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11 – 20 of 109Rzeszów University of Technology has undertaken the task of designing and providing of equipment to a flying laboratory. This paper presents basic design principles of the…
Abstract
Rzeszów University of Technology has undertaken the task of designing and providing of equipment to a flying laboratory. This paper presents basic design principles of the Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) which employs measuring signals from the Fiber Optic Gyros (FOG), accelerometers and electronic compass module. A microcomputer follows the algorithm of complementary filtration for of calculating the Euler angles for the aircraft attitude (pitch, roll and heading), angular rates, and linear accelerations. The correction systems that minimize error of the steady‐state measuring have been employed. The results of computer simulations, lab tests and selected flight tests have also been presented. The Inertial Reference Unit μIRU‐1 was tested in flight on board of the general aviation aircraft PZL‐110 “Koliber”. It has been confirmed that metrological properties of the system are appropriate for the purposes of teaching process. Currently, a modified version of the unit is being prepared. The new IRU is planned as a main reference unit for integrated flight control system of general aviation aircraft.
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Eduardo J. Lima, Guilherme C. Fortunato Torres, Ivanilza Felizardo, Frederico A. Ramalho Filho and Alexandre Q. Bracarense
This work demonstrates the development of a robot, which was designed for the orbital welding of pipes.
Abstract
Purpose
This work demonstrates the development of a robot, which was designed for the orbital welding of pipes.
Design/methodology/approach
The robot consists of a small car pressed against the pipe by means of chains, which are used by the robot to move around it. To provide all necessary torch movements, the robot must have four degrees of freedom: torch travel speed, stick‐out, torch angle and lateral motion. Thus, using a look‐up table‐which was specially designed to this application‐it is possible to follow the optimal parameters (voltage, current, welding speed, torch angle and stick‐out) for each welding position (flat, vertical and overhead).
Findings
The robotization of the orbital welding process brings enhancement in the final product quality, considerable increase of repeatability, reduction of rework and reduction of the weld execution time. At the very least, the robot is capable to reproduce the weld bead of the best human welder, through the use of the same paramenters contained in a table.
Practical implications
The use of this robot in welding with GMAW proved to be extremely viable. It was shown that the bead shape did not suffer great variations from one welding postion to another, thanks to the use of a gradual change of parameters.
Originality/value
Although, by RIA definition the devices for the orbital welding shown in literature up to now are not robots, the developed device can be called a robot due to its capability of being completely programmable and automatically carrying through all welding activities.
Sensors and transducers form the “front‐ends”, without which many modern electronic systems could not function. Such components are implemented extensively in industrial control…
Abstract
Sensors and transducers form the “front‐ends”, without which many modern electronic systems could not function. Such components are implemented extensively in industrial control systems and energy industry installations (e.g. the oil and gas production and distribution industries). They are also essential components within OEM products such as tape recorders and VCRs. In most of these systems digital electronics is pervasive and considerable advantages are obtained where the sensor is provided complete with extensive electronic circuitry.
PANASONIC Business Equipment is introducing a new mini‐CCTV surveillance system. It consists of a compact 9‐inch black‐and‐white monitor and up to three high‐sensitivity…
Abstract
PANASONIC Business Equipment is introducing a new mini‐CCTV surveillance system. It consists of a compact 9‐inch black‐and‐white monitor and up to three high‐sensitivity, high‐resolution miniature TV cameras, together with a range of optional accessories — a panning head and remote control; dust‐proof and weather‐proof housing for cameras mounted outside or in dusty environments; and a wide‐angle lens adaptor to double the field of vision.
J.A. Cobano, R. Ponticelli and P. Gonzalez de Santos
The purpose of this paper is to present the results obtained in the field tests of a new system for detection and location of antipersonnel land mines.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the results obtained in the field tests of a new system for detection and location of antipersonnel land mines.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents briefly the overall system and then it focuses on the description and analysis of the results obtained in three basic experiments: accuracy for following trajectories, mine detection and capability for walking over landmines.
Findings
The paper finds that the system has been assessed positively for this specific application because it satisfies the initial system requirements.
Research limitations/implications
The research and experiments have been focused on irregular terrain with low vegetation and free from obstacles. Further research will be focused on the complete coverage of a terrain including large vegetation and obstacles.
Practical implications
This paper presents practical results for a very well defined application: humanitarian de‐mining. However, many of the results related with robot location, following of trajectories and general control techniques are applicable to any mobile robot for outdoor applications in general.
Originality/value
This paper is the first work (to the best author's knowledge) reporting experimental features of a walking system for humanitarian de‐mining. The paper does not only report on the mobile platform, but also on the scanning manipulator and sensor head features.
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Fatimah De'nan and Nor Salwani Hashim
The purpose of this work is to perform the finite element analysis (FEA) for the numerical discretization of sections with different arrangements of Web openings to investigate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work is to perform the finite element analysis (FEA) for the numerical discretization of sections with different arrangements of Web openings to investigate the torsion behavior. Typical hexagonal and circular Web opening sections are extensively used in steel construction due to economic development in building design. However, the use of sections with different arrangements of Web opening had improved the performance of the section with Web opening in terms of structural behavior which leads to economic design compared to typical I-beam.
Design/methodology/approach
The accuracy of FE results allows extensive numerical analysis of stress concentration magnitude for sections with Web openings, concentrating on the sizes and positions of the Web opening. Five shapes and three sizes of Web opening are used in this work. The shapes involved are c-hexagon, hexagon, octagon, circular and square, whereas the sizes of the Web opening involved are 0.67 D, 0.75 D and 0.80 D where D is the height of the Web. Two types of models for 200 × 100 × 8×6 mm steel section involved which is Model 1, where the section with 50 mm edge and 150 mm center-to-center distance and Model 2, where the section with 100 mm edge and 200 mm center-to-center distance.
Findings
It was found that these configurations affect the section with various shapes of Web openings sizes (0.67 D, 0.75 D, and 0.80 D). This also includes the spacing distances, with 50 mm edge and 150 mm center-to-center distance and also a section with 100 mm edge and 200 mm center-to-center distance. Through the FEA results of Model 1 and Model 2, it is found that 50% reduction in horizontal member length in hexagon Web opening, from 50 mm to 20 mm, caused increment about 30%–53% stress concentration in Web for c-hexagon. However, for a stress analysis of c-hexagon, geometry resulted in a lower stress concentration in the Web than other Web opening.
Originality/value
Additionally, the work emphasized the efficiency of Web opening shapes by using an appropriate Web opening radius in section with c-hexagon, hexagon, octagon, square and circular shapes. The final results show the contribution of appropriate Web opening radius to increase the section torsional capacity. It is observed that the torsional capacity at certain loading condition and its angle of twist is analysed.
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Yikang Du, Kuanmin Mao, Hongqi Liu, Xiaobo Mao and Zhihang Li
This paper aims to present a simplified method to predict the pressure of the recess, no matter whether the tilt center coincides with the geometric center of the hydrostatic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a simplified method to predict the pressure of the recess, no matter whether the tilt center coincides with the geometric center of the hydrostatic journal bearings.
Design/methodology/approach
To validate the effectiveness of the presented model, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and experimental method are performed in this study.
Findings
By comparing the CFD results and the experimental results, the pressure of the recess is related to the tilt direction, the tilt center, the width of the land and the circumferential angle of the land.
Originality/value
The mathematic model requires equivalent resistance of land edge – tilt position, tilt direction, tilt angle and the thickness of oil film instead of any digital iteration. Furthermore, a novel experimental apparatus including a circular hydrostatic bearing called ball bearing is designed to study the tilt effect produced by manufacturing error and offset load force on the pressure of the recess.
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The purpose of this paper is to review the sensor technology innovations presented at the combined manufacturing‐related shows which included Design & Manufacturing, Assembly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the sensor technology innovations presented at the combined manufacturing‐related shows which included Design & Manufacturing, Assembly, Electronics, Medical and Green Manufacturing and known as the Assembly and Automation Technology Show or AAT Expo.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of sensor products.
Findings
The paper notes that sensor technology is advancing rapidly to keep up with manufacturing trends such as nanotechnology, automated testing, greater interest in 100 percent testing and the need for better product quality.
Originality/value
The paper shows how sensor users must continue to track sensor innovations as device suppliers make rapid advances in technology to address new requirements such as nanotechnology and automated quality control while working to reduce the user's cost of employing.
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Tommaso Gramegna, Grazia Cicirelli, Giovanni Attolico and Arcangelo Distante
Aims to make a mobile robot able to build accurate 2D and 3D models of its environment while navigating autonomously.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to make a mobile robot able to build accurate 2D and 3D models of its environment while navigating autonomously.
Design/methodology/approach
2D map building is performed using a laser range scanner. The map is used by the robot to both localize itself and recognize places already explored. This is the well‐known simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem. 3D model reconstruction, instead, uses computer vision techniques based on feature extraction and matching.
Findings
The experimental results illustrate the validity and accuracy of the reconstructed maps of the environment and enable the robot to navigate autonomously in indoor environments, such as museums, hospitals, airports, offices and so on. Such a robot can play a major role in different tasks such as surveillance, image‐based rendering, remote fruition of hardly accessible sites, monitoring and maintenance applications, reverse engineering in construction. In these areas accurate 3D models in addition to 2D maps can convey a lot of very useful information.
Originality/value
The main contribution of the paper is an interesting integration of different algorithms in an experimental platform that performs 2D map building using a laser range scanner, autonomous navigation and 3D reconstruction of the areas of particular interest.
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The paper aims to explain the operating principles of fluxgate magnetometers.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explain the operating principles of fluxgate magnetometers.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is to describe the uses of ring fluxgate magnetometers and their operating principles.
Findings
The operating principles of fluxgate magnetometers are poorly understood and their applications potential seriously undervalued. An increasing number of everyday applications relying on sensing and fluxgates, in conjunction with modern analogue and micro‐controller electronics, represent unique value in implementing a variety of low‐cost, precise and absolute sensing elements. As magnetometers they are small, robust, reliable, low‐cost and can resolve flux densities to nano Teslas. This can be exploited to make a variety of sensors which are precise, inherently non‐contact and, for rotary sensing, have full 360° operation.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates how fluxgate magnetometers can form the basis for a variety of robust, reliable, non‐contact industrial sensors.
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