bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Continuous Improvement Tool for Outgoing Erasmus: First Results
Authors: Carvalho Violeta , Rocha Carla , Campinos Jorge , Teixeira Senhorinha , Rodrigues Cristina 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Erasmus mobility is a valuable opportunity for students to explore not only new cultures and costumes but also learning practices and experiences. Every year, at the University of Minho there are many undergraduate students interested in the Erasmus program, however, there are several reasons that prevent them from moving forward. Aiming to help clarify students’ questions and fears about the Erasmus experience, the Department of Production and Systems - DPS of the University of Minho decided to create a continuous improvement tool. The first step consisted of evaluating what motivated students to perform Erasmus whose results are analyzed in the present study. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed and implemented with engineering students at the DPS who applied to the Erasmus program for the 2021/2022 academic year. The main personal reasons to study abroad pointed out by students were the fact that they think they will like the experience and that it will be interesting for them, as well as the fact that it is personally important for them. Despite this, many students consider Erasmus something they should do. Furthermore, it was found that the Erasmus coordination of the DPS played a fundamental role in their decision to conduct the Erasmus mobility.
Experimental Investigation of Solar-Thermal Desalination Platform Leveraging Dynamic Flash Evaporation and Swirl Flow Separator
Authors: Thyagarajan Ashok , Dhir Vijay , Banerjee Debjyoti 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Commercial thermal desalination plants usually leverage static flash evaporation and vapor separation processes that occur separately in large chambers. Depending on the level of purity — the product can be used for potable water (for human consumption), for agriculture or ranching, or as input for industrial processes (such as in injection wells in oil and gas production operations). Currently, static methods such as Multi Stage Flash (MSF) or Multi Effect Distillation (MED) are widely used (in addition to Reverse Osmosis) for desalination. These static methods occupy large land area (large footprint). This in turn drives up the capital and production costs of the resulting purified water obtained in these techniques.
Desalination processes that leverage evaporation and vapor separation in the same chamber (dynamically) have smaller form factors which confers lower cost of desalination. Thus, the motivation of our study is to develop a novel apparatus to simultaneously generate vapor by flash evaporation and separate the produced vapor in the same apparatus. The novel apparatus is geared for desalination of sea water, remediation of produced water from process-industries and other sources of saline water (such as brackish water) that are deemed unfit for human consumption. The end goal of the project is to develop a solar-thermal desalination platform by leveraging hot saline water as input from solar ponds.
In this experimental study, the thermal-hydraulic performance of a prototype (lab-scale) dynamic vapor generation and swirl flow phase separation apparatus is explored for determining the efficacy of this novel concept. Heated water from a constant temperature supply tank (that is comparable to a solar pond in real life) is passed through injection passages into the flow-separation apparatus. As the water flows through the injection passages, vapor bubbles are generated inside the flow passages due to local superheating of the liquid caused by frictional pressure drop. Conversion of liquid into vapor continues as the liquid-vapor mixture flows through the injector ports and eventually the mixture enters a larger separation tube tangentially. Due to the tangential injection of the two-phase mixture, a centrifugal force acts to separate the water and vapor inside the separation tube. The liquid is pushed to the periphery (i.e., the walls) of the separation tube while the vapor forms a stable core at the center. A vapor retrieval tube is then positioned at the center of the vapor core to extract vapor which is then condensed inside the condenser.
The formation of the vapor core is demonstrated for different operating conditions (supply liquid flow rates) and maximum superheat (temperature difference between supply tank and condenser) ranging between 45–52°C. Based on this study, the optimal operating conditions for maximizing the thermal conversion upstream of the test section are presented.
Multi-Regional Design and Analysis of Biomass-Driven Combined Cooling, Heating and Power Systems for Rural Communities
Authors: Schicker Philippe C. , Cho Heejin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The challenges during the aftermath of natural disasters in remote locations, such as unreliable power supply from the grid during crucial times, coupled with ever-increasing energy needs, demand new and innovative solutions to limited energy production. Local, on-site power generation, such as combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems, may safeguard against grid fluctuations, outages, and provide additional security through grid independence. CCHP systems can provide more reliable and resilient energy supply to buildings and communities while also providing energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions compared to centralized power systems. Biomass-driven CCHP systems have been recognized as a potential technology to bring increased efficiency of fuel utilization and environmentally sustainable solutions. Biomass as an energy source is created through agricultural and forestry by-products and may thus be efficiently and conveniently transported to remote rural communities. This paper presents a design and implementation analysis of biomass (primarily wood pellets)-driven CCHP systems for a rural community across the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy Climate Regions map was used to determine areas of interest. For this study, all three climates moist, dry, and marine as well as all major climate zones (2–6) were included. To effectively compare small towns across the U.S., the selection process was based on certain criteria: A population of approximately 1,500 people, the existence of a rural hospital, two kinds of schools (E.g., an elementary and a high school), and small businesses. The following places meet those conditions and are located in differentiating climate zones: (2A) Keystone Heights, FL, (3A) Ackerman, MS, (3B) Quincy, CA, (3C) Mariposa, CA, (4A) Hardinsburg, KY, (4C) Coupeville, WA, (5A) Alma, NE, (5B) Lovelock, NV, (6A) Colebrook, NH, (6B) Choteau, MT. Each location was investigated based on the merits of on-site CCHP systems and potential grid independence. The viability of wood pellets (WP) as a suitable fuel source is explored by comparing it to a conventional natural gas-driven and grid-connected system. To measure viability, three performance parameters — operational cost (OC), primary energy consumption (PEC), and carbon dioxide emission (CDE) — are considered in the analysis. The results demonstrate that in many climate regions wood pellet-fueled CCHP systems create significant economic and environmental advantages over traditional systems. Additionally, on-site energy production and the potential for grid independence, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters provide critical services and added upsides of traditional systems. The main factors in increasing the viability of CCHP systems are the appropriate sizing and operational strategies of the system and the purchase price of biomass with respect to the price of traditional fuels.
Development of Kinematic and Dynamic Model of an Omnidirectional Four Mecanum Wheeled Robot
Authors: Brown Noah , Pierce Trey , Ma Gloria , McCusker James , Cuckov Filip 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This paper focuses on the development of the kinematics and dynamics model of an omnidirectional four Mecanum wheeled robot for the purposes of motion control. The kinematic model is implemented to calculate the RPM of each wheel and control the motors. The model allows for the evaluation of drift of the body and a feedback loop implemented in conjunction with odometry to adjust the trajectory of the robotic platform. This considers route length, pose efficiency, necessity of acceleration, and smoothness of motion.
This analysis focuses on the determination of effects from slippage of the roller on the shaft connecting it to a wheel while considering the physical geometry of the robotics platform. In doing so, a more accurate kinematic and dynamics model for an omnidirectional platform is created and simulation is conducted in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The inverse kinematics is also presented in this paper. The authors illustrate the validity of this extensive model through experimental and analytical position tracking of the physical system in eight planar directions: forward/backward, laterally, and along 45-degree angle, as well as in two rotating directions. The dynamics model can be used to understand the performance of the mobile robot and further be used to design the control algorithm for object avoidance.
Experimental and Computational Analysis of Additively Manufactured Nonlinear Springs for Verification of a Predictive Model
Authors: Steel Kyle , Clarke Charisma , Romero-Ramirez Edwar , Carbajal Gerardo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
A System of Arbitrary General Equations, SAGE, is a new mathematical description technique for modeling generic nonlinear systems with similar ease to linear approximation techniques but capturing data normally only obtainable through intensive nonlinear solving techniques. In this study, SAGE predicts the frequency response of fifteen manufactured nonlinear harmonic mechanical systems, categorized as an eccentric rotor system, and a horizontal pendulum system, all sprung with double spiral torsional springs additively manufactured in PLA, chosen for its nonlinear stress-strain material properties, with solid concentric, hollow, aligned rectilinear, honeycomb, and gyroid infill patterns, chosen to introduce a nonuniform spring geometry. Nonuniform spring geometries and nonlinear material properties give rise to nonlinear spring rates. The nonlinear harmonic mechanical systems are subjected to a cyclic forcing equation sweeping the frequency range of 0 Hz to 2 Hz to obtain a frequency response plot. ANSYS Multiphysics Engineering Simulation software was used to plot the frequency responses of the nonlinear harmonic mechanical systems modeled as a double spiral torsion spring attached to a point mass representing the properties of the physical system. The ANSYS, SAGE, and experimentally obtained frequency response plots are compared to demonstrate the ability of the developed model to display nonlinear behaviors effectively.
Study of the Graphene Energy Absorbing Layer and the Viscosity of Sodium Alginate in Laser-Induced-Forward-Transfer (LIFT) Bioprinting
Authors: Zhou Shuqi , Li Jianzhi , Xu Ben 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) bioprinting has been viewed as a new and actively developed three-dimensional bioprinting technology due to its high accuracy and good cell viability. The printing quality is highly dependent on the jet formation and its stability in the LIFT bioprinting process. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a graphene Energy Absorbing Layer (EAL) and alginate hydrogel (SA) (w.t. 1% and 2%) viscosity on jet generation in the LIFT bioprinting process. Since SA exhibits a shear-thinning behavior, it is a non-Newtonian fluid. The effect of EAL thickness and SA’s viscosity were addressed for various experimental conditions. After the laser irradiated on the quartz substrate, small holes caused by laser interaction appeared in the interaction area on the EAL. The EAL substrate with multiple holes was examined using an optical microscope, and the morphology of holes was observed and compared. The images of jet generation showed that graphene EAL can assist in the transfer of SA with a low laser energy absorption rate. The viscosity of the SA also plays a significant role in the generation of a stable jet for SA transfer. For the cases with the same laser energy input, the jet generated using higher viscosity bioink had a smaller initial velocity, which eventually led to a shorter jet length. The findings in this study will facilitate the development of new EAL in LIFT bioprinting.
Four-Wheel Independent Steering Swerve Drive for First Robotics Competition
Authors: DeNoma Benjamin , Kendall Michael , Poulos Nicholas , Dong Janet , Frank Ray 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Swerve drive is a drive train that is designed to be omnidirectional, with the ability of a robot to move in any direction at any moment. A swerve drive module is composed of two motors, a gearbox, encoders, and a wheel. One of the motors drives the wheel, while the other motor controls the steering. The gearbox is what controls the rotation of the wheel. The encoders are placed in various places to detect the rotational position of the drive wheel. By combining these components, the swerve drive module can be programmed to rotate as fast as the encoders are able to read. The drawbacks of swerve drive include weight and cost. These drawbacks keep this drive train out of reach of many applications, including the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The FRC is an international high school robotics competition. Each year, teams of high school students, coaches, and mentors work during a six-week period to build robots capable of competing in that year’s game that weigh up to 125 pounds. Our intention for this project is to design, prototype, build, and test a drive system comprised of four independent steering modules that are more cost-effective, compact, and have less weight than what is currently available on the market. It is expected that such a drive system with four swerve drive modules will provide a viable option for the teams with their robots in the FRC. It not only allows young adults in high school teams to expose to complex yet affordable drive systems but also gives them the opportunity to build or program this drivetrain for their robots.
A team of three seniors took on this task to develop four viable swerve drive modules that are cost-effective, and light weighted to fulfill their senior capstone requirement. The project was broken into 3 major sub-sections: structure/frame, steering train, and drive train. This paper will discuss the development of such swerve drive using the engineering design process, including the illustration and description of three feasible design concepts and the selection of the best of three options. The integration of the best drive train design into the robot structure is also illustrated and discussed. The testing of the robot drive will be demonstrated, including speed, maneuverability, and structure analysis. The developed four swerve drive modules later were mounted to the robot built by a local high school team (Colerain High School) in their FRC in March 2022. The team experience and competition results during their FRC will be summarized at the end of this paper. It is evident that the swerve drive is the best overall option for the robotics teams from a competitive and compact design standpoint due to its complete maneuverability combined with the necessary torque and speed with less weight to compete at a high level.
Development of a Predictive Model and Optimization for the Kerf Properties and Delamination Length in AWJM of Kevlar Epoxy Composite
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Salunkhe Sachin , Shanmugam Ragavanantham , Bhuyan Basanta Kumar , Dahiya Anil Kumar , N. Yuvaraj 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Kevlar epoxy composite is a strong and light weight fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material. It has wide applications in various domains such as aerospace, marine, automotive, military, and sports’ goods (Campbell, 2010). This paper describes the research work involved in studying the influence of process parameters on surface roughness and kerf taper and development of predicative model for the response in abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) of Kevlar epoxy composite. Design of experiments has been performed using response surface methodology and then based on experimental analysis predictive models have been developed to estimate surface roughness and kerf taper. In the present work, four process parameters namely stand-off distance, water pressure, traverse rate and abrasive mass flow rate are considered to study their influence on response characteristics. Experiments are performed according to response surface methodology design. The regression models have been developed to predict surface roughness, kerf taper and maximum delamination length in AWJM of Kevlar epoxy composite. Optimization of process parameters is performed to minimize surface roughness, kerf taper and delamination. Desirability function approach is used for optimization.
Modeling Analysis on Combined Effects of VVT/VCR Engine Technology to Reduce Fuel Consumption of Light-Duty Parallel Hybrid CNG Trucks
Authors: Sok Ratnak , Kusaka Jin , Nakashima Hisaharu , Minagata Hidetaka 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Potential fuel consumption (FC) improvements of a parallel hybrid, light-duty, compressed natural gas (CNG) truck are numerically predicted using the combined benefits of a variable valve timing (VVT) and variable compression ratio (VCR) engine. A CNG hybrid electric vehicle (CNG-HEV) simulation model is developed in commercial software based on conventional delivery trucks in the Japanese market. The hybrid powertrain model includes a pre-transmission e-motor, high voltage battery, and production-typed 3.0 L CNG engine. Power splitting between e-motor and engine is controlled by a rule-based control strategy. Under the JE05 drive-cycle, engine maps such as torque, fuel and flow rate, and engine friction were measured under different intake valve timings in the 4-cylinder, twin-turbocharged spark-ignition engine with customized pistons to reach a compression ratio (CR) of 17. For VCR operations, the performance maps were recorded under CR14, CR15, and CR17 using standard valve timings. Simulated FC of the CNG-HEV under the JE05 driving cycle is improved by 10.9% and 15.7% using standard and optimal intake valve timings, respectively, against a conventional powertrain vehicle. By combining optimal VVT/VCR engine operations with a selected battery sizing, the predicted FC of the CNG-HEV could be achieved up to 18.2% against the conventional powertrain.
Performance Evaluation of a Solar Thermal Collector With Custom-Made Reflector: An Experimental Study in Midwest Region
Authors: Nokhosteen Arman , Ozkaya Onur , Sobhansarbandi Sarvenaz 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Aiming to meet the challenges of worldwide energy demand, solar energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sectors which can be used for providing heat to the end user on both residential and industrial scales. Amongst the various thermal systems used for providing solar heat, evacuated tube collectors are the most promising and play a crucial role in solar water heating (SWH) systems, therefore, increasing their efficiency and thermal output is extremely beneficial, especially in cold climates. In this study, an optimized parabolic reflector trough is designed in-house to eliminate the dependence of the system to sun’s availability and reduce the solar scattering. This solution will not only concentrate on increasing efficiency, but also modularity is a design targets to aid in increasing the market penetration of solar water heating systems. The system is tested in Midwest region of the United States and results are compared with regular solar water heater. The results show that maximum and minimum fin temperature enhancement of 19°C and 10°C were achieved, respectfully, with employing the solar reflector. Furthermore, as a result of the achieved enhancement, the proposed SWH system is more primed to be coupled with latent heat storage materials with higher melting temperature and latent heat of phase change.
Study of Rotational Heat Transfer Coefficients in Enclosed Flow Over High-Speed Rotors
Authors: Ayyadevara Narayana Teja , Kavali Ravi Kumar , Subramanian Balaji 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
A state-of-the-art integrated heating and cooling facility is established to conduct accelerated tests on large, vertically-oriented alloy rotors, spinning at high speeds. Accelerated testing for such components is accomplished by imposing a cyclically varying thermal stress field in addition to the existing mechanical stress field to estimate the impact on their creep and fatigue life. The cyclic thermal stresses are generated by repeatedly subjecting a rotor to mechanical loading, through alternate transient heating and cooling processes. These transient heating and cooling cycles are carefully designed to maintain specific temperature gradients in the rotor. Such accelerated testing helps provide an accurate estimate of the expected life of a rotor under actual field operating conditions.
Thermal effects seen during cooling of large rotor shafts rotating at high speeds, by forced convection is an important subject area, both in academia and industry. In the present application, this feature gains importance in the development of new rotor-alloy materials for utilization in turbines of modern thermal power plants operating at advanced ultra-supercritical conditions. During the cooling phase of the thermal cycle, cylindrical alloy rotors spinning at high speeds (up to 3000 rpm) are enclosed in a cylindrical cavity and are cooled from high temperatures (∼800 °C) with inert gas, by means of forced convection. There is a need to perform many such cooling cycles to establish alloy material characteristics. The direction of cooling gas flow is neither longitudinal nor transverse to the rotor orientation, making this a unique cooling phenomenon. A comprehensive study is undertaken to predict rotor surface cooling, based on a combination of influencing parameters like gas mass flow, annular dimension, and rotor speeds. It is essential to arrive at the best combination of these parameters for obtaining the desired Rotational Heat Transfer Coefficient (RHTC) data. Mean RHTC for each case gives an insight into rotor cooling rates for this unique cooling disposition. Several simulations have been conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to obtain temperature profiles along the rotor surface and cross-sections during the cooling period. This is supplemented by experimentation with sufficient instrumentation on these rotors. Establishing accurate correlations from the outputs obtained numerically would lead to considerable savings in terms of fixed costs, experimentation time, energy consumed and human resources deployed. This exercise will support tests on multiple such rotor alloy materials in a shorter time frame, thus speeding up the development of next-generation thermal power plants with the highest order of plant efficiency and reduced emissions.