bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Actuation Behaviors of Flexoelectric and Light-Activated Shape Memory Polymer on Rings
Authors: Li Hongjie , Fan Mu , Deng Yan , Wang Dan , Tzou Hornsen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Some vibration problems caused by the low stiffness and light weight of large aerospace structures hinder precision operation. To enhance the environmental adaptability of the structure and improve its performance of the structure, sensors, actuators, and controllers are integrated with the structure, and signal processing and electronic circuit systems are combined to form a smart structure system. Smart materials and structures usually exhibit multi-field coupling behavior. Among them, flexoelectric materials have gradient coupling characteristics, that is, the linear coupling between electric polarization and strain gradient and between polarization gradient and strain. Flexoelectric materials are more sensitive to changes in bending strain or structural curvature. Therefore, the flexoelectric actuator is very important for controlling the deformation and vibration of the bending structure. A light-activated shape memory polymer (LaSMP) exhibits coupling behavior. Under ultraviolet (UV) light illumination, the Young’s modulus of LaSMP changes greatly and the material returns to the initial state. Based on its shape memory properties, LaSMP actuators can be used to actuate and control thin shell structures. Ring structure can be applied to torpedo, missile and underwater vehicle shell joints, etc. In this work, an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe is placed on the top of a flexoelectric patch to induce an inhomogeneous electric field. A LaSMP has dynamic Young’s modulus and strain under the illumination of UV lights. Therefore, both the flexoelectric actuator and LaSMP actuator can be used to actuate structures. This work aims to study the actuation behavior of the flexoelectric and LaSMP actuators on rings. The membrane forces and bending control moments and their induced components are defined respectively in the transverse/circumferential directions. In case studies, the circumferential distribution of the induced membrane force and bending control moment is analyzed first. The membrane force induced component and the bending control moment induced component, together with the total effect, are studied. Then, the induced microscopic transverse/circumferential actuation behavior is evaluated. Finally, the effects of bending and membrane of the flexoelectric actuator are compared. The results suggest: (a) the membrane force and bending control moment induced by the flexoelectric actuator concentrate near the AFM probe location, while the membrane force and bending control moment induced by the LaSMP actuator distributes throughout the LaSMP patch; (b) the overall actuation behavior of the flexoelectric actuator can be regarded as a drastic sharp bending effect near AFM probe location; and (c) the LaSMP actuator shrinks in the circumferential direction under UV light.
Study of the Effect of Toolpath and Machining Parameters on Sphericity, Surface Finish, and Dimensional Tolerance of Polymer Acetabular Cups
Authors: Becerra-Becerra Ernestina , Vidal-Lesso Agustin , Saldaña-Robles Alberto , Reveles-Arredondo Juan Francisco 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The study of cutting parameters, machining strategies, effects of the cutting tool on precision and final surface quality, are necessary to extend the useful life of prosthetic elements allowing to delay joint replacement. In this work, an experimental study of CNC milling machining of an internal liner acetabular cup with a diameter of 28 mm for hip prosthesis was carried out. The investigation was carried out through a Taguchi L9 design of experiments, analyzing the influence of 4 machining parameters with 3 levels and 2 replicates. The used tool is a ball mill with a diameter of 10 mm. The factors studied were the effect of the toolpath (vertical-horizontal parallel, spiral-radial, vertical-spiral parallel), depth of cut (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm), spindle speed (146.6, 178.02, and 209.43 rad/s) and stepover (0.05, 0.075 and 0.15 mm) over average roughness, sphericity, nominal diameter tolerance and machining time. The smallest mean roughness (0.6436 μm) was obtained considering a vertical-spiral parallel strategy, a depth of cut of 0.5 mm, a spindle speed of 209.43 rad/s, and a cutting stepover of 0.075 mm. Our finding suggests that the cutting parameters proposed through the design of experiments of this work can help to obtain the desired surface finish in acetabular liner components by machining, in accordance with the international standard ISO 7206-2.
Modeling and Implementation of a Flamelet Based Model With Presumed Shaped Probability Distribution Function Integration in Fortran for Non-Premixed Flame Dynamics
Authors: Hasan Md Kamrul , Haque Md Azazul , Mahamud Rajib 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Numerical modeling of combustion dynamics for various applications is a complex problem that involves flow-chemistry interaction and requires the implementation of efficient numerical schemes. Computational modeling of turbulent combustion is essential in predicting different combustion attributes like flame stability and heat release. Despite being a reasonable alternative to the experimental data, the modeling approach also requires tremendous computational resources. Various strategies have been introduced over the year to minimize computational time. This study reports on a Fortran-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code to investigate non-premixed flame applications, utilizing a fourth-order accurate compact finite difference scheme. The CFD code incorporates the flamelet model combined with the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations to solve for various variables, including velocity, pressure, temperature, mixture fraction, mixture fraction variance, and scalar dissipation rate. Flamelet model uses laminar flame components in turbulent flame, where the laminar flamelet characterizes the local structure at each point on the flame front. The reactant fluxes depend on the gradients of flow velocity and are controlled by the scalar dissipation rate. The flamelet model and the β(beta)-pdf integration for species transport and temperature distribution are incorporated into the code. The laminar diffusion flame provides unique relationships for all thermochemical variables (such as temperature, species concentrations, and heat release rate) in terms of the mixture fraction. These relationships can be averaged for the non-premixed flame using an assumed probability distribution function of the conserved scalar. The steady-state flamelet libraries are generated from a zero-dimensional chemical kinetics solver with dependencies on mixture fraction and scalar dissipation rate.
Comparison of Control Strategies for Temperature Control of Buildings
Authors: Salcan-Reyes Gabriela , Cajo Ricardo , Aguirre Adriana , Espinoza Víctor , Plaza Douglas , Martín César 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, a classic controller such as PID and more advanced controllers such as fractional order model predictive control (MPC) were designed and compared for the temperature control of buildings. In a previous study by the authors, fractional calculus was incorporated into the design of the weighting factors of a classic MPC. The designed fractional order MPC outperformed the classic MPC. In this work, based on the same building model, and specifications, such as settling time, overshoot, and steady-state error, we designed traditional discrete PID controllers with anti-reset windup. Then, an improved FOMPC was compared with these two PID controllers and classic MPC. As a result, a numerical analysis of some indices shows that the FOMPC performs better than the designed PIDs in performance but with slightly more control effort. Also, it is shown that a meticulously tuned PID controller produces similar results to a FOMPC when designed appropriately.
3D Printed Diffraction Gratings by Two-Photon Polymerization
Authors: Hua Junyu , Shan Yujie , Wu Shaocheng , Mao Huachao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) are important optics that can manipulate the light by diffraction, which could be used in optical systems where compactness and lightweight matter. As one of the typical DOEs, diffractive gratings have widely application and their fabrication requires high precision and a clean environment. In this paper, we designed and fabricated diffraction gratings with different dimensions for visible light using the two-photon polymerization technique. The optical path differences and distances between diffraction fringes were measured and compared with the theoretical ones. The results showed that the precision across the printing direction was good while the height differences in the printing direction were around 20% smaller than the designed ones. Another problem was that the gratings were printed by small blocks and the borders of the blocks could serve as secondary gratings to generate smaller diffraction fringes, which need to be fixed for future fabrication of precise gratings and other complex DOEs by two-photon polymerization.
Toward Position Approximation Using Asynchronous Multi-View Cameras: A 2D Investigation With Probabilistic Considerations
Authors: Civetta Christopher A. , Kutzer Michael D. M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Multi-view position recovery is common in the field of computer vision and applications range from commercial motion tracking to three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of static environments. For these applications, one of two key assumptions is commonly assumed true: (1) camera information is synchronized across two or more offset cameras, (2) the environment being viewed is static. This work considers a simulation study of multi-view position approximations of a moving target in two dimensions (2D). The position is recovered using two or more 2D pinhole cameras. In this use case, images from cameras are asynchronous with respect to one another and extrinsic measurements. In simulations, the recovered target position varies widely from the true target position and uncertainty is injected using Monte Carlo methods to approximate a single probability distribution representing the target’s uncertain position in space. Results show a probability distribution that reasonably approximates the target’s true position in 2D space given sufficiently accurate extrinsic information.
Development of Robotic Hand With Novel Soft 3D Printed Actuators
Authors: Patel Kishan , Magee Kyra , Hoover Bill , Yu Jason , Ashuri Turaj , Amiri Moghadam Amir A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Soft robotics has emerged as a promising technology in the Biomedical field and the development of prostheses. These devices use flexible materials such as silicone, rubber, and other polymers to create lightweight and adaptable structures that mimic a human hand’s complexity and dexterity. Their soft and flexible nature offers a unique advantage over traditional rigid robotic systems, allowing for safer and more efficient environmental interaction. One of the most crucial elements of a soft robotic hand is the soft actuators, which enable a soft robotic system to interact with the environment, enabling various motions using its deformable structure. While soft actuators offer many advantages over traditional rigid actuators, their use has potential downsides such as limited strength and durability, precision, speed, and control. This paper offers a solution that addresses the downsides mentioned by developing a robotic hand prosthesis using novel 3D-printed soft actuators. These novel actuators are designed to mimic human fingers while increasing control and speed compared to current soft actuators while keeping costs down.
CFD-Based Ventilation Assessment of a University Building With an Integrated Windcatcher in Egypt
Authors: ElDakroury Moataz , Goubran Sherif , Abdelaziz Omar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Windcatchers have gained renewed interest owing to the increasing demand for energy-efficient ventilation strategies that can provide satisfactory indoor air quality conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated the positive potential of windcatchers in improving indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation rates, and occupant comfort in enclosed spaces, such as small rooms. However, the impact of windcatchers on the overall ventilation performance of an entire building under realistic climatic conditions has not been systematically investigated. The present study, therefore, aims to bridge this gap by investigating the indoor air velocity of a real-world windcatcher located on top of an atrium in the main building of the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE) on the premises of the American University in Cairo campus (New Cairo). A detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was developed to simulate the operation of the windcatcher and the natural ventilation inside the building beneath it under a neutral atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) condition. Additionally, climatic data from a nearby automatic weather station were used to avoid using unrealistic conditions for simulations that may introduce uncertainties. The results show that the proposed windcatcher improves the ventilation of the atrium and connected corridors compared to cases with no windcatcher attached.
Performance of a Forward Feed Multi-Effect (MED-FF) Thermal Desalination System With Feed Preheating
Authors: Qudah Azeez , Hasan Abdulsalam , Antar Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Multi-Effect Forward Feed Desalination System (MED-FF) is an effective technology for large-scale seawater desalination. The addition of the thermal vapor compressor (TVC) enhances the system’s performance ratio. According to recent studies, the best placement for the TVC is in the middle. In the present study, a new component has been installed on the system, which is the brine preheater. This component works as a preheater for the feed before it flows into the first effect. The performance of the MED-FF plant with no feed preheater is compared with the proposed layout with the preheater. Results reveal that the performance has significantly improved through energy recovery, reflected in an 8% increase in the performance ratio, along with notable cost savings of 3.73% in distilled water production and energy fuel savings of 5.95% in the boiler consumption. The effect on the total heat transfer surface area and specific flow rate of cooling water is also taken into consideration.
Water-in-Diesel Emulsion: Torque, Fuel Consumption and Emission Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Brójo Francisco 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Water-in-diesel emulsions (WiDE) as an alternative fuel are becoming more and more an option to fight global fossil fuel consumption and emissions restrictions without the need of engine modifications. This work aims to compare water-emulsified diesel fuel with European commercially available diesel (EN590) when it comes to engine performance and emissions. A mixture of diesel, 8% (m/m) of distilled water, and surfactant was performed in laboratory by mechanical homogenization and later tested in a Lombardini LDW 502 diesel engine connected to an eddy current dynamometer and an emission gas analyzer. The tests were performed at 50%, 75%, and 100% engine loads at different engine speeds (rpm).
The results suggest that adding water as a dispersed phase in the fuel allows to obtain better thermal efficiency and overall lower emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) when compared to traditional diesel. The micro-explosion phenomenon and lower temperatures in the exhaust gases can explain these occurrences.
Thermal Management System for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Phase Change Material, Heat Pipes and Fins
Authors: Sharifi Nourouddin , Roesler Dylan , Gold Audrey , Shabgard Hamidreza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This work presents a comparative study on different cooling strategies for an 18650 lithium-ion battery both experimentally and numerically. Passive and hybrid cooling techniques that consist of heat pipes (HPs) and fins integrated with a phase change material (PCM) are investigated. The experimental setup consists of a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure with an inner and outer housing. The annulus space between the inner and outer housings are occupied with a PCM, Fin-PCM, and HP-Fin-PCM and are enumerated as PCM-only, Fin-PCM, and HP-Fin-PCM configurations, respectively. A cartridge heater is inserted inside the inner housing concentrically to generate a pseudo battery, which mimics the heat generated by the battery. An air flow channel is designed for HP-Fin-PCM configuration. Temperatures at various locations of the setups are measured and compared for different heater powers. It is concluded that the HP-Fin-PCM configuration is the most effective in reducing the battery surface temperature, followed by the Fin-PCM, and the PCM-only configuration. A transient three-dimensional numerical model using ANSYS-FLUENT software is also developed and used to provide details into the physics of the problem, and to enable optimization studies. The phase change in the conjugate numerical model is accounted for by the enthalpy-porosity technique. The computational results reasonably agreed with the experimental data.
An Iterative Actuation Method for Master-Slave Telemanipulation by Humanoid Robot Arm
Authors: Barlow Ethan , Arif Tariq M. , Bentley Parker , Hiatt Hudson , Call Chase 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Master-slave telemanipulation of a humanoid robot arm is one of the challenging and intuitive control tasks that is being studied to achieve human-like competency in remotely operated collaborative robots. Traditional inverse kinematics-based manipulation typically produces highly complex and non-unique solutions and has the risk of running into singularity conditions for a higher degree of freedom manipulator. On the other hand, pendant-based teaching manipulation is suitable for only predefined trajectories. As the use of telemanipulation is increasing in collaborative robots to support better human-robot interactions, it is becoming critical to explore alternative novel, simple, and innovative manipulation strategies. In this study, we propose an iterative search-based efficient actuation method for the telemanipulation of collaborative master-slave robot arms. The forward kinematic model used in the iterative algorithm is developed using Denavit-Hartenberg parameters, and a manipulation platform with data glove is designed to map the position and orientation of the master arm. Using the iterative algorithm, on average, the end-effector of the robot arm can be within 18.5 mm of required positions in a 106 mm3 sub-workspace (0.63% error). Our study also presents a series of experimental executions on hardware, iterations, and errors to demonstrate the performance and capabilities of the proposed algorithm.
Acoustic Cloak Design via Gradient-Based Optimization
Authors: Avina Angel , Gerges Samer , Amirkulova Feruza A. , Du Winncy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
An acoustic cloak [1] is a metamaterial device that can bend acoustic waves around their interior and hide any object inside from an incident acoustic field. The current methods of designing acoustic cloaking devices involve traditional methods such as direct computer simulation, topology optimization, stochastic optimization, gradient-based optimization (GBO), and more recently data-driven machine learning models. This project focuses on implementing GBO strategies to optimize an objective function of interest, improving our models developed earlier [2, 3] to reduce the cost of design and improve the efficiency of cloaking devices. Acoustic cloak design is achieved by minimizing the total scattering cross section (TSCS) for a set of cylindrical rigid scatterers.
Modeling Underwater Propulsion of a Helical Drive Using Computational Fluid Dynamics for an Amphibious Rover
Authors: Donohue Brigid , Beknalkar Sumedh , Bishop Riley , Bryant Matthew , Mazzoleni Andre 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Multi-terrain Amphibious ARCtic explOrer (MAARCO) rover is an amphibious arctic rover designed to explore arctic regions in otherwise unsafe or restricted environments. The MAARCO rover consists of a propulsion system with two helical drives made up of hollow cylinder ballasts wrapped in auger or screw shaped blades that provide thrust to propel the vehicle as the drives rotate. Computational fluid dynamic methods provide a better understanding of the helical drives properties effects on hydrodynamic forces. In this paper, the computational fluid dynamic simulations are performed in ANSYS Fluent to observe the hydrodynamic properties of a helical drive. The drag and thrust on the helical drives are simulated for various helical drives with different blade heights and pitch lengths to determine general trends and characteristics of helical drives in water to optimize the vehicle’s abilities to navigate underwater. The helical drive drag is simulated using bluff body drag simulations with a prescribed velocity. The helical drive thrust is simulated using a multi-reference frame (MRF) mesh model with a frame motion replicate flow rotating around a stationary helical drive at a prescribed angular velocity. A convergence study was conducted to test different meshes and turbulence models to determine the most accurate drag and thrust simulation methods. The results demonstrate the effects the blade height and pitch length have on the helical drive thrust and drag properties, while maintaining a constant ballast diameter. From these results a helical drive design can be determined to optimize the net force and therefore the overall vehicle performance.
Design and Construction of a Terrestrial Testing Rig for Experimental Characterization of Multi-Terrain Screw-Propelled Vehicle Dynamics
Authors: Lynch Ryan , Beknalkar Sumedh , Bishop Riley , Crow Arin , Donohue Brigid , Pacheco-Cay Cristian , Smith Alaina , Mazzoleni Andre , Bryant Matthew 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Helical drives (sometimes known as Archimedes’ screws) are a class of propulsion mechanism with the potential for application in amphibious, multi-terrain robotic ground vehicles such as Arctic rovers. Despite their simplistic construction, consisting of a screw-like rotating drum with a helically wound blade, their propulsion dynamics are complex and not well understood. There is a need for an experimental testing environment capable of controlling and recording the variables that characterize the dynamics of this terrestrial propulsion mechanism in order to experimentally validate dynamic and energetic modelling. Such variables include displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the mechanism in question in the x, y and z directions, as well as terramechanical properties such as substrate moisture content, subsequent density, and particulate size. This environment would also ideally be designed with modularity in mind in order to easily adapt to multiple different test conditions and terrestrial propulsion mechanisms. This paper describes the design of the experimental testing rig created to serve the above-described purpose. The apparatus is tested with an example of a helical screw drive at three different rover weights. Results of an initial test are shown, and the trends shown in the x position (longitudinal travel), z position (vertical travel), and effective pitch length are discussed.