated camera systems for inspection tasks or possible handling systems for complex material handling tasks.
Demonstrator for Linear Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Systems Coupled to Compliant Joint Linkage Transmission Mechanisms
Authors: Bruch Daniel , Naumov Ilja , Willian Tobias , Motzki Paul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are known for their excellent properties, making them particularly attractive for numerous applications. Since they are mainly based on inexpensive materials, they are in principle well suited for low-cost products. However, this requires consideration of other factors, such as the realization of standardized and scalable system designs that use identical parts to reduce product variation and enable mass production quantities. Previous work has proposed to accomplish this for DEAs by coupling them with compliant joint linkage transmission mechanisms that are configurable in their force and stroke output. With this approach, different load profiles are served with the same standardized DEA layout without changing its shape or dimension. This paper follows this concept and presents a demonstrator consisting of two actuator systems based on identical DEAs and biasing mechanisms. However, by coupling them to differently configured linkage transmission mechanisms each, one system is magnified in output force and one in output stroke. Both systems are mounted on a common base plate and connected to compact high-voltage power supplies each, that can be switched on and off manually. When actuated, one can see in direct comparison that one system provides a larger stroke on the output side than the other system, even though the DEA exhibits similar elongation in both systems. The functional principle visualized with the demonstrator is supported by experimental characterization of both systems with respect to their transmission properties and force-displacement behavior.
Gallionellaceae in rice root plaque: metabolic roles in iron oxidation, nutrient cycling, and plant interactions
Authors: Chan Clara S. , Dykes Gretchen E. , Hoover Rene L. , Limmer Matt A. , Seyfferth Angelia L. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

On the roots of wetland plants such as rice, Fe(II) oxidation forms Fe(III) oxyhydroxide-rich plaques that modulate plant nutrient and metal uptake. The microbial roles in catalyzing this oxidation have been debated and it is unclear if these iron-oxidizers mediate other important biogeochemical and plant interactions. To investigate this, we studied the microbial communities, metagenomes, and geochemistry of iron plaque on field-grown rice, plus the surrounding rhizosphere and bulk soil. Plaque iron content (per mass root) increased over the growing season, showing continuous deposition. Analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed abundant Fe(II)-oxidizing and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (FeOB and FeRB) in plaque, rhizosphere, and bulk soil. FeOB were enriched in relative abundance in plaque, suggesting FeOB affinity for the root surface. Gallionellaceae FeOB
Sideroxydans
were enriched during vegetative and early reproductive rice growth stages, while a
Gallionella
was enriched during reproduction through grain maturity, suggesting distinct FeOB niches over the rice life cycle. FeRB
Anaeromyxobacter
and
Geobacter
increased in plaque later, during reproduction and grain ripening, corresponding to increased plaque iron. Metagenome-assembled genomes revealed that Gallionellaceae may grow mixotrophically using both Fe(II) and organics. The
Sideroxydans
are facultative, able to use non-Fe substrates, which may allow colonization of rice roots early in the season. FeOB genomes suggest adaptations for interacting with plants, including colonization, plant immunity defense, utilization of plant organics, and nitrogen fixation. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that rhizoplane and rhizosphere FeOB can specifically associate with rice roots, catalyzing iron plaque formation, with the potential to contribute to plant growth.

IMPORTANCE

In waterlogged soils, iron plaque forms a reactive barrier between the root and soil, collecting phosphate and metals such as arsenic and cadmium. It is well established that iron-reducing bacteria solubilize iron, releasing these associated elements. In contrast, microbial roles in plaque formation have not been clear. Here, we show that there is a substantial population of iron oxidizers in plaque, and furthermore, that these organisms (
Sideroxydans
and
Gallionella
) are distinguished by genes for plant colonization and nutrient fixation. Our results suggest that iron-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria form and remodel iron plaque, making it a dynamic system that represents both a temporary sink for elements (P, As, Cd, C, etc.) as well as a source. In contrast to abiotic iron oxidation, microbial iron oxidation results in coupled Fe-C-N cycling, as well as microbe-microbe and microbe-plant ecological interactions that need to be considered in soil biogeochemistry, ecosystem dynamics, and crop management.