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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Xi Liang Chen, Zheng Yu Xie, Zhi Qiang Wang and Yi Wen Sun

The six-axis force/torque sensor based on a Y-type structure has the advantages of simple structure, small space volume, low cost and wide application prospects. To meet the…

Abstract

Purpose

The six-axis force/torque sensor based on a Y-type structure has the advantages of simple structure, small space volume, low cost and wide application prospects. To meet the overall structural stiffness requirements and sensor performance requirements in robot engineering applications, this paper aims to propose a Y-type six-axis force/torque sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance indicators such as each component sensitivities and stiffnesses of the sensor were selected as optimization objectives. The multiobjective optimization equations were established. A multiple quadratic response surface in ANSYS Workbench was modeled by using the central composite design experimental method. The optimal manufacturing structural parameters were obtained by using multiobjective genetic algorithm.

Findings

The sensor was optimized and the simulation results show that the overload resistance of the sensor is 200%F.S., and the axial stiffness, radial stiffness, bending stiffness and torsional stiffness are 14.981 kN/mm, 16.855 kN/mm, 2.0939 kN m/rad and 6.4432 kN m/rad, respectively, which meet the design requirements, and the sensitivities of each component of the optimized sensor have been well increased to be 2.969, 2.762, 4.010, 2.762, 2.653 and 2.760 times as those of the sensor with initial structural parameters. The sensor prototype with optimized parameters was produced. According to the calibration experiment of the sensor, the maximum Class I and II errors and measurement uncertainty of each force/torque component of the sensor are 1.835%F.S., 1.018%F.S. and 1.606%F.S., respectively. All of them are below the required 2%F.S.

Originality/value

Hence, the conclusion can be drawn that the sensor has excellent comprehensive performance and meets the expected practical engineering requirements.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2023

Sudev Dutta and Payal Bansal

The purpose of this review paper is to outline the parachute materials and its behavior. To enhance parachute life, it is highly desirable to consider the commercial angle for any…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review paper is to outline the parachute materials and its behavior. To enhance parachute life, it is highly desirable to consider the commercial angle for any parachute manufacturing industry and its components under varying operational conditions. Hence, the knowledge of various textile materials and operational conditions which contributes the parachute strength and durability will be helpful for industries/researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

This section is not applicable for a review paper.

Findings

Parachute is a material used in numerous real-time applications such as man-drop, cargo delivery, aircraft recovery and aircraft decelerator which drastically reduces human efforts and time. However, each application requires a unique design and fabric selection to achieve the area of drag needed and the terminal velocity of the parachute material while in flight. For designing a man-drop parachute, the most critical parameters are weight and strength which must be considered during manufacturing. The army person uses the man-drop parachute, which must be as light as possible.

Originality/value

This paper is an original review work and will be helpful for parachute manufacturers/researchers to enhance the life of parachutes with improved functionality.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Guilherme Homrich, Aly Ferreira Flores Filho, Paulo Roberto Eckert and David George Dorrell

This paper aims to introduce an alternative for modeling levitation forces between NdFeB magnets and bulks of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The presented approach should…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce an alternative for modeling levitation forces between NdFeB magnets and bulks of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The presented approach should be evaluated through two different formulations and compared with experimental results.

Design/methodology/approach

The T-A and H-ϕ formulations are among the most efficient approaches for modeling superconducting materials. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to apply them to magnetic levitation models and predict the forces involved.The permanent magnet movement is modeled by combining moving meshes and magnetic field identity pairs in both 2D and 3D studies.

Findings

It is shown that it is possible to use the homogenization technique for the T-A formulation in 3D models combined with mixed formulation boundaries and moving meshes to simulate the whole device’s geometry.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies are limited to the formulations’ implementation and a brief assessment regarding degrees of freedom. The intent is to make the simulation straightforward rather than establish a benchmark.

Originality/value

The H-ϕ formulation considers the HTS bulk domain as isotropic, whereas the T-A formulation homogenization approach treats it as anisotropic. The originality of the paper lies in contrasting these different modeling approaches while incorporating the external magnetic field movement by means of the Lagrangian–Eulerian method.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2023

Saswati Tripathi and Siddhartha Shankar Roy

This article aims to comprehensively review the measurement and management of supply chain performance (SCP) and strategic performance (SP). It strives to identify integrable…

242

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to comprehensively review the measurement and management of supply chain performance (SCP) and strategic performance (SP). It strives to identify integrable features regarding frameworks, measurement approaches, practices and emerging research issues in these areas to integrate SCP and SP for measuring and managing performance. It intends to develop a dynamic-integrated-performance-system by incorporating integrable aspects of SCP and SP to link these domains for organizational performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using systematic-literature-review, this study analyzes 154 articles published in selected peer-reviewed international journals from 2000 to 2023 regarding SCP and SP. It assesses existing knowledge regarding research-design followed, challenging areas and imperatives in these critical business domains to investigate the prior conceptual, empirical, case study-based and literature-review-based articles.

Findings

The study identifies integrable features regarding key theoretical and measurement frameworks, critical objectives, significant measures, effective practices for measuring and managing SCP and SP and emerging research issues common to these areas. The findings help develop a dynamic-integrated-performance-system that uses the theoretical lenses of resource-based-view/dynamic-capability-theory and adopts a comprehensive framework like DBSC (system-dynamic-model with BSC perspectives). It incorporates identified integrable measures and best practices to monitor, measure, manage and improve organizational performance for sustainable competitive advantage. The article reveals that earlier studies have overlooked analyzing SCP and SP integration aspects.

Research limitations/implications

From the theoretical viewpoint, the present SLR is unique in three ways: first, in investigating both the measurement and management of SCP and SP holistically; second, in identifying integrative features of these two; and third, in proposing a DIPS to link SCP and SP for performance improvement. The study reveals that existing literature has focused on measuring and managing SCP and SP in isolation without attempting a comprehensive and unified approach to integrate the respective domains. The present SLR adopts a holistic approach to link SCP and SP from SCM and strategic-management perspectives. The study proposes a dynamic-integrated-performance-system to measure, manage and improve performance in a unified method.

Practical implications

This study provides SC and strategy practitioners with an understanding of strategy-performance pathways for achieving strategic objectives and executing risk mitigation initiatives to counter disruptions. It enables SC managers to comprehend SC practices and SCP leading to dynamic SC capabilities development. Operationalizing the proposed DIPS will help firms link SCP and SP, align operational SC practices with strategic sustainability and circularity objectives and meet sustainable development goals while benefiting social and environmental stakeholders.

Originality/value

Assessing relationships and identifying a unified approach integrating SCP with SP have not been addressed earlier. This study's uniqueness is finding integrable features of SCP and SP and constructing a dynamic-integrated-performance-system to link these domains for achieving strategic competitiveness.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Baoxu Tu, Yuanfei Zhang, Kang Min, Fenglei Ni and Minghe Jin

This paper aims to estimate contact location from sparse and high-dimensional soft tactile array sensor data using the tactile image. The authors used three feature extraction…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate contact location from sparse and high-dimensional soft tactile array sensor data using the tactile image. The authors used three feature extraction methods: handcrafted features, convolutional features and autoencoder features. Subsequently, these features were mapped to contact locations through a contact location regression network. Finally, the network performance was evaluated using spherical fittings of three different radii to further determine the optimal feature extraction method.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to estimate contact location from sparse and high-dimensional soft tactile array sensor data using the tactile image.

Findings

This research indicates that data collected by probes can be used for contact localization. Introducing a batch normalization layer after the feature extraction stage significantly enhances the model’s generalization performance. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, the authors conclude that convolutional methods can more accurately estimate contact locations.

Originality/value

The paper provides both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the performance of three contact localization methods across different datasets. To address the challenge of obtaining accurate contact locations in quantitative analysis, an indirect measurement metric is proposed.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Zhen Chen, Jing Liu, Chao Ma, Huawei Wu and Zhi Li

The purpose of this study is to propose a precise and standardized strategy for numerically simulating vehicle aerodynamics.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a precise and standardized strategy for numerically simulating vehicle aerodynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Error sources in computational fluid dynamics were analyzed. Additionally, controllable experiential and discretization errors, which significantly influence the calculated results, are expounded upon. Considering the airflow mechanism around a vehicle, the computational efficiency and accuracy of each solution strategy were compared and analyzed through numerous computational cases. Finally, the most suitable numerical strategy, including the turbulence model, simplified vehicle model, calculation domain, boundary conditions, grids and discretization scheme, was identified. Two simplified vehicle models were introduced, and relevant wind tunnel tests were performed to validate the selected strategy.

Findings

Errors in vehicle computational aerodynamics mainly stem from the unreasonable simplification of the vehicle model, calculation domain, definite solution conditions, grid strategy and discretization schemes. Using the proposed standardized numerical strategy, the simulated steady and transient aerodynamic characteristics agreed well with the experimental results.

Originality/value

Building upon the modified Low-Reynolds Number k-e model and Scale Adaptive Simulation model, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, a precise and standardized numerical simulation strategy for vehicle aerodynamics is proposed for the first time, which can be integrated into vehicle research and design.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Xia Sun, Jianben Xu, Caili Yu and Faai Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a polyacrylate-based dispersant with a determined target molecular weight for oily systems and to determine the optimal dispersant level…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a polyacrylate-based dispersant with a determined target molecular weight for oily systems and to determine the optimal dispersant level and monomer ratio of the dispersant.

Design/methodology/approach

The dispersant was synthesized by conventional radical polymerization using methacrylic acid, butyl acrylate and dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate as the monomer. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic hydrogen spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. The dispersant was used to disperse TiO2, and the performance of the dispersant was evaluated by measuring the viscosity, particle size and dispersive force of the slurry.

Findings

The dispersant exhibited high thermal stability and was successfully anchored to the surface of the TiO2 pigment. When used to disperse a TiO2 slurry, it effectively made the TiO2 slurry more fluid, indicating its strong viscosity-reducing properties. The viscosity, particle sizes and dispersion capabilities of the TiO2 slurry were found to vary depending on the contents and monomer ratios of the dispersant.

Research limitations/implications

P(MAA-BA-DM) dispersant increases the wettability of TiO2 only in oily solvents but not in aqueous solvents.

Practical implications

P(MAA-BA-DM) dispersant makes it easier to disperse TiO2 pigments in oily solvents, increasing the amount of pigment in the solvent and making the preparation of highly pigmented pastes easier.

Originality/value

A dispersant containing suitable carboxyl and tertiary amine groups was initially synthesized to disperse TiO2 in an oily system. The findings are anticipated to be used in the formulation of pigment concentrates, industrial coatings and other solvent-based coatings.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Minyan Wei, Juntao Zheng, Shouzhen Zeng and Yun Jin

The main aim of this paper is to establish a reasonable and scientific evaluation index system to assess the high quality and full employment (HQaFE).

30

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to establish a reasonable and scientific evaluation index system to assess the high quality and full employment (HQaFE).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a novel Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) multi-criteria framework to evaluate the quality and quantity of employment, wherein the integrated weights of attributes are determined by the combined the Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) and entropy approaches.

Findings

Firstly, the gap in the Yangtze River Delta in employment quality is narrowing year by year; secondly, employment skills as well as employment supply and demand are the primary indicators that determine the HQaFE; finally, the evaluation scores are clearly hierarchical, in the order of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui.

Originality/value

A scientific and reasonable evaluation index system is constructed. A novel CRITIC-entropy-TOPSIS evaluation is proposed to make the results more objective. Some policy recommendations that can promote the achievement of HQaFE are proposed.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Pavankumar Sonawane, Chandrakishor Laxman Ladekar, Ganesh Annappa Badiger and Rahul Arun Deore

Snap fits are crucial in automotive applications for rapid assembly and disassembly of mating components, eliminating the need for fasteners. This study aims to focus on designing…

Abstract

Purpose

Snap fits are crucial in automotive applications for rapid assembly and disassembly of mating components, eliminating the need for fasteners. This study aims to focus on designing and analyzing serviceable cantilever fit snap connections used in automobile plastic components. Snap fits are classified into permanent and semi-permanent fittings, with permanent fittings having a snap clipping angle between 0° and 5° and semi-permanent fittings having a clipping angle between 15° and 45°. Polypropylene random copolymer is chosen for its exceptional fatigue resistance and elasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

The design process includes determining dimensions, computing assembly, disassembly pressures and creating three-dimensional computer-aided design models. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to evaluate the snap-fit mechanism’s stress, deformation and general functionality in operational scenarios.

Findings

The study develops a modified snap-fit mechanism with decreased bending stress and enhanced mating force optimization. The maximum bending stress during assembly is 16.80 MPa, requiring a mating force of 7.58 N, while during disassembly, it is 37.3 MPa, requiring a mating force of 16.85 N. The optimized parameters significantly improve the performance and dependability of the snap-fit mechanism. The results emphasize the need of taking into account both the assembly and disassembly processes in snap-fit design, because the research demonstrates greater forces during disassembly. The approach developed integrates FEA and design for assembly (DFA) concepts to provide a solution for improving the efficiency and reliability of snap-fit connectors in automotive applications.

Originality/value

The research paper’s distinctiveness comes from the fact that it presents a thorough and realistic viewpoint on snap-fit design, emphasizes material selection, incorporates DFA principles and emphasizes the specific requirements of both assembly and disassembly operations. These discoveries may enhance the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of snap-fit connections in plastic automobile parts and beyond. In conclusion, the idea that disassembly needs to be done with a lot more force than installation in a snap-fit design can have a good effect on buzz, squeak and rattle and noise, vibration and harshness characteristics in automobiles.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Lifeng Wang, Yi Zhang, Ziwang Xiao and Long Liu

Effectively solving the large tonnage cable in the construction process due to the tensioning method of the inclined cable often appears in the overall cable force and the design…

Abstract

Purpose

Effectively solving the large tonnage cable in the construction process due to the tensioning method of the inclined cable often appears in the overall cable force and the design value of the deviation is large, cable internal strand force is not uniform, the main girder stress exceeds the limit of the problem affecting the safety of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the finite element method and theoretical analysis method are utilized to propose a construction control method of tensioning the whole bunch of diagonal cables in two parts according to the deformation coordination relationship between the main girder and the diagonal cables. This methodology was implemented during the actual construction of the PAIRA Bridge in Bangladesh.

Findings

Tests conducted on cable-stayed bridges using this controlled tensioning method demonstrate that the measured cable strength of a single strand exhibits an error of less than 0.15% compared to the design target cable strength. The deviation between the measured and designed cable forces ranges from 0.16% to 0.27%. Furthermore, no tensile stress is observed in both the top plate and bottom plate of the root section of the main girder, indicating a state of full-section compression throughout the entire construction process.

Originality/value

Through the comparison with the test value, it can be proved that the whole bunch of diagonal cable tensioned in two parts of the construction control method proposed in this paper can make the internal strand force more uniform, to meet the precision requirements of the site construction, to protect the safety of the bridge construction process. The method proposed in this paper is highly accurate, easy to calculate, and has a high value of popularization and application.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

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